Uganda: Livestock Officer - 1 Vacancy based in Moroto (Open to Ugandan Nationals Only)

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps has been operating in Uganda since 2006. It has and continues to implement programs in Karamoja, Acholi and West Nile regions. Mercy Corps is taking a community-led, market driven approach to address poverty and food insecurity needs through interventions that get to the root causes and contributing factors of economic vulnerability. Among the many country programmes is the Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and Disasters (BRACED) whose implementation period is 2015-2019.

BRACED is being implemented in the Karamoja Region of Uganda, as well as Wajir County Kenya. The BRACED Mercy Corps programme is designed around three integrated thematic focus areas – Lands/Natural Resources Management, Market Systems Development and Governance. Mercy Corps recently received an 18-month extension operating from January 2018-June 2019.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Livestock Officer will be responsible for implementing sector focused activities including training, providing technical assistance and helping to strengthen the livestock market. S/he will lead activities to build knowledge among livestock market actors and household members on livestock management and health and disease prevention. S/he will participate in activity implementation, monitoring, data tracking and conducting assessments. Working with the Project Manager, s/he will ensure successful implementation of the program’s fodder production pilot and any additional activities has outlined in his/her workplan. S/he will ensure BRACED program’s objectives and results are fully accomplished, documented and meet expected standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

· The Livestock Officer will take lead in conducting contextual analysis to analyze the livestock market in order to identify key market actors and target beneficiaries.

· In collaboration with technical sub county stakeholders, take lead in organizing and coordinating trainings of program beneficiaries on livestock management and care

· The Livestock Officer will offer technical guidance to program beneficiaries on livestock

· S/he will lead implementation of the livestock fodder production activities, providing trainings and technical assistance

· Monitor and closely track key indicators related to activities, ensuing high quality programming.

· The Livestock Officer will ensure that the approved detailed implementation plan is properly implemented as well as planning and preparation of weekly and monthly work plans as agreed by the Projects Manager.

· Plan, implement, evaluate and ensure that reports on field activities are properly drafted and timely submitted to the Projects Manager.

· He/she will take part in periodic BRACED monthly and quarterly review meetings to share successes, challenges and lessons learnt to inform overall program objectives.

· Actively promote Mercy Corps Uganda visibility; and provide technical support to Field Agents, program beneficiaries and stakeholders in line with the Organizational Mission and Values.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

· Minimum 3 years’ experience working with NGOs/CBO’s in livestock or veterinary services

· Degree in Economic Development, Community Development, or related field;

· Experience working in livestock market development in pastoral communities

· Commitment to working with youth and vulnerable groups in need, regardless of race, tribe, religion or gender;

· Understanding of working with local partners;

· Good problem solving, written and oral communication skills;

· Strong written and spoken English

· Local language skills required (Karamojong)

· Ability to work without constant supervision and as part of a mixed team;

· Good knowledge of MS Office software

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful candidate will have the following characteristics:

· A strong team player, with good communication and diplomatic skills.

· Proven ability to work independently as part of a national team and with international professionals.

· Excellent analytical and information management skills.

· Good organizational skills and ability to work under stress and in austere contexts of remote locations.

· Flexible and creative in planning and problem solving.

· Attention to detail, ability to follow procedures and meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.

· Proven excellence maintaining professional internal and external relationships.

· A focus on building other staff capacity

Applications: Submit your application through email to ug-mcjobs@mercycorps.org addressed to the Senior HR and Legal Manager, Mercy Corps Uganda. Include a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates. Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Wednesday, 24^th January, 2018. Subject of email should include the position you are applying for**.** Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.