PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Since February 2020, Mercy Corps has been implementing Building Resilience in Affected Communities (BRAC) in South Kordofan state. The aim of the program is for women, men, girls and boys in vulnerable households to have increased resilience to economic, social and climate related shocks and stressors through improved access to gender responsive basic services and increased agricultural production. By improving access to equitable improved climate-adapted agricultural skills and inputs as well as access to financial, WASH and protection services then households the BRAC programs aims to have improved food security and income, health and nutrition outcomes, gender equitable relations and resilience to future shocks and stresses.

[Describe overview of job missioGENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps is looking for an experienced, qualified, practical, and solution-oriented person to fill the position of FSL Assistant -Livestock. Reporting to the Program Manager, this is a technical position aiming at promoting increased productivity of livestock for men, women, boys and girls in livestock market systems and at household and community levels. He/she is responsible for, designing and or reviewing livestock sector strategy and implementing all livestock activities in consultation with the program manager and other colleagues. S/he represents the Mercy Corps to authorities, humanitarian agencies and other stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program Management:

• Lead or participate in assessments, research and studies to gather information and carry out analyses in the livestock sector to inform strategies, activities and track progress of indicators at various levels.
• Initiate planning for short, medium and longer-term livestock sector activities and strategies
• Effectively coordinate with the community mobilization team in identifying communities where livestock support activities could increase livelihood security and bring about long-term positive changes.
• Advise the program manager on the types of livestock that adapt better to the environment and which inputs which bring about the most positive changes in the livestock keepers’ lives.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to farmers on how to improve breeding of livestock and how to improve animal productivity including improved husbandry practices, feedings and disease management.
• Lead the implementation of a subsidy mechanism which will enable farmers to access inputs, improved breeds, feeds and equipment at a subsidized price and lead to better market integration.
• Support suitable entrepreneurs to establish viable livestock feed businesses and or livestock agrovet shops.
• Support public livestock support systems such as livestock officers and community health workers to ensure adequate support for livestock farmers and build capacity of community animal health works to strengthen the provision of services to livestock keepers.
• Supervise the distribution of poultry in communities ensuring that this falls under the general strategy of the community mobilization team in that community.
• In conjunction with the agri-enterprise team advise livestock owners, support farmers and beneficiaries of the program how to look for new markets for their products.
• Coordinate with the veterinarian services program activities keeping them inform about the progress.
• Conduct regular meetings with livestock owners to track progress, understand their needs and opportunities for improvement of the livestock sector.
• Develop and or review training materials and approaches deliver capacity building for livestock keepers and feed sellers to ensure continuous improvements and social behavioral change.
• Participate in the design of project activities, monitoring systems, work planning etc. and capacity building activities for partners and livestock keepers.
• Develop, testing and roll out Behavior Change Communication (BCC) materials on improved livestock keepings practices and improved livestock productivity.
• Carryout and oversee awareness raising and capacity-building training activities and support the development of messaging on livestock production.
• Identify and report success stories and document best practices and lessons learned
• Assess and generate data for rapid livestock and context analysis in programmes’ sub-districts
• Prepare (on-going) livestock production risk assessments, mitigation methods and action plans, and ensure implementation and consistent documentation of action plans
• Develop strategies to enhance better utilization of available and potential animal feed resources and facilitate training of good feeding and nutritional practices.
• Supports and coordinate with MEAL Officers for baseline surveys, post-distribution and other monitoring activities.
• Provide regular reports and updates to the program manager, sector leads and external stakeholders regarding progress, foreseen shocks and stresses etc.
• Submits monthly reports to track the beneficiary numbers regarding information dissemination and activities

Collaboration, Networking, Representation and Coordination

• Maintain good coordination and working relationships and soliciting participation in activities where appropriate and as directed to create synergy, share experiences and obtain support for program objectives.
• On PM’s guidance, coordinate and share information with relevant stakeholders (government, NGOs etc) and obtain their support for meaning participation, access to resources and decision making by women
• Represent Mercy Corps and the program in FSL Working Groups and other local FSL forums and GBV working group meetings on behalf of the Programme Manager.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission. Respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Support the monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL) and reporting on the FSL thematic area by ensuring formulation of relevant indicators, participating in assessments, surveys and ensuring appropriate analysis.
• Work closely with the MEL team to capture data for measuring output, outcome and impact
• Conduct monitoring visits to assess the effectiveness of program activities and adjust as required.
• Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports that are indicative of program progress. Respond to queries when necessary and maintain a proper filing system as required
• Provide follow up on recommendations and solutions where there are problems in implementation.

 Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Organizational Learning 

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
  to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Do This

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None but oversees the work of the national NGO partner                                              

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports directly to:   Program Manager

Works directly with: Gender officer, protection officer, FSL Assistants- Agriculture, WASH officers, program manager and Support Departments, (Finance, Operations, Logistics & Human resources) and other MC staff.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:

• A degree in livestock production, animal production or closely related field is required.
• At least 3 years of experience in livestock production, animal husbandry management, experience in formulation and implementation of agriculture-related projects
• Familiarity with national livestock sector strategies, tools and approaches is required
• Good negotiation, representation, skills and the ability to work comfortably with a vast audience
• Experience of gender dynamics in target areas and knowledge of national gender policy frameworks
• Demonstrated commitment to women’s rights, human rights and social justice
• Proven skills in networking, collaboration, community consultation; teamwork and problem-solving.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English and Arabic and representation skills is required
• Good computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Word, Excel and Power Point
• Commitment to working with program participants in need regardless of race, religion or gender

SUCCESS FACTORS:

An ability to support programmatic objectives, willingness to work in rural areas, analytical, creative problem solving, negotiation, coaching and mentorship abilities. Should have a strong capacity to influence mindsets and drive behavior change. A strong results orientation, good interpersonal skills and an impeccable professional person with clear ethical standards and willing to comply with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures.