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

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps implements high quality- analytical work in tough environments. We’ve been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently manage a range of programs in Acholi, West Nile and Karamoja sub-regions with funding from a host of donors. In October 2017, Mercy Corps was awarded a 5 year USAID/ Food for Peace- funded program working in 4 districts in Karamoja, the Apolou Activity. The Activity has four purposes with cross cutting themes of gender and youth and resilience:

1. Inclusive and effective governance contributes to food and nutrition security

2. Improved health and nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women, children under five, and adolescent girls

3. Improved WASH conditions

4. Adolescent girls, adolescent boys, women and men access diverse and secure livelihoods through improved capacities and strengthened market systems

Apolou is implemented by a consortium of actors led by Mercy Corps, including Save the Children, Whave Solutions, four local partners (KAPDA, AIDI, NARWOA and Riam Riam) and Tufts University’s Feinstein International Centre (FIC).

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Mercy Corps Livestock Officer will work to improve the economic future and quality of life of program beneficiaries. The Livestock officer will implement and support facilitation projects that support the growth of livestock value chains in Karamoja in collaboration with the Livestock Manager for the North, Senior Veterinarian for the South and with direction from the Livestock Advisor. These activities will work almost exclusively through private sector actors, seeking to crowd in provision rather than displace or replicate private actors with donor-funded services. Facilitation projects will include, but are not limited to, commercializing livestock value chains and live animal trading in an equitable manner, increasing profitability and provision of community animal health services, increasing fodder production, strengthening livestock output markets and creation of an enabling environment in Karamoja for pro-poor, nutrition sensitive livestock growth

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

STRATEGY & VISION

· Develop the strategy for and subsequently implement innovative actions for livestock market systems development, both in building the capacity of local livestock actors, crowding in additional actors, and ensuring an enabling environment for pro-livestock growth in Karamoja

· Actively advance Mercy Corp’s connections to livestock actors at local, regional and national level, seeking avenues for partnership, collaboration and coordination of activities.

· Work with the MSD Manager to develop livestock related research and monitoring of livestock market systems analyses, business cases and intervention plans in the selected sectors to improve impact

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

· Work in consultation with the Mercy Corps livestock health Production and Marketing teams, national drug companies, district veterinary officers and other key partners in planning and implementation of veterinary service extension activities of Apalou program according to the approved work plans and budgets;

· Work with livestock producers have improved knowledge and skills and adopt practices that are nutrition sensitive and support resilience,

· Work with farmers to commercializing livestock value chains and live animal trading and profitable provision of community animal health services and increasing fodder production,

· Work with Livestock output markets to facilitate strengthening and expansion

· Work with youth to improve on and off farm livelihood opportunities in the livestock sector

· Work with the DVOs office to facilitate creation of an enabling environment in Karamoja for livestock is to support target markets and improved nutrition and security.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

· Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.

· Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

· Liaise with other team members to ensure consortium is integrated in approach, on-scope, on-time and on-budget.

FINANCE & COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT

· Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to livestock Activities

· Develop team budgets, ensure adherence to MC Uganda Field Finance Manual and Field Procurement Manual for all livestock activities

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

· The ideal candidate should preferably hold a degree in animal related science (Veterinary medicine, animal husbandry; production and marketing) or its equivalent;

· At least three years of relevant experience with proven technical experience in the field;

· Willingness to work in the field with agro-vet shops, Community animal health workers, kraal leaders and communities;

· Possess the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of partners; private sector, government and civil society;

· Skills in team work, holding community consultations and organizational development;

· Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills

· Skills in networking, team-working, and community consultations

· Good spoken and written English. Fluency in Ngakarimojong and Pokot is an advantage

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 Tuesday, 6^th February, 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.