Dairy Cattle Feeding and Nutrition Training for a Producer Organization at International Executive Service Corps

Tasks to be Performed:

Pre-Assignment:

•  Review information about the producer organization
•  Review the findings of a rapid capacity assessment on dairy cattle feeding conducted previously
•  Review balanced rations programs and training modules developed previously
•  Hold call with F2F team and PO to discuss assignment objectives and plan.
•  Review available literature on forages and their nutrient content as well as the dairy sector in Kenya

During the Assignment:

•  Attend orientation with F2F staff in Kenya.
•  Hold introductory meeting with PO to finalize workplan, assignment schedule and training overview.
•  Conduct farm visits to review progress in the adoption of recommendations from phase one training and catalogue key needs - drought response
•  Provide customized training to Dairy Farm Assistants, staff and farmers on dairy cattle feeding and nutrition using previously developed balanced rations feeding programs and training modules
•  Hold debriefing with host organization.
•  Hold debriefing with USAID.
•  Hold debriefing with F2F team.
•  Draft and submit the final report.

End of Assignment Report and Other Deliverables Required

•  Final trip report detailing work completed over the course of the assignment as well as recommendations for the host organization.
•  A PowerPoint presentation for sharing with F2F, the host and USAID

Expertise of Volunteer Experts Requested:

•  A master's or doctoral degree in dairy science, animal science, or a closely related area
•  At least 10 years' experience working with dairy cattle
•  A good understanding of body condition scoring and bovine behavior
•  Experience in formulating dairy feed rations
•  Familiarity with dairy nutrition software programs for nutrition management and ration balancing
•  Comfortable performing mathematical calculations and interpreting laboratory reports
•  Able to interpret laboratory reports and assess the body condition of dairy animals
•  Experience working with small farm businesses and producer organizations in developing countries
•  Experience working in Kenya and/or the region is plus.
•  Strong leadership and communication skills and capacity to plan strategically and flexibly.
•  Experience delivering group trainings.
•  Sufficiently physically fit, with appropriate medical clearance.
•  Writing Skills: reporting requires good computer skills including, but not limited to, working and generating reports with MS Word. Experience with PowerPoint presentations is desirable.
•  Good writing and analytical skills, interpersonal communication and presentation skills (adult education skills), ability and desire to teach in both classroom and field settings