FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026 – Apply for the FAO Consultant Opportunity -Apply Now
The FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026 opportunity is now open for qualified professionals with experience in veterinary studies, animal health, project management, and veterinary paraprofessional (VPP) development. The position is offered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under its FAO Representation in South Africa.
The FAO Senior VPP Consultant position is a home-based, non-staff consultancy opportunity with an initial duration of 11 months. Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the 4 September 2026 deadline.
FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026 – Quick Overview
| Job Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) |
| Job Title | Senior VPP Consultant |
| Vacancy Number | 2601801 |
| Job Type | Non-staff opportunity |
| Requisition Type | Consultant / Personal Services Agreement (PSA) |
| Duty Station | Home-Based |
| Location/Office | FAO Representation in South Africa |
| Duration | 11 months |
| Posting Date | 21 August 2026 |
| Closing Date | 4 September 2026 |
| Working Language | English |
| Experience Required | Minimum 5 years in animal health |
| Application Method | Online through the FAO recruitment portal |
About the FAO Senior VPP Consultant Job
The FAO Senior VPP Consultant will provide high-level strategic and technical expertise for the Animal Health Technician (AHT) component of the Pandemic Fund Project, “Building a Resilient Future: Strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in South Africa through a One Health Approach.”
The consultant will work under the joint supervision of the FAO Representative in South Africa through the AFAOR Programmes and receive technical guidance from the Project Coordinator, National Project Specialist, Long-Term Officers and relevant project teams.
The position focuses on strengthening the ability of Animal Health Technicians to establish and maintain sustainable primary animal healthcare businesses while contributing to zoonotic disease prevention, disease surveillance and early warning systems.
FAO Senior VPP Consultant Project Background
The FAO South Africa office previously implemented the Empowering Veterinary Paraprofessional Entrepreneurs Project, also known as the VPP Project, from 2022 to 2026.
The project helped Animal Health Technicians develop skills in:
- Entrepreneurship
- Business management
- Primary animal healthcare
- Business coaching
- Livestock health services
- Disease surveillance
- Sustainable private veterinary-related practices
The new Pandemic Fund Project provides an opportunity to build on those achievements.
Through the project, trained AHT entrepreneurs will be supported through tailored starter kits, needs-based training, mentoring and technical assistance. The broader objective is to strengthen primary animal healthcare businesses and improve their contribution to zoonotic disease prevention and pandemic preparedness.
Key Areas of the FAO Pandemic Fund Project
The project focuses on three major areas:
1. Surveillance and Early Warning Systems
The project seeks to strengthen systems capable of detecting potential pandemic and zoonotic disease threats at an early stage.
2. Laboratory Systems
The project will support stronger laboratory capacity for diagnosing and responding to emerging pathogens.
3. Capacity Development
The project will build the skills and competencies of institutions and personnel involved in One Health emergency preparedness and response.
FAO Senior VPP Consultant Responsibilities
The FAO Senior VPP Consultant will undertake a range of technical, strategic and project management responsibilities.
Key responsibilities include:
Technical Advice and Project Implementation
The consultant will provide expert technical input to the AHT Project Coordinator and wider Pandemic Fund Project team on:
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Facility location and site suitability
- Infrastructure requirements
- Equipment requirements
- Facility layout
- Business establishment
- Community liaison
- Marketing
Strategic Partnerships
The FAO Senior VPP Consultant will lead activities aimed at sustaining funding opportunities and collaborative arrangements that can help AHTs establish and maintain primary animal healthcare clinics.
This includes strategic engagement with:
- Provincial government departments
- Private-sector stakeholders
- Veterinary-sector stakeholders
- Other relevant partners
Service Delivery Models
The consultant will identify and engage with complementary service delivery models, including initiatives such as Unjani Clinics, to explore potential collaboration opportunities for AHT entrepreneurs.
Coaching and Training
The consultant will work with the AHT Project Coordinator and business coaches to develop a targeted and needs-based coaching and training programme.
This will include developing tools to monitor:
- AHT progress
- Coaching implementation
- Business development
- Training outcomes
Workshops and Webinars
The Senior VPP Consultant will participate in and contribute to workshops, webinars and training activities, particularly in areas related to their technical expertise.
Starter Kits
The consultant will provide technical guidance on the design of the programme for procuring starter kits for AHTs, including advice on:
- Equipment requirements
- Equipment specifications
- Appropriate technical standards
- Business needs
Technical Support and Monitoring
The consultant will provide ongoing remote and on-site technical support and monitor the progress of AHTs and their businesses.
Veterinary Stakeholder Engagement
The consultant will lead engagement with the South African Veterinary Council and other important stakeholders to promote the importance of AHT-led businesses and strengthen collaboration between veterinarians and AHTs.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Knowledge Sharing
The consultant will contribute to:
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Project implementation
- Communication products
- Knowledge-sharing activities
- Project reporting
The consultant may also perform other mutually agreed tasks related to the project.
FAO Senior VPP Consultant Requirements
Candidates applying for the FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026 position will be assessed against the stated minimum requirements, competencies and selection criteria.
Educational Requirements
Applicants should have an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, specializing in veterinary studies at a higher degree level.
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may be considered with two additional years of relevant professional experience, according to the vacancy announcement.
Applicants should ensure that their educational qualifications meet FAO’s recognition requirements.
Professional Experience
Candidates must have:
At least 5 years of working experience in the animal health discipline.
Experience relevant to veterinary services, animal health systems, AHT development, project implementation, business development, disease surveillance or related fields can be particularly relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
Language Requirement
Candidates should have:
Working knowledge of English at Level C.
Strong written and verbal communication skills are also important for this consultancy.
FAO Core Competencies
Applicants for the FAO Senior VPP Consultant position should demonstrate the following FAO core competencies:
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Candidates should also adhere to FAO’s values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All, and Integrity and Transparency.
FAO Senior VPP Consultant Technical and Functional Skills
The vacancy identifies several technical and functional skills relevant to the position.
Applicants should have very good knowledge of:
- Communication standards
- Documentation standards
- Corporate computerized financial systems
- Administrative procedures
- Administrative policies
- Organizational structures
The position also requires the ability to work effectively across technical, administrative and project-management functions.
FAO Senior VPP Consultant Selection Criteria
The selection process will consider additional competencies and professional experience, including:
- Knowledge of key stakeholders in the animal health sector
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent report-writing skills
- Technical and administrative competency
- Strong project management skills
- Experience with computerized financial, travel or human resources systems
- Knowledge of administrative procedures and policies
- Data analysis skills
- Proficiency in project management software
Candidates who can demonstrate a combination of animal health expertise, project management, stakeholder engagement, business development and technical communication skills may be well positioned for consideration.
FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026 Application Process
Candidates interested in the FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026 opportunity must apply through the official FAO recruitment system.
Step 1: Create or update your FAO profile
Candidates should create an online profile through the FAO recruitment portal or update their existing profile.
Make sure the profile accurately reflects:
- Employment history
- Academic qualifications
- Professional experience
- Language skills
- Technical competencies
Step 2: Prepare your motivation letter
Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to their online profile.
The motivation letter should clearly demonstrate how your qualifications and professional experience match the Senior VPP Consultant position.
Step 3: Complete the application
After completing the online profile, select the Senior VPP Consultant – Vacancy 2601801 opportunity and submit the application.
Step 4: Submit before the deadline
The stated closing date is:
4 September 2026 at 11:59 PM
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.
Important Information for FAO Applicants
FAO states that it does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Applicants should be cautious of anyone requesting money for:
- Application processing
- Interviews
- Recruitment
- Visa processing
- Employment
- Selection
FAO also states that only academic credentials from institutions recognized through the relevant IAU/UNESCO and World Higher Education Database (WHED) framework will be considered.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Only applications submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered.
Who Should Apply for the FAO Senior VPP Consultant Position?
The FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026 position may be particularly relevant to professionals with backgrounds in:
- Veterinary medicine
- Animal health
- Veterinary paraprofessional development
- Animal Health Technician programmes
- Livestock health
- Veterinary business development
- One Health
- Disease surveillance
- Pandemic preparedness
- Project management
- Veterinary-sector stakeholder engagement
Professionals should carefully compare their education, experience and technical skills against the official vacancy requirements before applying.
FAO Senior VPP Consultant Deadline
The FAO Senior VPP Consultant application deadline is 4 September 2026 at 11:59 PM.
The vacancy was posted on 21 August 2026.
Because recruitment portals can close automatically at the stated deadline, candidates should avoid waiting until the final day to submit an application.
Frequently Asked Questions About FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026
What is the FAO Senior VPP Consultant position?
The FAO Senior VPP Consultant is a non-staff consultancy position supporting the Animal Health Technician component of FAO’s Pandemic Fund Project in South Africa.
Where is the FAO Senior VPP Consultant position based?
The position is listed as Home-Based and is associated with the FAO Representation in South Africa.
How long is the FAO Senior VPP Consultant contract?
The advertised duration is 11 months.
What experience is required for the FAO Senior VPP Consultant job?
Applicants need a minimum of 5 years of working experience in the animal health discipline.
What degree is required?
The vacancy requests an advanced university degree specializing in veterinary studies from an institution recognized under the stated IAU/UNESCO requirements. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree require two additional years of relevant professional experience.
What language is required?
Working knowledge of English at Level C is required.
How do I apply for the FAO Senior VPP Consultant vacancy?
Applications must be submitted online through the official FAO recruitment portal. Candidates should complete their profile, attach a motivation letter and submit the application before the deadline.
Does FAO charge an application fee?
No. FAO states that it does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.
Final Reminder – FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026
The FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026 vacancy offers an opportunity for an experienced animal health professional to contribute to veterinary paraprofessional entrepreneurship, primary animal healthcare, One Health, zoonotic disease prevention and pandemic preparedness in South Africa.
Before applying, candidates should ensure that their FAO profile is complete, their academic qualifications meet the stated recognition requirements, their professional experience is accurately documented, and their motivation letter clearly demonstrates their suitability for the role.
FAO Senior VPP Consultant Vacancy Number: 2601801
Application Deadline: 4 September 2026
Official FAO Senior VPP Consultant Application Link
Apply online through the official FAO recruitment portal:
FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026 – Official Application (Vacancy 2601801)
Official FAO Jobs Portal:
Jobs at FAO – Official Recruitment Portal
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