The FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026 opportunity is a home-based consultancy with the FAO Representation in South Africa. Learn about the responsibilities, qualifications, experience requirements, duration and application process.
The FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026 opportunity is now open for qualified professionals with experience in animal health, veterinary services and project implementation. The consultancy is being recruited by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under its work in South Africa.
The position is a home-based consultant opportunity with a duration of 11 months. The selected consultant will provide senior technical expertise to support the Animal Health Technician (AHT) component of FAO’s Pandemic Fund project, Building a Resilient Future: Strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in South Africa through a One Health Approach.
The vacancy was posted on 21 August 2026, and the application deadline is 4 September 2026 at 2:59 PM, according to the FAO vacancy announcement.
View the FAO vacancy and apply online
FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026 Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) |
| Position | Senior VPP Consultant |
| Vacancy Number | 2601801 |
| Job Type | Non-staff opportunity |
| Contract Type | Consultant / Personal Services Agreement (PSA) |
| Duty Station | Home-Based |
| Duration | 11 months |
| Organizational Unit | FAO Representation in South Africa |
| Posting Date | 21 August 2026 |
| Closing Date | 4 September 2026 |
| Required Experience | At least 5 years in animal health |
| Language | English, Level C |
| Application | Online through FAO recruitment portal |
About the FAO Senior VPP Consultant Opportunity
The consultancy is connected to FAO’s work supporting the Pandemic Fund Project in South Africa.
The project is being implemented with the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, WHO and UNICEF. Its broader objective is to strengthen national systems for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response through a One Health approach.
The project focuses on three principal areas:
- Surveillance and early warning systems
- Laboratory systems
- Capacity development
The Senior VPP Consultant will specifically support activities involving Animal Health Technicians (AHTs) and their development as providers of primary animal healthcare services.
Background to the VPP Component
FAO previously implemented the Empowering Veterinary Paraprofessional Entrepreneurs project, known as the VPP Project, from 2022 to 2026.
The project was designed to strengthen the ability of Animal Health Technicians to provide quality primary animal healthcare while developing sustainable private practices.
According to the vacancy announcement, the project supported AHTs through entrepreneurship training, business coaching and partnerships designed to improve livestock health, rural livelihoods and disease surveillance.
The new Pandemic Fund project provides an opportunity to build on these outcomes.
The selected consultant will therefore play an important role in helping trained AHT entrepreneurs establish and sustain primary animal healthcare businesses that can also contribute to zoonotic disease prevention and early warning systems.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior VPP Consultant will provide high-level strategic and technical expertise to the AHT component of the Pandemic Fund project.
Provide Technical Advice
The consultant will provide technical input to the AHT project coordinator and wider project team on the design, implementation, reporting and knowledge-sharing activities.
Areas of particular focus include:
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Facility location and site suitability
- Infrastructure and equipment
- Facility layout requirements
- Business establishment
- Community engagement
- Marketing
Support Sustainable AHT Businesses
The consultant will lead activities designed to build and sustain funding opportunities and collaborative arrangements that support AHTs in establishing primary animal healthcare clinics.
This will include strategic engagement with provincial departments and private-sector stakeholders.
Develop Partnerships
The consultant will help identify and engage with complementary service delivery models and potential partners.
The vacancy specifically references initiatives such as Unjani Clinics as examples of models that could provide opportunities for future collaboration involving AHT businesses.
Develop Training and Coaching
Working with the AHT project coordinator and business coaches, the consultant will help develop a targeted, needs-based coaching and training programme.
The consultant will also contribute to the development of tools for monitoring AHT progress and implementation of coaching activities.
Participate in Training Activities
The successful candidate will contribute to relevant:
- Workshops
- Webinars
- Training initiatives
- Coaching activities
The role includes delivering training in areas within the consultant’s technical expertise.
Support Starter Kit Procurement
The consultant will provide technical guidance on the design of the programme for procuring starter kits for AHTs.
This includes advising on equipment needs and appropriate specifications.
Monitor AHT Businesses
The role involves providing ongoing remote and on-site technical support and monitoring the progress of AHTs and their businesses.
Engage With Veterinary Stakeholders
The consultant will lead engagement with the South African Veterinary Council and other relevant stakeholders.
A key objective will be to raise awareness of the importance of AHT-led businesses and strengthen collaboration between veterinarians and Animal Health Technicians.
The consultant will also contribute to project monitoring and evaluation, communications and knowledge-sharing products.
FAO Senior VPP Consultant Eligibility Requirements
Candidates will be assessed against FAO’s stated minimum requirements and selection criteria.
Education
Applicants should have an advanced university degree from an institution recognized through the IAU/UNESCO framework, specializing in veterinary studies at a higher degree level.
The vacancy states that candidates with a bachelor’s degree may qualify with two additional years of relevant professional experience.
FAO also emphasizes that higher educational qualifications must be obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Professional Experience
Candidates need a minimum of five years of working experience in the animal health discipline.
Relevant experience should align with the technical and strategic requirements of the consultancy, particularly animal health services, veterinary paraprofessional activities, business development or related project work.
Language
The position requires working knowledge of English at Level C.
FAO Core Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate FAO’s core competencies, including:
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
These competencies are particularly relevant because the position involves technical leadership, stakeholder engagement, training, project coordination and knowledge sharing.
Technical and Functional Skills
The vacancy also identifies several technical and functional requirements.
Applicants should have:
- Very good knowledge of communication and documentation standards
- Knowledge of corporate computerized financial systems
- Knowledge of administrative procedures and policies
- Knowledge of organizational structures
- Strong communication and report-writing skills
- Strong project management capabilities
- Data analysis skills
- Proficiency with project management software
Knowledge of important stakeholders in the animal health sector is also listed among the selection criteria.
Additional FAO Requirements
FAO states that it is committed to workforce diversity and encourages qualified female applicants, nationals of non- and under-represented Member States, and persons with disabilities to apply.
Selected candidates will undergo relevant reference and background checks.
Appointment is also subject to requirements that may include medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements and security clearances.
FAO states that it does not charge fees at any stage of its recruitment process, including applications, interviews or processing.
How to Apply for the FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026 Opportunity
Interested candidates should apply through the official FAO recruitment portal.
Applicants should:
- Visit the FAO Jobs website.
- Create or update their online profile.
- Ensure that employment history, academic qualifications and language skills are complete and accurate.
- Attach a letter of motivation.
- Submit the application for vacancy 2601801 – Senior VPP Consultant.
- Submit the application before the closing deadline.
FAO notes that only applications submitted through its recruitment portal will be considered.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.
FAO Jobs – Official Recruitment Portal
FAO Senior VPP Consultant Application Deadline
The application deadline is 4 September 2026 at 2:59 PM.
The vacancy notes that the displayed closing time is based on the date and time settings of the applicant’s personal device. Candidates should therefore avoid waiting until the final hours to submit their applications.
Final Thoughts
The FAO Senior VPP Consultant 2026 vacancy is a specialized international development consultancy for professionals with substantial experience in animal health.
The home-based, 11-month assignment offers an opportunity to contribute to a major One Health and pandemic preparedness initiative in South Africa while supporting the development of sustainable Animal Health Technician-led primary animal healthcare businesses.
Candidates considering the position should carefully compare their veterinary education, animal health experience, project management capabilities, stakeholder engagement skills and technical expertise against the requirements before applying.
Because FAO states that applications are screened using information provided in the online profile, applicants should make sure their profile clearly demonstrates how their qualifications and experience correspond with the consultancy’s responsibilities.
View the official FAO Senior VPP Consultant vacancy
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