Technical Officer

Job Offer:

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Position: Technical Officer
Project: Community Awareness and Village Veterinary Worker Strengthening Project (ASAMCO)
Location: Parklay District, Sayaboury Province, Lao PDR (with travel to Phiang and Thongmexay Districts)
Contract Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Start Date: As soon as possible

1. Background

Agronomes et Vétérinaires sans Frontières (AVSF) is a French-based international non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to supporting small-scale farmers and animal keepers in developing countries. AVSF promotes sustainable rural development and advocates for the rights of rural communities.

In Lao PDR, AVSF is implementing the Community Awareness and Village Veterinary Worker Strengthening Project (ASAMCO) in Phiang, Parklay, and Thongmexay districts of Sayaboury Province. The project aims to prevent and mitigate the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases at the socio-ecosystem level, with a focus on wildlife interfaces. The project will enhance the involvement of the environmental sector and strengthen the implementation of the One Health approach.

2. Purpose of the Position

The Technical Officer will coordinate the implementation of the ASAMCO project, ensuring the effective delivery of its activities. The role involves working closely with local government partners, communities, and other stakeholders to build the capacities of village veterinary workers (VVWs), raise awareness on zoonotic diseases, and establish community-level One Health surveillance systems.

The Technical Officer will be based in Parklay District, with frequent travel to Phiang and Thongmexay Districts. The position reports directly to the AVSF Program Manager.

3. Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Technical Officer will:

Project Coordination and Implementation

• Coordinate with local government partners (PAFO and DAFO) for planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities.
• Organize and implement project activities in collaboration with DAFOs and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of methodologies and tools for activity implementation.
• Support the establishment and capacity-building of Village Veterinary Workers (VVWs).
• Facilitate joint training sessions on standard procedures for One Health surveillance.
• Organize and support community awareness campaigns on zoonotic diseases, in collaboration with VVWs and local rangers.
• Assist in the development of community-level One Health surveillance systems.

Capacity Building and Training

• Develop training curricula and materials on animal health, production, and One Health principles.
• Deliver training sessions to DAFOs, VVWs, and local communities.
• Promote participatory approaches in all project activities.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Advocacy

• Support data collection for project studies, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Prepare and submit activity reports, monthly reports, and six-monthly reports.
• Participate in technical workshops, meetings, and events as required by the AVSF management team.
• Contribute to AVSF’s advocacy, communication, and associative life in Lao PDR.

Collaboration and Networking

• Work closely with WWF, INGO partner in Parklay District.
• Maintain strong relationships with local government authorities, communities, and other stakeholders

4. Key Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, livestock, veterinary medicine, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a technical position related to rural development.
• At least 2 years of experience working on donor-funded or government projects focused on improving animal health and husbandry in rural areas of Lao PDR.
• Proven experience in developing training materials and delivering trainings on animal health and production.
• Demonstrated experience in participatory approaches and community engagement.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational, planning, and coordination skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and demonstrate self-initiative.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong writing skills in Lao; proficiency in English is an asset.
• Ability to manage cross-cutting tasks and adapt to diverse responsibilities.

5. Working Conditions

• The position is based in Parklay District, Sayaboury Province, with frequent travel to project sites in Phiang and Thongmexay Districts.
• The contract duration is 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.
• Salary and benefits will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

6. Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, including:

• A Cover Letter outlines their suitability for the position.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Applications should be sent via email to:

• laos@avsf.org (cc: t.anouvong@avsf.org)
• Email subject line: “Recruitment: Technical Officer – ASAMCO Project”

Deadline for Applications: February 28, 2025

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for recruitment tests and interviews, which will be conducted in Vientiane or via Teams. The selected candidate is expected as soon as possible.