ANIMAL (LIVESTOCK) PRODUCTION FFS SPECIALIST

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing the EU-funded PLACE project (GCP/INT/1051/EC), which aims to contribute to the development of sustainable, climate-resilient pastoral systems in Eastern Africa and to improve the livelihoods of pastoral communities. The project is structured around three core pillars – Environment, Economic and Social – and is implemented in Kenya across three clusters: Mara-Serengeti, Karamoja and Mandera. Implementation modalities include direct delivery by FAO, partnerships through Letters of Agreement (LoAs), and engagement with private sector actors through service contracts.

While the PLACE Project Focal Point provides overall coordination and management of the Kenya component across the three clusters, the majority of supporting human resources are shared across multiple programmes, including the Digital Land Governance Programme (DLGP), the Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit (EPRU), and the UN Joint Programme (UNJP) in Kakuma. The project also works closely with County-Provided Human Resources (CPHR), who play a critical role in facilitating rapid community mobilization and organization at field level.

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Kenya.

The grade of the position is SC6 level.

Reporting Lines

The specialist will work under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Kenya and the direct supervision of the EU PLACE Project Focal Point.

Technical Focus

The specialist will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of delegated project activities in accordance with the approved work plan and budget. Working under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Kenya, the Assistant FAOR – Programme, and the Programme Manager, Resilient Livelihoods and Climate Change (RL&CC), and reporting directly to the PLACE Project Focal Point, the cluster-based Specialist will support the PLACE project across its three clusters, including support to the RL&CC Sub-Programme Lead in building sub-programme capacity to the highest standards of excellence.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Coordinate and communicate with the county provided human resources (CPHR) in the three clusters in consultation with the respective cluster affiliates and the EU project focal point 
•     Coordinate implementation and reporting by the County Provided HR, of follow-on field actions, context monitoring – after workshops and trainings
•     Follow up on timely input of ongoing activities into respective activity monitoring tools in close collaboration with RTEA-MEAL officer.
•     Plan and coordinate mobilization for PFS/FFS/Value chain trainings and workshops in support of the three pillars of PLACE.
•     Support and organize regular beneficiary data entry and updates into the Project Activity EU reporting and KOBO M&E tool for the Kenya PLACE project.
•     Support project implementation in the field, in collaboration with the three cluster affiliates and as directed by the project lead.
•     Support the organization of regular cluster-based and cluster joint meetings, including the preparation of minutes and action points.
•     Support the development of RFPs and LoAs as requested and guided by the EU PLACE Kenya focal officer and the cluster affiliates.
•     Support procurement of animal health inputs vaccines and drugs as directed by the project focal point; Developing technical specification and bidders’ evaluation.
•     Support monitoring of LoA implementation as requested and directed by the officers responsible.
•     PLACE Grant facility FAOKE Focal person ; Provide technical and coordination support to the SME Grant Facility in close collaboration with RTEA. 
•     Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Programme Manager–RL&CC and the EU project focal point.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     University degree in Animal Health and Production from a recognized university; A masters degree in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
•     A minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in livestock health and/or animal production with a bachelor’s degree.
•     Working knowledge of English and Kiswahili.
•     National of Kenya.

FAO Core Competencies
Results Focus

•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Experience in coordinating and organizing trainings, workshops and community meetings, including with cooperatives. Good report-writing and presentation skills.
•     Knowledge of gender-, youth- and conflict-sensitive programming.

Selection Criteria

•     Previous experience working with Government, the United Nations, international NGOs or development partners will be an added advantage. 
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION