Tracking Code: 2014065
Job Description
Function:
The Regional Production Advisor will be responsible for
strategic planning and technical guidance to the project in each of the East
Africa Dairy Development-II (EADD-II) countries on issues related to increased
production and productivity relating to the dairy industry. Leading and
working through a team of country Production Advisors and other consortium
staff, he/she will provide technical guidance and support to producer
organization boards, staff and farmers on dairy production and productivity
issues.
Responsibilities:
- Provide
strategic direction and lead efforts to undertake technical productivity
analysis in each EADD-II County programs.
- Direct
and support country-based Production Advisors and management on practical
strategies to increase production and productivity within the respective
countries through use of relevant input on Animal Health & husbandry,
feed/nutrition, water management system etc.
- Provide
technical inputs to each country offices to develop systems, procedures,
methods and formats to monitor production, quality, pricing, expenses and
income associated with dairy production at farm level and at the producer
organization level
- Develop
a farm business model as a profitable sustainable and growth proposition
to small holder farmer, which could be used to replicate and advise
interested farmers particularly youth to adopt dairy farming.
- Lead
and support county teams in designing a system and implement plans to
support Producer organizations to setup robust extension systems and link
producer organizations to input and service providers.
- Design
appropriate curricula to help country offices plan and implement training
programs as they relate to the dairy enterprise management.
- In
association with the Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, create,
execute and monitor action plans to support country offices build
livestock data bases at dairy farmer business associations with a view of
the enterprises to use the data for improving management and profitability
of the enterprises
- Lead
the country teams in designing a program to select and support the
development of model farms and put in place strategies to upscale adoption
of productivity enhancement technologies.
- Create
system and lead country Production Advisors develop strategies and
creative initiatives to nurture and build linkages between producer
organizations, local governments, private sector BDS providers and other
development players.
- Orchestrate
consortium and external partnerships to bring best farm practice to the
project.
- Represent
the project at Regional level and thus coordinate the counties’ team to
ensure that all project deliverables related to production and
productivity are achieved.
- In
coordination with the Regional Gender Specialist, design and lead systems
to streamline gender and youth activities which promote production and
productivity.
- Coordinate
the compilation of weekly, monthly, quarterly reports and ensure that a
robust data base is maintained at regional level to track productivity and
use of inputs and services.
- May
perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned.
Required Experience
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or other related field,
plus five (5) years’ experience in dairy production, dairy value chain
management, agriculture development, or a closely related field
Preferred Requirements:
- Master’s
degree in Animal Science or a related field, plus at least seven (7)
years’ experience in dairy production management with a background in
dairy enterprise management.
- Experience
in developing private public partnerships especially at regional level
working in matrix reporting environment.
- Possess
the experience and ability to inculcate dairy as a financial viable
business proposition at both the farm and producer organization.
- East
Africa Dairy experience.
Most Critical Proficiencies:
- Clear
understanding of the dairy value chain and Heifer’s Value based model.
- Proven
team leadership, project management, motivational and supervisory skills
with ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff.
- Demonstrated
knowledge of the latest developments in advancing good/best practices in
value chain development that reaches women, youth, and underprivileged.
- Demonstrated
creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness and ability to
incorporate innovative solutions and design catalytic activities within
the production dairy value chain (e.g. the concept of business development
services provision).
- Demonstrated
experience in setting robust and sustainable extension systems for
producer organizations. This requirement is in line with the need to have
built-in exit strategies within the project as a measure of ensuring that
there are self-sustaining businesses by project’s end.
- Having
a business approach to dairy farmer small holder farmers with a passion
for farmer development and being completely farmer centric.
- Demonstrated
knowledge and experience in facilitating development of farm-level
business plans and feasibility studies including the computation of the
associated key financial ratios and benchmarks.
- Experience
in implementing supply promotion/stimulation strategies in the context of
dairy sub-sector.
- Computer
literacy, including facility with Word, Excel, and other relevant
Microsoft Office Suite applications, as well as any other databases.
- Proficient
in communicating in English and local languages, oral and written.
Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:
- Proven
interpersonal and communication skills with ability to relate to
individuals and groups diplomatically and tactfully.
- Constant
face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and
the general public.
- Sensitivity
to the needs and priorities of disadvantaged populations particularly
women and children.
- Excellent
oral and written reporting skills with the ability to prepare and present
documents in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention
to detail.
- Working
in a multi-cultural setting and commitment to promoting teamwork, gender
equality, and sensitivity to hunger and poverty issues.
- Ability
to work under tight deadlines with minimum supervision.
- Ability
to work under pressure in response to changing needs and ability to work
well in a team.
- Ability
to travel domestically and internationally, occasionally on short notice.
- Sound
judgment, professionalism and a positive attitude with the ability to
adapt to a rapidly changing environment and in sometimes difficult
circumstances.
- Ability
to lift and carry up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms) floor to waist.
- Ability
to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
Job Location: Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular
Job Level: Senior Specialist
Client: Non U.S. Based Locations
Closing Date: October 10, 2014
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