- Background and Context
VSF Germany is an international Non Governmental Organization, providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to pastoralists and vulnerable communities in areas where livestock is of importance. In the region, VSF Germany implements activities in southern Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania and Ethiopia.
With support in animal health, agriculture, marketing, food safety but also with developing the capacity of communities and governmental institutions or initiating peace and conflict resolution we work towards food security and strengthened livelihoods of pastoralist communities.
FAO in collaboration with VSF-Germany is implementing an EU funded thirty months development programs for the meat processing, marketing and export sector in Puntland (PL) and in Somaliland (SL). The goal is to render the Somali meat export industry competitive at international level. In Phase II of the project, the diagnostic capacity of the public sector will be strengthened through further training of laboratory technicians both on the job and institutions identified regionally and supporting with materials, equipments and reagents. Local testing of microbial samples and contaminants at critical control points and setting a firm foundation for the bacteriological monitoring, at least three microbial surveys using rapid microbial ATP assays will be carried out in each region. The Project intends to assist both Commercial Slaughterhouses located in Burao and Galkaio cities in setting up a quality control system using the public Laboratories already equipped in the first phase of SomMeat I.
Objectives of the consultancy 1.To assist the Ministry of Livestock, Environment and Rural Development in Somaliland and the Ministry of Livestock and Animal Husbandry in Puntland to identify for the sustainable operation of Veterinary Laboratory facilities in Hargeisa (Somaliland), and Galkaio (Puntland). 2.To undertake on-the-job –training of laboratory technicians in Somaliland and Puntland to enable them to routinely carry out basic laboratory procedures for processing and testing of samples for bacteriology. 3.To assist the laboratory personnel to develop work plans and undertake field visits for the collection of samples for laboratory testing.
Tasks for the consultant: The consultant will be expected to perform the following tasks: • Hold consultations with laboratory staff to explore options for ensuring continued operations of veterinary laboratory services. • Carry out an accurate assessment of the capacity of the central veterinary laboratory to undertake veterinary diagnostic services (Hematology, bacteriology, parasitological and serology). • Assess the training needs of the central veterinary laboratory in the area of bacteriology. • Prepare a training strategy and work plans for carrying out the assignment. • Provide training in good laboratory practice, sample handling and storage and offer in-house refresher training of laboratory staff based on the needs assessed under bacteriology. • Guide laboratory personnel in the planning and implementation of laboratory work schedules. • Guide the laboratory personnel to prepare work plans for field visits for the collection of samples for bacteriological testing. • Assist in the routine testing of field samples from slaughterhouses and the field. • Guide the laboratory staff in analysis of laboratory results and in preparation of reports. • • Develop 1 manual for laboratory techniques. • Develop SOPs • Submit the training manuals, progressive and final report on time
Methodology The consultant will prepare a training strategy and work plan for discussion and approval by VSFG Program prior to the start of activities. The consultant will carry out on-the-job training for laboratory staff, evaluate their performance and make recommendations for further training requirements.
Reporting and feedback: The consultant will report to and be supervised by be expected to present the draft training strategy and work plan for approval by the VSFG Program. The consultant will then conduct the training following a time schedule and sequence to be agreed with VSFG, MoL and MoLAH
Time frame and processes • 2 days travel to Hargeisa and Galkaio with desk review • 1 day travel to Nairobi • 2 days Laboratory Orientation, preparation and briefing of training the staff at the laboratories in Hargeisa and Galkaio • 20 days (10 days in each zone) of theoretical, practical, sampling (contact surfaces & equipments using rapid microbial assays and traditional microbiological testing), incubating, result reading, recording and interpretation. • 2 days for finalization of handouts and report. The entire mission should be concluded within 4 weeks.
Qualifications, Experience, Attributes & Skills required • Interested consultants must provide a consultancy firm profile • Attach a financial proposal with per day rates. • Technical implementation proposal • Consultants’ Individual profiles • Minimum experience of 5 years in rural development work with past expertise in Laboratory Technology and
Meat Science. • Excellence in computer knowledge and report writing skills • Knowledge of Somalia background and current pertinent issues • Sensitivity to work in cross-cultural and religious background.
Interested and qualified candidates must submit a technical and financial proposal clearly stating their per day rates, together with all the related standard application documents mentioned under the requirements to the Head of Administration & HR, P.O Box 25653,00603 Nairobi, email Address: admin_hr@vsfg.org or Somalia@vsfg.org. Given the urgency of this consultancy, applicants will be assessed on a continuous basis and may be recruited on short notice.
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