Livestock Livelihoods Program Specialist

Mercy Corps works amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against impossible odds. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1 billion in assistance to people in 82 nations.

Supported by headquarters offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, the agency's unified global programs employ 3,500 staff worldwide and reach 9 million people in more than 40 countries.

Over the last five years, more than 90 percent of the agency's resources have been allocated directly to programs that help people in need.

Mercy Corps Kenya is currently responding to the drought by increasing access to affordable water in Wajir County, northeast Kenya. The Emergency Drought Response in Northeastern, Kenya will provide immediate emergency, rebuild the livelihoods of target communities and build the capacity of local organizations involved in the implementation of the program.

The proposed program integrates the principles of response to immediate needs, restoration of livelihoods, and capacity building for long-term recovery.

In our continued response to emergency and disaster, Mercy Corps seeks an experienced Livestock Livelihoods Program Specialist for our Wajir Drought Response and Early Recovery Program in North Eastern Kenya.

Position: Livestock Livelihoods Program Specialist

Program/Department Summary:

For our Relief and Recovery for Northern Kenya’s Drought-Affected Population and Livestock Economy (ReKNDLE) program, Mercy Corps seeks an experienced Livestock Livelihoods Program Officer.

The program integrates the principles of response to immediate needs, restoration of livelihoods, and capacity building for long-term recovery.

General Position Summary:

The Livestock Livelihoods Program Specialist is overall responsible for the day to day implementation of the livestock component of ReKNDLE in Wajir County.

The Program Specialist will work closely both with management and support staff (including finance, administration and program) in the Wajir Office to ensure the day to day activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality.

The Program Specialist Reports directly to the Program Manager with written and oral activity and budget reports.

The Program Specialist will assist the Program Manager in outlining a strategic plan for the implementation of this program including identifying target areas/projects, methods of operation for effective programming and maximum results.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist the Program Manager and M&E team in conducting survey, make recommendations on needs and vulnerability of beneficiary populations;
• Work collaboratively with and other project stakeholders in designing and implementing an integrated program using participatory methodology;
• Supervise the day to day implementation of activities of the program such as slaughter destocking, animals-for-work, animal feed vouchers, de-worming tablets, livestock vaccination and animal management trainings;
• Foster a collaborative team atmosphere which engages the stakeholders;
• Develop working relationship and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies active in livestock livelihoods;
• Conduct regular progress meeting with beneficiaries and other stakeholders including local authorities, INGOs, and Local NGOs;
• Manage and training of field supervisors and monitors;
• Prepare regular report on project status;
• Conduct regular needs assessment and prepare communication materials;
• Document program success stories regularly;
• 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;
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility: Two Field Assistant 1’s

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Program Manager

Works Directly With: M&E Specialist, Program Team, Operations

Knowledge and Experience:

• University degree in social science, animal health, livestock marketing or other relevant subjects;
• Minimum three years experience in project implementation and field supervision in livestock livelihoods;
• Robust technical knowledge on livestock livelihoods in Northern Kenya, preferably in Northeastern Province;
• Analytical and report writing skills required;
• Proficiency with excel databases required;
• Experience with Logical Framework Analysis and Participatory Rural Appraisal required;
• Proficiency in oral and written English and Kiswahili required, Somali language skills preferred.

Success Factors:

• Commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design and implementation;
• Creative ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking and dedication to high-quality program implementation;
• Knowledge and understanding of Somali society;
• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks and keep to deadlines;
• Strong team player and communicator;
• Willing to interact effectively with international and national personnel and other partners.

Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a current or/and previous supervisor) to hr@ke.mercycorps.org or delivered to Mercy Corps office in Wajir, Airport Road (former VSF office) on or before 16th August, 2012 4.00 p.m.

Applicants must clearly indicate on the email subject the position that she/he is applying for i.e. “Application for the position of Livestock Livelihoods Program Specialist”.

Applications without a subject heading will be disqualified. Please do not attach any certificates.

Only qualified short-listed candidates will be contacted