National Program Coordinator at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Background

The primary purpose of the job is to manage and coordinate the implementation of the two projects: TDGG and GMG in Kenya, and to represent the Program’s Principal Investigator (PI) at related national fora. TDGG and GMG are an International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)–led research programs that builds on previous work in East Africa countries to develop and scale a multi-country dairy genetic gains platform across Africa. Innovations in TDGG and GMG are centred around a phenotypic and methane emission data and analytics platform that receives, hosts and processes data on farms, and the dairy animals reared in the project countries, including Kenya. The database is organised into country components, with access control logic that allows different users to access it based on their roles and agreed-upon permissions and rights. The data is owned by the respective countries and partners and can be used either directly or through service providers to inform herds and related dairy value chain services and businesses, all aimed at spurring sustained animal and herd productivity gains. Both the TDGG program and GMG align with the Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Food (SAAF) Science Program of the CGIAR, which aims to enhance productivity across animal and aquatic species.

Key responsibilities:

• In consultation with the principal investigator and project lead, undertake the day-to-day running of dairy genetics gains activities in Kenya.
• Assist the Pl to ensure the effective and flexible coordination and implementation of project activities in Kenya.
• Undertake high-level pitching and coordination of related national dairy cattle identification, performance recording, and genetic evaluation initiatives, in consultation with the ILRI Regional and Country Representatives.
• Provide training, mentorship and supervision /support to the program Site Coordinators (SCs)
• Coordinate and undertake joint initiatives with TDGG, GMG and relevant public-private actors to support breeding service delivery (i.e. Artificial Insemination)
• Deliver program activities in the country in close collaboration with key actors in dairy-sector
• development, particularly the State and county Directorates, to ensure strong and effective linkages between the project and major dairy industry stakeholders. With the full knowledge of the Program’s Principal Investigator (PI), project lead, and Country PI, maintain regular and effective communication between the TDGG & GMG – The country partner teams and the ILRI project team to ensure the quality and timeliness of project deliverables.
• Observe the projects schedules and timescales, liaise with the country Pl and ILRI to ensure project documents (financial, technical and meeting reports, and feedback) are prepared in accordance with the agreed schedules and within timescales.
• Coordinate and prepare timely and quality documentation/implementation reports to be submitted to ILRI, including contributing to the packaging of feedback to farmers. Support development and implementation of the agreed work plans and maintain records on technical and financial aspects of project operation, including project activities and their outcomes, as well as minutes, decisions and recommendations from meetings and workshops.
• Ensure that all partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders are appropriately and timely informed and involved in the program activities.
•  Provide links to all existing and potential stakeholders/collaborators by being proactive, responsive and effectively dealing with program-related concerns/issues.
• Ensure effective dissemination of knowledge and insights gained, learnings as well as tools and methodologies to program stakeholders and broader audience.
•  Identify potential related activities to which the planned program activities would be synergistic and communicate/share with the Program Management Team (PMT) for further action.

Requirements

• PhD or MSc in the Agricultural field (animal breeding or animal production) with a Bachelor of Science in animal production or Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree
• At least a PhD with three years of relevant experience or 10 years’ experience with a Master’s degree .
• Practical experience in managing and or supporting commercial livestock business, especially those related to the design and evidence-led implementation of dairy businesses, management and delivery of improved livestock seed systems in Kenya and the Eastern Africa region.
• Experience in drafting and managing work plans, results-based budgets and systems to monitor and report progress.
• Experience in research (e.g. publications) will be an added advantage
• Willingness to travel frequently, including spending significant periods managing activities in the field site in project locations
• Excellent interpersonal communication and good personal organisation skills.
• Good communication ability in English, spoken and written
• Good judgement, adaptability and willingness to take initiative when appropriate.
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural environment and strong stakeholder engagement skills.