Junior Consultant - Dairy Value Addition at SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

About the project

• The project is part of the larger Initiative for Sustainable Landscapes (ISLA) Programme implemented by IDH and its partners in the South Western Mau region, aiming to restore and conserve 60,000 hectares of the Mau Forest by 2030 through interventions such as:
• Forest conservation;
• Improvement of water flow and access;
• Sustainable energy;
• Alternative livelihoods for communities.
• The project was born out of the realisation that livestock over-grazing and browsing is one of the main causes of forest loss in the South Western Mau Forest Reserve, which is an important water source, vital for local and downstream communities, businesses, and wildlife reserves alike. This is in addition to the fact that for the surrounding communities, livestock is an important source of income and livelihood.
• SNV developed an alternative livestock production and intensification model which helps in reducing grazing pressure on the forest while raising the income of livestock farmers and communities. The model also focuses on establishing input and output markets that enable the community members to access reliable inputs and markets for their livestock produce.
• The project has established five dairy cooperatives in the area that provide a stable market for milk, as well as 25 demonstration farms that farmers can access for continued learning and development. The project also set up a rotation system for grazing and encouraged farmers to practice semi-zero-grazing by providing high-quality feed to their livestock on their farms. These interventions have led to reduced livestock dependence on forests and at the same time increased opportunities for cattle farming communities by generating income through the intensification of dairy farming.
• To sustainably improve the income levels of the surrounding communities, there is a need to strengthen these dairy cooperatives to increase their capacity and to effectively bulk and market dairy products. This will be achieved through enhancing milk production at the farm level, strengthening the governance and leadership at the cooperatives, and creating linkages with other stakeholders within the value chain.

For more information on the ISLA partnership, please visit: https://www.idhsustainabletrade.com/landscapes/south-west-mau-forest-kenya/

Job Description

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the dairy value chain, including production, processing, marketing, and distribution, to identify key opportunities and challenges.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to dairy farmers, cooperatives, and other stakeholders to improve production practices, quality standards, and business management skills. Coach, mentor, advise, and train staff involved in the collection, production, processing, and marketing of milk/ dairy products.
• Develop training materials on milk value addition.
• Conduct practical training for the milk cooperatives on milk value addition including making of Yoghurt, Mala, etc. Training should encompass the full cycle of yoghurt processing starting from initial production to assessing the quality of the final product.
• Support the five dairy cooperatives in the implementation of quality assurance systems and standards to ensure the safety, hygiene, and nutritional value of dairy products.
• Demonstrate the methods of producing and application of self-made fermentation starters, also familiarize cooperatives with fermentation starters of leading companies.
• Collaborate with dairy farmers, cooperatives, and producer groups to strengthen their organizational capacity, improve production practices, and enhance access to markets and resources.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, innovations, and best practices in the dairy sector and contribute to knowledge-sharing and learning initiatives within the organization and among partners.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the project manager.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have a Diploma or Degree relevant degree in dairy product manufacturing, food science, or a relevant field. Specialized training or certification in dairy processing and value addition may also be beneficial.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience working in the dairy industry, particularly in milk processing and value addition.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs, workshops, and demonstrations on milk value addition techniques and best practices.
• Familiarity with equipment, machinery, and ingredients used to make dairy products.
• Knowledge of quality assurance principles, food safety regulations, and industry standards applicable to dairy processing operations.
• Strong technical knowledge of dairy production systems, value chain analysis, market development, and business development
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and project management.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel at an advanced level.
• A self-motivated achiever with a demonstrated ability for self-steering
• Being conversant with the project areas and good networks in the Kenya agriculture sector is an advantage.

Additional Information

• Contract Type: Consulting Contract
• Contract Duration: 6 months
• Expected Start Date: April 2024
• Duty Station: Kericho & Nakuru counties, Kenya with travels in-county