Livestock Specialist – Mogadishu

Job Details

Description

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Conduct periodic need assessment and prepare activity papers and documentations
2. Maintain close working relationship with local authorities, INGOs and Local NGOs
3. Foster a collaborative team atmosphere which engages the stakeholders.
4. Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not to jeopardize its humanitarian mission
5. Adhere to MC policies, tools, handbooks and guidelines
6. Assist with the implementation of the SEAM II Program – Livestock Sector and other program portfolios according to plan of action
7. Prepare and develop status reports as required by management and supervisor in the area of duty station
8. Ensure proper filing of documents
9. Representations at cluster meetings at the field level.
10. Promote and share ideas for improvement of the program unit
11. Field data information and data collection to inform program design and planning
12. Support the implementation of the activities under the AFS Sector, particularly the livestock related activities in SEAM Program.
13. Document good practices and lessons, testimonies and stories for program learning from field visits, surveys and assessments that have been done
14. Work with all MC staff to compile all program related documentations for SEAM Program coverage areas in the South-Central of Somalia as may be required from time to time.
15. Perform any other assigned duty by Mercy Corps Somalia.

STRATEGY & VISION

• Review existing program strategies and approaches based on changing contexts. Work with Program Manager to ensure linkages with other sector strategies (NFI, Food Security, Livelihoods, WASH and Protection)
• Design viable strategies that are both respectful with the local culture and sensitive towards the population.

IMPLEMENTATION AND PROGRAM COORDINATION

• Work with MEAL Team (Officers and Manager) to develop needs assessment tools and strategies, and train and supervise staff through field surveys and assessments.
• Contribute to building the capacity of Mercy Corps staff, as well as project stakeholders.
• Develop project work plans related to livestock with HQ Technical Support Unit (TSU) as needed; communicate to Program Manager.
• Ensure the tracking, monitoring and quality reporting of all livestock interventions.
• Complete budget pipeline planning, monitoring and monthly follow up in coordination with the Program Manager.
• Supervise and monitor the implementation of livestock activities, together with other program team members, ensuring that all activities are compliant with the grant and Mercy Corps requirements. Prepare subsequent reports.
• Work with Program Manager and Director of Programs to identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, and other stakeholders.

PROGRAM IMPACT AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Prepare procurement plans based on project cycle for livestock and animal health works; ensure all PRs are accurately prepared and submitted on time.
• Manage grant budget lines related to technical area of specialization (livestock and animal health), including preparation of monthly projections.
• Work with MEL Unit to measure outcome indicators and outputs to determine the success of interventions.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Provide team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Hire, orient and lead team members as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Veterinary Medicine or related field.
• 5 years in a relief setting with livestock and animal health management or managerial experience; from starting up programs to working in emergency and transitional contexts.
• Experience in complex and complicated settings with time sensitive deliverables in unstable environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and communicate effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.
• Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.
• Training in humanitarian response preferred.
• Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving.
• Knowledge of participatory approaches and community sensitization and mobilization.
• Good knowledge of program implementation, monitoring and evaluation techniques and practices.
• Good knowledge and experience regarding gender mainstreaming.
• Good computer applications skills.
• Knowledge of M&E and the major evaluation methodologies (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies.
• Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies.
• Experience in planning and managing surveys.
• Experience in developing and refining data collection tools.
• Experience in managing and providing training to partners and target beneficiaries.
• Ability to effectively represent Mercy Corps and its interests to key stakeholders including host governments, and national and international NGOs.
• Excellent oral and written English skills required.