Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is an international, non-profitable, non-governmental humanitarian relief organization with its head quarter in Birmingham, UK. It enjoys consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and is a signatory to the Code of Conduct for International Red Cross and red Crescent Moments and NGOs in Disaster Relief. Islamic Relief has been working in Afghanistan for more than 23 years, providing emergency relief and implementing life-changing development projects for some of the most vulnerable people in the country. Islamic Relief set up our first Afghanistan office in 1999. Since then, IRA continued providing assistances in emergency relief, food security, livelihood, education, health, nutrition, shelter, orphan sponsorship, Ramadan and Qurbani programmes.

In summary, the experience of a veterinary doctor specializing in animal Qurbani and slaughterhouse inspection involves a combination of veterinary expertise, knowledge of animal welfare and religious practices, practical hands-on slaughterhouse skills, regulatory compliance, and crisis management. This role is both technical and ethical, requiring a balanced understanding of animal health, public safety, cultural traditions, and humane treatment practices. 

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Veterinary Health Expertise

• Ensure the humane treatment of animals throughout the Qurbani process, adhering to animal welfare laws and ethical standards.
• Inspect the animals before slaughter to ensure they are healthy and free from disease.
• Monitor the handling and transportation of animals to ensure stress and injury are minimized.
• Conduct pre-slaughter health inspections to verify the fitness of animals for slaughter.
• Examine animals post-slaughter to ensure they meet health and hygiene standards.
• Certify that the slaughterhouse practices comply with local and international regulations for hygiene and animal health.
• Oversee and inspect slaughterhouse facilities to ensure they meet hygiene, safety, and health standards.
• Monitor slaughter processes, ensuring they follow appropriate methods as prescribed by religious and health authorities.
• Ensure compliance with health regulations, including the inspection of slaughtering equipment and tools for cleanliness and safety.
• Monitor for any outbreaks of animal diseases, ensuring that any disease cases are reported to authorities promptly.
• Conduct diagnostic tests as necessary to detect zoonotic diseases and other health issues that could affect humans or other animals.

1. Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure the slaughterhouse is in compliance with both animal welfare and public health laws, including local, national, and religious regulations related to Qurbani and slaughtering processes.
• Prepare and maintain reports related to inspections, health checks, and regulatory compliance.

1. Training and Guidance:

• Provide training to slaughterhouse staff on proper slaughter techniques, animal welfare considerations, and hygiene practices.
• Offer guidance on the proper handling of meat and carcasses to maintain quality and prevent contamination.

1. Public Interaction:

• Engage with community members or religious organizations regarding proper practices for Qurbani, ensuring that they understand animal welfare and health standards.
• Answer any questions related to health and safety practices in Qurbani and slaughterhouse operations.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Educational Qualification: A degree in veterinary medicine (DVM or equivalent).
• Licensing: Must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the region of employment.
• Experience: Previous experience in animal inspection, slaughterhouse operations, or animal welfare, particularly in Qurbani or related sectors, is preferred.
• Knowledge: In-depth understanding of animal health, slaughterhouse practices, public health regulations, and animal welfare laws.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills for reporting and training.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify health concerns, hygiene issues, and ethical concerns in slaughter operations and resolve them quickly.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in potentially hazardous environments (e.g., slaughterhouses) where hygiene and safety are a priority.
• Stamina and strength to handle the physical demands of the job, including long hours and exposure to animal carcasses.

Working Conditions:

• May require early morning or late-night shifts, especially around festive periods like Eid for Qurbani.
• Work is generally conducted in slaughterhouses or animal farms.
• May involve outdoor work in various weather conditions.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary: Daily wages, based on experience and location.
• Benefits: Counting overtime during the inspection and slaughtering , professional development opportunities, and other benefits depending on the employer.

This job description ensures that the veterinary doctor plays a critical role in maintaining animal welfare, hygiene, and public health standards, especially during the sensitive time of Qurbani and in slaughterhouse operations.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in veterinary/animal science from a recognized university.

Experience and Skills Required:

At least 3 - 5 years of experience with INOGs and NGOs in veterinary doctor specializing in animal Qurbani and slaughterhouse inspection involves a combination of veterinary expertise, knowledge of animal welfare and religious practices, practical hands-on slaughterhouse skills, regulatory compliance, and crisis management. This role is both technical and ethical, requiring a balanced understanding of animal health, public safety, cultural traditions, and humane treatment practices.

Language Requirement:

• Fluency in Pashto, Dari, and English is required.
• Computer Skills:
• Good working knowledge of computer applications (MS Office, Outlook, internet, etc.) 

Interested and qualified national candidates should submit a cover letter explaining their motivation and updated CV to the following:

Veterinary Doctor | Jobs.af

The closing date for accepting applications is 26 April 2025.

Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered and only short-listed candidates will be called for written test/interview.