DescriptionWhy RTI RTI International (RTI) is both a global research institute and a leading international development organization based out of North Carolina. At RTI, you will find work you believe in, tackling some of the most complex global challenges of our time. Our mission is to impact the wellbeing of 1 billion people by 2030 through science-based solutions in climate, education, health, and equity. Our staff promote meaningful change around the world helping people live healthier, more productive, and more independent lives. If you are looking for an opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you. Join us in our commitment to teamwork, belonging, and the passion to change the world. About the Hiring Group RTI's International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. RTI leverages its experience in designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to build resilience and prosperity and promote economic growth and security around the world. Project Description. The purpose of the Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture activity is to increase access to healthy diets, particularly for women and children, by improving competitiveness, inclusiveness, and resilience of the Ethiopian food and agriculture system. The project scope targets private sector partnerships engaged in a market systems approach to strengthening the Ethiopian food system. The project collaborates with the Ministry of Agriculture and many other agencies and USAID programs to leverage resources and achieve impact at scale. Position Description. The Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture Activity is seeking a Livestock Specialist. The Livestock g Specialist will be responsible for ensuring implementation of Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture activities related to the development of livestock in mixed farming and pastoral systems, with a particular focus on dairy, poultry, and small ruminant (sheep and goat) value chains across the different project target regions in Ethiopia. The Livestock Specialist will contribute to the development of the domestic livestock feed industry through market analysis and technical assistance and provide support to private sector investors and associations. He/she will provide technical expertise in the development of the feed production (concentrate feed and forage), feed processing and distribution systems that will provide livestock producers with sufficient quality feed to enable them to establish larger scale and more profitable operations โ feed lots, poultry farms, dairy farms, and forage production.. The Livestock Specialist will report to the Senior Livestock Market Systems Manager. What You'll Do Your primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to: In collaboration with the Senior Manager, provide technical backstopping support for regional livestock specialists. Strengthen commercial relationships between livestock producers and their input suppliers, buyers, and cooperatives. Act as an engagement manager for selected assigned livestock grantees/subcontracts/consultancies. Oversee successful design, implementation, and closeout of assigned partners with an emphasis on the quality of their deliverable based on the milestones and timelines set by the activity. Support and strengthen milk processors and milk collection centers to increase their capacity in terms of volume and value by upgrading technical and business practices. Support commercial forage seed multipliers and forage growers and link them with dairy processors and dairy producers through embedded services. Support livestock actors to get more accurate, timely, and readily available market information that will ultimately increase producersโ ability to meet market specifications for quality, safety, and other product characteristics. Facilitate access to finance for livestock actors. Strengthen and facilitate business development services for livestock MSMEs engaged in dairy, poultry, and small ruminant, forage and commercial concentrate feed businesses. Increase product innovation and value addition to improve the convenience and desirability of animal source foods. Strengthen the enabling environment for livestock. Contribute to livestock market system and food system project learnings. Coach and develop the team on livestock-related matters in a manner that is open and respectful, encourages professional development, and solicits constructive staff input. Any duties and responsibilities assigned by his/her immediate supervisor. What You'll Need Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of experience, Masterโs degree and 3 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree should be in animal and veterinary sciences, livestock management, or another relevant field. At least three (3) years of relevant experience in the livestock and forage sectors required. Prior experience working on the Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture activity preferred. Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrate technical experience in designing and implementation of different values chains related to livestock. Experience working with smallholder livestock producers in different agroecology and high potential dairy producing areas. Experience in training extension agents and farmers by organizing and facilitating through training and field days. Experience in working with different partners and farmers, demonstrating effective communication and professionalism with people of different backgrounds and viewpoints. Ability to travel extensively in rural Ethiopia. Professional fluency in English (both spoken and written) and strong command of Amharic is required, additional local language is a plus. Ability to communicate effectively. Strong interpersonal and written and oral presentation skills
ResponsibilitiesYour primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to: In collaboration with the Senior Manager, provide technical backstopping support for regional livestock specialists. Strengthen commercial relationships between livestock producers and their input suppliers, buyers, and cooperatives. Act as an engagement manager for selected assigned livestock grantees/subcontracts/consultancies. Oversee successful design, implementation, and closeout of assigned partners with an emphasis on the quality of their deliverable based on the milestones and timelines set by the activity. Support and strengthen milk processors and milk collection centers to increase their capacity in terms of volume and value by upgrading technical and business practices. Support commercial forage seed multipliers and forage growers and link them with dairy processors and dairy producers through embedded services. Support livestock actors to get more accurate, timely, and readily available market information that will ultimately increase producersโ ability to meet market specifications for quality, safety, and other product characteristics. Facilitate access to finance for livestock actors. Strengthen and facilitate business development services for livestock MSMEs engaged in dairy, poultry, and small ruminant, forage and commercial concentrate feed businesses. Increase product innovation and value addition to improve the convenience and desirability of animal source foods. Strengthen the enabling environment for livestock. Contribute to livestock market system and food system project learnings. Coach and develop the team on livestock-related matters in a manner that is open and respectful, encourages professional development, and solicits constructive staff input. Any duties and responsibilities assigned by his/her immediate supervisor
QualificationBachelor's Degree and 5 years of experience, Masterโs degree and 3 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree should be in animal and veterinary sciences, livestock management, or another relevant field. At least three (3) years of relevant experience in the livestock and forage sectors required. Prior experience working on the Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture activity preferred. Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrate technical experience in designing and implementation of different values chains related to livestock. Experience working with smallholder livestock producers in different agroecology and high potential dairy producing areas. Experience in training extension agents and farmers by organizing and facilitating through training and field days. Experience in working with different partners and farmers, demonstrating effective communication and professionalism with people of different backgrounds and viewpoints. Ability to travel extensively in rural Ethiopia. Professional fluency in English (both spoken and written) and strong command of Amharic is required, additional local language is a plus. Ability to communicate effectively. Strong interpersonal and written and oral presentation skills