Fresh Jobs at Heifer International

Job Description:

The Business Development Officer under the guidance of the Project Manager, will provide overall leadership in designing and implementing appropriate interventions within the project with the objective of developing the 25-farmer owned agri-business (FOAB), in the Hatching Hope Kenya project (HHK) into strong and profitable farmer business organizations and entities. This will be achieved through capacity building of the organizations in business planning and financial management, development of management structures and systems, the provision of business advisory services and the development of key marketing and financial linkages in financial services, input services and strong partnerships with both public and private organizations. The officer will identify impact investment opportunities and scaling up of Business Models. The interventions to be led by the Business Development Officer seek to increase the overall level of competitiveness of the poultry production business within the farmer owned agri-business (FOAB).

Essential Character Traits:

Intellectually curious, sound professional judgement, effective communicator, accountable, values-committed, pragmatic, inspirational, team player

Responsibilities:
Business Development (30%)

• Undertake capacity assessment and due diligence for FOABs.
• Support producer organizations to develop business plans, strategic plans and financial and human resource management systems.
• Capacity building of FOABs, through training in business, financial management and governance.
• Analysis and conducting of feasibility to assess and develop new business, investment and financing options.
• Provide advice and assistance in the establishment and maintenance of business and financial record keeping systems.
• Develop business models clearly showing the value proposition of FOAB to members and how it will leverage opportunities in the production and market environment.
• 25 FOABs assessed within the first year of project implementation and 25 capacity assessment reports developed.
• Technical assistance and mentorship provided to the 25 FOABs on a quarterly basis through research, visits and training sessions.
• Facilitate the development of business planning guidelines and business plans, strategic plans and financial management systems for 25 FOABs by the end of the first year of the project.
• Capacity building plans developed for all 25 FOABs by the end of the first year and their implementation updated and reviewed on a quarterly basis.
• Analysis conducted to identify business and investment opportunities for 25 FOABs and at least three new opportunities explored per year per organization.
• 25 FOABs with established financial and business records systems that provide management with the key information to govern business operations by the end of the second year of project implementation.
• 25 FOABs with established and documented business models with clear value proposition within the first 18 months of the project.
• 25 FOABs achieve the targeted growth in member mobilization numbers-based project and hub membership targets by the end of the second year of the project implementation.
• Collect and collate information on Catalytic Leverage Fund (CaLF) and share with the manager on a monthly basis.

Cooperative Governance and Management (30%)

• Provide support in establishing and operating market structures (e.g., collection centers, market centers, processing facilities, chilling centers, etc.)
• Facilitate the transformation of 25 FOABs into formal dairy collective enterprises that will stimulate poultry production.
• Assist to develop guidelines for the formation, management and governance of cooperatives/FOABs/ producer groups
• Coordinate and build up linkages and networks with the appropriate government Cooperative Office and other organizations, as required.
• 25 FOABs with functional market structures for milk aggregation are in place by the second year of project implementation.
• All the producer organizations are operating as dairy collective producer organizations and cooperatives by the end of the project.
• The project has string linkages with the government cooperative offices in all the targeted counties and all the 25 FOABs are compliant with cooperative guidelines and formal requirements by the end of the second year of project implementation.

Capacity Development (30%)

• Design, develop and deliver business management training packages/modules, in coordination with other relevant project staff.
• Identify and carry out a comprehensive capacity assessment of the potential farmer producer organizations for the project to partner with and thereafter develop and deliver a capacity building program.
• Develop capacity building and operationalization of the business and marketing plans of the producer organizations/hubs through joint planning and monitoring.
• Facilitate the capacity building of the cooperative/FOAB/union governing board and management in effective and efficient decision making, financial management, human resource management, operation and strategic planning and implementation, conflict management and democratic governance.
• Support the producer organizations to put in place and implement efficient financial management systems and build their capacity in all aspects of financial management. i. An operational and module-based business training package that integrates the experience of Cargill is developed and in use within the first three months of the project implementation.
• Capacity assessment is completed and continuously reviewed using the Scope Insight methodology and LINK methodologies in the project.
• Annual capacity development plans are developed for the project every year and their implementation are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis.
• 25 FOABs have effective governing boards with the capacity to provide strategic management and vision for the organizations in financial management, human resource management, operations, strategic implementation and conflict management.
• 25 FOABs have efficient and effective financial management systems by the end of the first year of project implementation.

Collaboration towards a Common Goal (10%)

• With the Enterprise Development Manager, develop the business FOAB of the cooperatives with backward and forward linkages into the total value chain.
• Incorporate within the framework of the project potential ‘win-win’ business opportunities which can attract different value chain actors to engage in transactional relationships with the farmer producer organizations and develop a platform for achieving these partnerships.
• Work in close coordination with the relevant project staff on quality assurance and control for all livestock-based products for processing, packaging, marketing and distribution.
• 25 FOABs develop a strong platform for engaging with the value chain actors in transactional relationships.
• Close coordination and collaboration with the country office Enterprise Development Manager, Training Manager and Animal Wellbeing Manager to deliver quality trainings through the annual capacity building plans.
• 25 FOABs achieve and maintain high quality standards for their produce including milk and have effective systems for daily quality monitoring.

Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor This will be dependent on the specific duties assigned

Qualifications:

• Degree in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business Management, Rural Development or Animal Production with post graduate diploma or experience in business management or a related field is required
• Experience implementing activities in large, complex projects in challenging environments
• Minimum of five (5) years of field and technical experience working on agribusiness development projects
• Significant experience in building public/private partnerships, preferably in the dairy sector
• Strong business skills, leadership, strategic and innovation skills.
• Strong communication skills in English, Swahili and other local languages of the cluster area.
• Strong business skills in development, strategic planning and planning for farmer business organizations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the latest developments in advancing good/best practices in value chain development that reach women, youth, the poor and the underprivileged.
• Demonstrated creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness and ability to incorporate innovative solutions and design catalytic activities within the value chain (e.g. the concept of quality-based pricing).
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement strategies aimed at providing institutional capacity building to key partner institutions with a view to build a more efficient, competitive and sustainable livestock industry. This requirement is in line with the need to have in-built ‘exit strategies’ within the project as a measure of ensuring that there are self-sustaining businesses by project end.
• Knowledge of and experience in setting up cottage industries for processing locally branded poultry products (eggs and meat) for onward supply to niche and markets as well as implementing supply promotion/stimulation strategies in the context of the sub-sectors.
• Experience in facilitating the establishment of strategic alliances and joint ventures with local and foreign processors.
• Knowledge and experience in strategic business planning and business analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake market assessments and use the information generated to support producer organizations to leverage these opportunities to remain competitive.
• Knowledge of equity financing (e.g. venture capital and/or private equity investing).
• Strong computer literacy, preferably with Microsoft Office Suite.

NB: Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to relate to groups and individuals diplomatically and tactfully.
• Ability to integrate financial services within the value chains with the view to foster trust and build strong relationship between chain actors and financial service providers.
• Must be courteous, honest and of high integrity, especially in high-pressure situations.
• Self-starter and self-motivator with the ability to work in a multicultural and multi sector setting.
• Must be a team player and have the ability to execute and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow directions and independently complete assigned tasks (written or verbal).
• Ability to work a varied schedule to include early mornings, weekends and some evenings.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds (14 kilograms) floor to waist.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

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Job Description:

The Hatching Hope Kenya project aims at improving the nutrition and economic livelihoods of 11,850,000 by 2022 through production, promotion and consumption of poultry in Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, Homabay, Nairobi, Nakuru and Uasin Gishu counties. Through partnership with Cargill and other key actors, the project will utilize the growing demand for poultry in Kenya to catalyze systemic change that will empower smallholder farmer as integral players in the poultry value chain while at the same time, alleviating malnutrition through poultry promotion and consumption. The project will build on Heifer’s previous interventions, in the Western part of Kenya, to reach 46,000 farmer households (207,000 individuals) to improve livelihoods through poultry production and catalyzing farmer towards a living income from a base of 1,559 (2018) to reach 3,221 USD by 2022. The project will take a multifaceted approach, targeting farmer groups as a central point for capacity building and fostering market connection.

The Project Manager is to provide overall leadership and management for the Hatching Hope Project (HHK) including leading the planning, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of these projects and ensuring the quality of projects, implementation, partnership management the donor reporting, and field level management is of the highest standards. The Project Manager provides line management support to all Project Officers including the Business Development Officer, Livestock Production Officer and the Project Accountant including overall management of their performance and of all the Program staff in the field offices.

The Project Manager assumes responsibility for the successful planning, financial management, reporting and documentation of the Hatching Hope (HHK) Project and any other Poultry initiatives aligned to this project in the same geographical areas.

The Hatching Hope Project has strong partnership elements with Cargill and the respective farmer owned agri-business (FOAB). The Project Manager is responsible for coordinating Heifer Kenya’s inputs and interactions with these partnerships in the implementation sites in the counties of Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, Homabay, Nairobi, Nakuru and Uasin Gishu. The Manager is also responsible for developing and coordinating partnership with the County Government and other partners in all the project operational counties.

The Project will involve a high degree of collaboration and partnership with the potential 25 farmer owned agri-business (FOAB) and the respective county government extension services and other potential business service providers including Financial Partners, Insurance Partners and Animal Health and Input Services Providers. The Manager is the public face of the project and with support from the Communications Officer coordinates the projects interactions and communications with project level partners and stakeholders including managing the aspects of the implementation and execution of Memorandums of Understanding signed to govern these relationships.

Essential Character Traits:
Heifer International Kenya is looking for a self-motivated, value and result oriented and an individual of high integrity and accountability to fill in the position of the Project Manager.

Responsibilities:
Program Management (25%)

• Assume overall responsibility for the management of the HHK project and provide line management support to all Business Development Manager, Livestock Production Officers, Project Accountant and Administrative staff.
• Support the Livestock Production Officers in the management of the field resources and project budgets and ensure these are used in compliance with approved guidelines (vehicle management, etc.).
• Implement annual performance management process for all Project staff. i. Staff performance management system for all program staff implemented on a quarterly and annual basis for all programme staff ensuring the achievement of at least 80% of the set performance targets.
• Enhanced compliance and accountability in the management of project resources, achieving 100% compliance
• Over 80 % of the planned milestones are achieved by the project on an annual basis
• Ensure 100% compliance with donor all the project donor contractual obligations by all the project staff.
• Conduct monthly project reviews to monitor project achievement towards goals and spending versus budget
• Action plans with follow-up and clearly defined responsibilities are created monthly based on identified gaps in the monthly review.

Program and Partner Planning and Budgeting (15%)

• Support all project team, Community Facilitators, CAVES and FOAB’s extension staff develop annual budgets and workplans consistent with project documents and donor contracts.
• Support teams in undertaking the necessary review and updating of the workplans, producer organization capacity building plans and budgets to respond to emerging field implementation challenges and project review processes.
• Review and support in the execution of Letters of Agreement (LOA) between the potential 25 FOAB’s and County Governments and Heifer Kenya.
• Project workplans and budgets (annual, quarterly and monthly) developed for the project every financial year and implemented in line with project documents and workplans.
• Periodic and timely reviews of budgets and reforecasting for the annual project budget is undertaken and shared with Headquarters and respective donors, ensuring alignment with the donor contracts.
• 25 FOABs develop annual capacity development plans every year that are implemented by the business and livestock production and extension staff.
• Effective management of partnerships between the 25 FOAB who are supported by the project, the partners
• (Cargill) and the County Governments to ensure 100% adherence with the LOAs.

Project Budget Management and Monitoring (15%)

• In coordination with the Project Accountant undertake quarterly budget monitoring and variance analysis for the project and support in reviewing and tracking spending to adhere to annual budgets.
• Support Program Managers and the Country Program to plan and undertake corrective management actions arising out of budget monitoring reports.
• Approve program related requests for imprest and reconciliations in line with work plans and financial management procedures. i. Monthly and Quarterly budget for the project budgets in the inception period and during implementation highlighting status of project spending and presenting these in the monthly operational meetings
• Implementing and tracking all the proposed corrective measures to address any variances beyond +/-10%, ensuring that the spending is brought on track within the planned period on a monthly basis
• Ensure program staff requests for imprests and reconciliations approved in line with workplans and financial management procedures daily.

Program Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation (20%)

• Prepare regular quarterly, semi- and annual reports and ensure the project complies with requirements of quality reporting and timeliness.
• Develop and review the project Cargill donor reports to ensure they comply with requirements in terms of quality and timelines and ensure these are of the highest standards.
• In liaison with the PM&E Officer coordinate the project baseline survey and ensure the development of the project monitoring and evaluation framework.
• Manage the regular data collection and analysis to effectively to track productivity, living income, and household income and employment indicators in the project implementation.
• Coordinate annual impact monitoring processes the midterm and end term evaluations for the project. i. All the HHK project progress reports (quarterly, semi- and annual reports) are compliant with expected quality standards and timelines
• All the project Cargill reports are submitted to the Director of Programmes and HQ within the donor timelines and formats and in the required timelines.
• 4 HHP quarterly reports are compiled annually within the stipulated timelines
• Baseline survey for the project competed within the 3 months inception period and a project monitoring and evaluation framework develop to track the key performance indicators.
• Project database of beneficiaries and producer organizations developed by the end of the first year and updated quarterly to provide annual data on productivity, living income and employment.
• Project conducts 3 annual impact monitoring processes and 1 end term evaluation.

Documentation and lessons learning (10%)

• Document project success cases, lessons learnt and successful implementation model including the business model, extension model and the hub model.
• Documentation of Lesson learnt and experiences dissemination and sharing to inform future project development.
• Coordinate communication between the stakeholders and the project management
• At least four successful cases per year per documented from projects and disseminated through different platforms
• Lessons learnt from projects documented and disseminate to stakeholders at midterm and the end term of the project
• Successful business models including project private sector led extension model and FOAB’s implementation model documented by the project midterm and reviewed and updated by the project end.

Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.This will be dependent on the specific duties assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Rural Development, Project Planning and Management, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Veterinary Science and Animal Science and other relevant qualification. Seven (7) years relevant experience in Program management, extension and community development work.
• Master’s Degree in relevant professional discipline.
• Four (4) years of supervisory/managerial experience.
• Thorough knowledge of programming processes, systems and principles, and the ability to provide leadership and support to staff working at community level.
• Strong Poultry value chain and livestock sector experience.
• Strong background and experience in the capacity building of producer organizations including dairy cooperatives.
• Partnership management experience and working through partnership structures, consortiums and private sector partners.
• Sound business knowledge especially in the agricultural and agribusiness sector.
• Solid knowledge and foundation in proposal development, financial and budgets management and of project management cycle.
• Sound knowledge of value chain development on various agricultural commodities including the Poultry and Livestock sectors.
• Strong business skills, leadership, strategic and innovation skills.
• Strong communication skills in both English, Swahili, and other local languages of the cluster area.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the latest developments in advancing good/best practices in the dairy value chain development.
• Demonstrated creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness and ability to incorporate innovative solutions and design catalytic activities within the value chain (e.g. the concept of quality-based pricing).
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement strategies aimed at providing institutional capacity building’ to key partner institutions with a view to build a more efficient, competitive, and sustainable dairy industry. This requirement is in line with the need to have in-built ‘exit strategies’ within the project as a measure of ensuring that there are self-sustaining businesses by project end.
• Ability to manage training programs targeted at farmers in animal husbandry, feed and health.
• Knowledge of and experience in setting up cottage industries for processing for onward supply to niche and markets as well as implementing supply promotion/stimulation strategies in the context of Poultry sub-sector.
• Experience in facilitating establishment of strategic alliances and partnerships with the private sector including in extension and processing.
• Strong computer literacy, preferably with Microsoft Office Suite.

NB: Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to individuals diplomatically and tactfully.
• Must be courteous, honest and of high integrity, especially in high-pressure situations.
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills with ability to relate to individuals and groups diplomatically and tactfully.
• Self-starter and self-motivator with the ability to work in a multicultural setting.
• Must be a team player and have the ability to execute and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

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Job Description:

The Project Accountant reports to the Project Manager and is primarily responsible for all the accounting, financial management, budget and reporting functions for the Hatching Hope Project (HHK). The Project Accountant plays a significant role in strengthening of core global systems by ensuring proper accounting, maintaining systems of accountability, processing of accounting information, internal and external financial reporting, cash and bank account maintenance and other financial tasks, tracking Catalytic leverage Funds (CaLF) for the project as assigned by the Project Manager.

The Project Accountant supports the Project Manager and the Director of Programmes in ensuring compliance with all the HHK and contractual obligations in procurement, financial reporting, budget management and staff time allocations for Heifer International and its partners in implementing the contract agreement. The Project Accountant also prepares the project donor reports for review by the Project Manager and the Director of Programmes and Finance Director prior to submission to the donor.

The Project Accountant also supports the project partners including the producer organizations in financial management through participating in due diligence processes, capacity building of organizations in financial management processes and supporting the tracking of their contributions to ensure the project adequately reports on these to the donor.

Essential Character Traits:

Heifer International Kenya is looking for a self-motivated, value and result oriented and an individual of high integrity and accountability to fill the position of the Project Accountant.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES

Project Financial Management (30%)

• Work closely with Project Manager and the project team s to ensure that project finance and assets are well managed.
• Analyse expenses and present financial reports on monthly basis to the Project Manager and to the Director of Programme and Finance Director.
• Participate in the annual planning and development of budgets and their monthly review and tracking.
• In conjunction with Project team undertake a monthly analysis of variance and activities and present to the Project Manager and Director of Programmes.
• Assist the Project Manager and project staff in monthly explanations of variances in line with approved budgets.
• Review projects and staff payment request to ensure sound financial management systems of Heifer finance policy is adhered to on a daily basis.
• Collect and Collate Catalytic leverage funds (CaLF) in conjunction with the Livestock officer and Business officers.
• Oversee and ensure proper management and documentation of project assets in line with laid down Heifer policies.

Processing of Accounting information (30%)

• Ensure financial transactions are input into Agresso system by the 3rd of subsequent month to facilitate timely internal and external reporting.
• Ensures that all the project financial transactions are input into agresso system by 3rd of the subsequent month to enable generation of financial reports.
• Work closely with the Director of Finance and the Senior Accountant to ensure books of accounts are closed on 10th of the following month and the project monthly reports are generated.
• iMonitor the project petty cash imprest in line with cash management controls.

Monitoring of Project Budgets ( 20%)

• Monthly, quarterly monitoring of burnt rates against both Heifer and the donor project budgets to ensure efficient and effective management of all financial activities as planned in project forecast.
• Monitor the HHK project budget on monthly basis, prepare monthly reports by 10th of the subsequent month.
• Hold 12 monthly and 4 quarterly meetings every year with the Project Manager, Director of Programmes and Director of Finance to analyse project spending against the forecast budgets and provide explanations for significant variances.
• Undertake 4 quarterly support visits to project partners review, audit and assess how project funds are utilized and provide support for capacity building of the partners and give advice on how to keep books of accounts.
• Participate in organizing donor records, and ensure internal controls are maintained on a daily basis.

Participate in Risk Management (20%)

• Ensure that Heifer Financial policies are adhered to at all times.
• Ensure that all payments and commitment are in line with Heifer policies and properly approved by relevant authorities.
• Monitor and update the key partner risks issues as identified in the pre-award assessment and ongoing assessments and generate quarterly risk reports.
• Maintain sound financial management systems, and provide administration support to project on a daily basis
• Ensure that all payments are fully supported and approved appropriately i.e. field trip reports, LPOs
• In cases of suppliers, ensure that the relevant procurement processes are always adhered to where necessary.
• Participate in Implementing global procurement policies.

May perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Project Manager

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field required, plus one (1) year of experience; or university Diploma in Accounting, Business studies or CPA 1 with 6 years’ experience in a Non-Profit organization. Other job-related education and experience may be substituted for all or part of these requirements
• Practical experience in various aspects of accounting principles and practices with a good understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Finance Reporting Standards (IFRS)
• Practical experience and knowledge of donor financial reporting processes.
• Good skills and experience in financial management reporting.
• Good analytical skills and experience in project budget development and variance analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Computer proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail software, and knowledge of accounting software (e.g, MS Office Suite, Dos, Accounting packages such as Sun Systems, Pastel, Agresso).
• Strong organizations skills and numeracy skills.

NB: Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

• Preparing and presenting documents in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail.
• Maintaining to the highest level of professionalism when dealing with donors, project participants, Heifer Kenya staff, and partner organizations.
• Willingness to contribute to Heifer International principles of transparency and honestly
• Proven team and customer and customer care skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in several locations
• Constant face-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues, both internal and external
• May require constant sitting and moving; working at a computer for extended periods
• Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
• Performing multiple tasks with minimal supervision
• Willingness to work with a flexible schedule
• Willingness to travel both domestically and internationally

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Job Description:

The Finance & Administrative Assistant is the first contact point to visitors, consultants, and partners. S/he is primarily responsible for the day-to-day operations providing support to Heifer team: Project Manager, Business Officer, Communication Officer, Livestock officers and Finance in Kisumu and Nairobi respectively and the project by maintaining systems of accountability, establishing and maintaining communications between program offices as well as partners and performing basic administrative tasks as assigned. S/he will develop procedures, which promote financial discipline to meet organizational goals as well as maintaining an efficient document retrieval system.

Essential Character Traits:

Intellectual curious, accountable, professional judgement, effective communicator, pragmatic, inspirational and team player.

Responsibilities:

Manage a functional and organized office filing system to ensure that the project documents and records are appropriately filed and secured for easy retrieval. (40%)

• A project database of Community Facilitators, CAVES, PFTs and DFAs is developed and maintained to reconcile payments and recruitments.
• Project filing systems that conforms to Heifer Kenya filing guidelines is developed and maintained for the project and for each of the 25 HHK Hubs.
• All relevant documentation including activity reports, transfers and payments, agreements and reconciliations of each Hubs is filed immediately as they are received.
• All project documents are filed in the relevant month.
• Review hub reconciliations and submit to Nairobi office for registration in Agresso.
• Support the Project Accountant in administering and documenting quarterly hub financial monitoring activities.
• Ensure all project assets are properly documented and carry out periodic asset verification exercises.

Act as initial point of contact for the main office by responding to both internal and external inquiries/requests. (20%)

• Follow-up on all incoming and outgoing correspondences.
• Receive and attend to telephone calls and courteously direct calls accordantly.
• Support the project procurement activities.

Undertake due diligence of the Hubs, within the region on financial viability, financial assessment and sustainability. (20%)

• Quarterly hub financial monitoring and flash hub audits and capacity building done in conjunction with the Project Accountant and Busines staff.

Collaborate with the administrator and travel agents to ensure that visits to the projects are managed smoothly, professionally and efficiently. (15%)

• Reserve hotel for staff and visitors as needed.
• Coordinate airport transfers for incoming/outgoing staff.
• Assist with permit for traveling staff.

Any other task as assigned by the supervisor. (5%)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or equivalent Diploma or any other related qualification to this job, with three (3) years of hands-on related experience and at least CPA Part 1 qualification.
• Practical experience in various aspects of accounting principles and practices with a good understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), procurement and front office management. Data entry and basic excel analysis will be an added advantage
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of the non-profit sector and the context to which non-profit organizations operate.
• Exemplary customer care and administrative skills
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong English language skills – oral and written.
• Knowledge and experience with word processing, spreadsheets, database, newsletter, and electronic mail software (Microsoft Office preferred).
• Excellent keyboarding skills.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

• May require constant sitting; working at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively, tactfully and diplomatically with a culturally diverse group of people.
• Ability to produce accurate documents in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail.
• May require occasional bending and lifting of up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms) floor to waist.
• Ability to operate all standard office equipment including copiers, scanners, fax machines and printers.
• Ability to establish priorities, achieve deadlines and make sound judgments.
• Ability to perform as an effective team member and work cooperatively with a diverse staff.
• Ability to work independently and perform multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Constant telephone, face-to-face and electronic communication with colleagues and the general public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to work with minimal supervision.

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Job Description:

The Livestock Production Officer is responsible for providing technical input and coordinating all functions related to improvement in performance of poultry enterprises through the establishment of functional extension systems at producer organizations and modern breeding and health promoting techniques, and uses these systems to develop poultry production plans in the project. The Officer will also be responsible for supporting producer organizations to offer quality and reliable services to their members, through a robust extension system which will facilitate easy access to inputs and services, all of which will ultimately contribute to increased production and productivity.

Essential Character Traits:
Result oriented, values committed, self-motivated, accountable and honest

Responsibilities:

Mobilization and strengthening of Poultry Interest Groups (PIGs) to become effective participants in poultry production improvement activities (30%)

• Based on the ongoing assessment, and in liaison with the animal well-being (AWB) lead, develop a plan for building the capacity of the Peer Farmer Trainers (PFT), Extension agents and community agro-vet entrepreneurs (CAVEs) and use the plan to train them so that they can effectively facilitate group strengthening activities at the grassroots level.
• Coordinate the strengthening of the 1,600 PIGs to become active participants in poultry production improvement activities.
• Promote the formation of savings and credit schemes by the PIGs to ensure that smallholder farmers at the grassroots level have mechanisms to finance the poultry improvement activities.
• Facilitate the training of the PIGs on group dynamics and social capital strengthening.
• Facilitate the formation of Group Management Committees in each of the hubs (producer organizations).
• Contribute to the collection of information on Catalytic Leverage Fund (CaLF) on a monthly basis.
• A training plan for Community Facilitators and extension staff is developed within the first six months and implemented based on the on-going capacity assessment gaps.
• Peer Farmer Trainers are actively involved on a daily basis in strengthening PIGs within the first six months. The number of PFTs will be determined after the ongoing group assessment.
• 1,600 PIGs are trained on social capital strengthening and group dynamics by the end of the second year.
• 1,600 PIGs are strengthened to become active participants in poultry production improvement activities.
• PIGs are implementing savings and credit schemes and using the schemes to finance the poultry improvement activities on a monthly basis.
• Each of the 25 hubs have functional Group Management Committees by the end of the first year.
• Information on CaLF is collected and shared with the project manager from 1,600 PIGs.

Coordinate the delivery of grassroot trainings to improve poultry productivity
(30%)

• Coordinate the dissemination of a poultry training manual and contents in partnership with Cargill and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate the delivery of poultry improvement trainings using the HHK manuals and other relevant materials.
• Develop and implement detailed training plans for each of the producer organizations.
• Facilitate training of CAVES and other service providers in order to efficiently and effectively deliver quality services to farmers.
• Provide technical support to producer organizations to prepare and implement efficient poultry feeding and breeding plans.
• In collaboration with the AWB lead, facilitate the delivery of extension messaging in partnership with WEFARM and DIGIFARM.
• Comprehensive poultry training manual disseminated and tested with stakeholders within the first six months of the project.
• Detailed implementation plan developed and implemented for all training to be undertaken per quarter.
• 40,000 farmers fully trained and completed the livestock training curriculum by the end of the second year.
• 80 CAVEs trained to efficiently and effectively deliver quality services to farmers.
• Breeding and feeding plans developed by the end of the first six months and being used by the producer organizations for improving poultry production and productivity.
• 40,000 farmers reached through digital platform on an annual basis.

Monitoring and Evaluation (20%)

• With guidance from the MELS lead and project manager, implement robust production monitoring indicators including a database for all production and productivity parameters.
• Develop and regularly update a database for all the farmers trained on poultry.
• Develop and maintain a database of all CAVES, Extension Officers, CFs and PFTs supported by the project.
• Monitor production and productivity related indicators at producer organization and PIG levels and provide timely advise to enable the attainment of key productivity targets.
• Undertake monthly monitoring of the farmer trainings and their effectiveness together with group performance and submit a report on the same every month.
• Facilitate the Group Management Committees (GMCs) to undertake quarterly Participatory Self Review and Planning (PSRP).
• Develop and promote best practice examples and ensure the documentation of experiences and lessons learned.
• Production and productivity indicators identified and a database for the same is developed by the end of the first year.
• A database for all the producers trained in different modules is developed and updated quarterly.
• A database of CAVES, PFTs and Extension Officers is maintained and updated quarterly.
• Quarterly monitoring of production and productivity outcomes is conducted and information used to inform the corresponding quarterly reports.
• PSRP reports from the GMCs are submitted quarterly.
• At least four success stories are produced, i.e. at least one during each quarter.
• Monthly field monitoring visit reports are produced.

Provide technical support to producer organizations to set up effective extension coordination and management structures at the grassroots level (15%)

• Support FOABs to set up robust extension systems that effectively serve smallholder farmers to increase production and productivity.
• Work with input service providers and distributors to ensure that they deliver training and quality services to farmers including feeds, equipment and breeding services.
• In collaboration with the business advisor, support FOABs to implement sustainable feed systems and animal health delivery systems.
• Submit timely weekly, monthly and quarterly reports indicating progress for each of the targeted producer organizations.
• Participate in FOABs’ business review meetings. i. Extension Coordination Structures are functional in the 25 hubs (producer organizations) by the end of the first year.
• 25 FOABs have functional extension subcommittees and coordinating extension activities.
• 25 FOABs are implementing efficient breeding and feeding plans.
• Each of the 25 FOABs have a functional system for the delivery of feeds and animal health services.
• A feed delivery system is developed to service 40,000 farmers in the project area by the end of the second year.
• Progress reports are submitted on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis, within the expected schedule.

Planning and Reporting (5%)

• Prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly workplans for implementing in line with the project operational plans and submit them within the expected timelines.
• Participate in compiling donor reports as requested.
• Annual, quarterly, monthly and weekly work plans are produced and shared with the Project Manager.
• Well prepared weekly, monthly, quarterly and semi-annual reports are submitted to the project coordinator on schedule.

Any other tasks assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the fields of veterinary medicine, animal science or other comprehensive livestock production and health related field, plus three (3) years’ experience in commercial poultry production, value chain competitiveness, or agriculture development.
• Demonstrated experience in setting robust and sustainable extension systems for producer organizations. This requirement is in line with the need to have in built ‘exit strategies’ within the project as a measure of ensuring that there are self-sustaining businesses by project end.
• Significant experience in supporting producer organizations to increase poultry production and productivity.
• Clear understanding of the poultry value chain and values-based model
• Experience in delivering extension services to smallholder and medium scale farmers
• Innovative, analytical, and solutions oriented
• Strong farmer mobilization skills
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement strategies aimed at providing institutional capacity building to producer organizations with a view to build a more efficient, competitive, and sustainable poultry industry
• Knowledge of income and expense budget preparation and monitoring
• A good understanding of and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger and the environment, and knowledge of the context in which non-profit organizations operate
• Demonstrated knowledge of the latest developments in advancing good/best practices in poultry productivity improvement and poultry value chain development that reaches women, youth, and the underprivileged
• Excellent organizational skills including strong attention to detail
• Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail (Microsoft Office preferred) and Internet
• Knowledge of and experience with developing private/public partnerships at the district level
• Demonstrated proficiency in English and other local languages, both oral and written

NB: Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

• Preparing and presenting documents in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail
• Ability to understand, appreciate and implement Heifer’s Values-Based Holistic Community Development model
• Demonstrated creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness and ability to incorporate innovative solutions and design catalytic activities within the production segment of the poultry value chain (e.g. the concept of business development service provision)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work cooperatively, tactfully and diplomatically with culturally diverse groups of people
• Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the general public
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally
• May require constant sitting; working at a computer and focusing for extended periods and performing office environment activities while on the road and/or in remote conditions
• Ability to manage and execute multiple tasks with little supervision while meeting inflexible deadlines
• Ability to work with smallholder farmers in rural settings while appreciating the dynamics of the rural extension system
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality