Senior Program Officer

Job Description

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES : ( including approximate percentage effort)

Innovation and application of technology in livestock value chain (60%):

•  Work closely with Signature Program teams to execute Livestock Technology strategy along the livestock value chain (not limited to production only).
•  Implement operational guidelines on livestock technology for livestock value chain programs/projects.
•  Provide inputs as needed in program/project development.
•  Build the capacity of staff, project partners, Community Agro-Vet Entrepreneurs (CAVEs)/technicians, cooperatives, and farmers to improve livestock value chain activities, along with follow-up and backstopping.
•  Collaborate with appropriate technical institutions/technical partners for efficiency in capacity building.
•  Support in generating new knowledge in all domains of livestock value chains and its dissemination to wider audience.
•  Conduct field level research, studies, trials, and farmer field schools to generate new ideas.
•  Participate in developing a system for wider dissemination and scaling up of innovation.
•  Promote climate smart livestock production practices in the Signature Programs.

Resource Mobilization Support (20%):

Collaborate with internal team and external stakeholders to bring resources for projects and programs:

•  Bring in resources for the projects and program as appropriate and specific to various contexts through Heifer books or through Catalytic Leverage Fund (CaLF), specifically for livestock production and value chain development.
•  Reinforce relationships with government, private sector and other institutions to bring resources in various forms, e.g., philanthropic funds from line agencies, investments from banks and MFIs.
•  Establish and/or reinforce relationships with private sector in production input/services (feed, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, insurance, seed animals, etc.) and postproduction (transport, dairy, meat companies, etc.) and connect them with farmers and co-ops.
•  Collaborate with other development partners to supplement/complement Heifer initiatives.
•  Explore possible collaborations and new partnership development with like-minded organizations such as universities, government, and non-government agencies.

One Health (15%):

Support implementation of the One Health strategy

•  Assist in developing tools and techniques to identify One Health core competencies at the Signature Program level.
•  Plan and implement One Health strategies and programs at the local level with an emphasis on zoonoses and biosecurity.
•  Participate in the design/development/delivery of training and contents based on the required competencies. esbqRgm BIpnb
•  Provide regular follow up, monitoring and technical support to strengthen One Health strategies at the field level.
•  Assist with internal and external communication and discussions related to One Health.

May perform other job-related duties as assigned (5%)

Job Specification

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

•  Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university or equivalent in veterinary science and animal husbandry, plus at least five (5) years of related experience, or a master's degree from a recognized university or the equivalent in veterinary science and animal husbandry, plus at least two (2) years of relevant experience.
•  Demonstrated experience in community mobilization, social capital development, institutional development, capacity building, training, smallholder farmers/rural SMEs/co-ops, and base of the pyramid consumers
•  Strong interpersonal and people management skills
•  Ability to work independently and take initiative while also having strong team-building skills
•  Fluent in local language and English (both spoken and written)
•  Excellent analytical skills
•  Excellent leadership qualities
•  Excellent communication skills
•  Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail (Microsoft office preferred), and internet

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:

•  Ability to prepare and present documents in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail
•  Good team player with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in several locations
•  Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality
•  Ability to perform multiple tasks with minimal supervision
•  Willingness to work with a flexible schedule
•  Willingness to extensively travel to rural areas
•  Able to effectively promote Heifer's mission values, and objectives
•  Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity

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