Livestock Production Specialist at Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

VACANCY NO: 1/2021

The Livestock Production Specialist will be in charge of the technical coordination and oversight of KeLCoP activities for animal production. S/he will be coordinating and leading the implementation of Component 1 of the project, "Climate-smart production enhancement for small livestock", but also contribute to the implementation of Component 2, on technical aspects linked to production, in collaboration with the livestock marketing specialist. The workstation will be at PMCU Nakuru but he/she will travel extensively within the Project area, as may be required. He/she will sign a six (6) year Contract of Employment with the initial six months on probation. The contract will remain in force but renewable annually based on satisfactory annual performance.

He/she will be answerable to the Project Coordinator for the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Provide expertise and support the implementation of KeLCoP activities in livestock production (particularly small ruminants, poultry, honey and dairy goats);
2. Contribute to the production of technical training manuals and related capacity building materials, coaching and mentoring on animal production;
3. Coordinate with relevant project partners, service providers, NGOs and other stakeholders on the plan and implementation of livestock production activities;
4. Evaluate the technical soundness of activities on livestock designed to improve productivity;
5. Provide technical advice on issues raised of livestock production and related activities;
6. Establish strategic partnerships with pertinent public institutions, implementing partners, private sector, national and regional civil society organizations for enhancing effectiveness, and efficiency in veterinary service delivery and disease control;
7. Coordinate the sourcing, multiplication and dissemination of improved animal breeds;
8. Ensure that the livestock production activities are aligned with the activities in different Counties Integrated Development Plans(CIDPs);
9. Establish partnership with relevant stakeholders in production and distribution of indigenous pasture species and coordinate wider rangeland management activities;
10. Support the implementation of climate-smart technologies (solar-powered boreholes, water harvesting technologies);

Academic qualifications and other requirements for the Position:

Minimum Requirements:

1. Master's Degree in Animal Sciences, Animal Production and Veterinary sciences or related field with complementary knowledge in rural development;
2. At least ten (10) years practical experience in animal resource management and good knowledge of the livestock sector in Kenya;
3. Must have established professional and practical work experience in donorfunded livestock or animal production projects in Kenya or the region;
4. Must meet the requirements of chapter six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010

Other Requirements:

1. Must be familiar with Kenya’s diverse agro-ecological zones including the ASALs, their different agricultural systems and development needs;
2. Fluent in English (written and spoken) and Kiswahili languages;
3. Excellent communication skills and proven writing ability;
4. High level of computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite;
5. Willing to undertake regular field visits in project areas and interact with different stakeholders;
6. Prepare any documents required to mobilize climate finances.
7. Any other official duty as may be assigned by the Project Coordinator