Description
Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. The Organization Since 1944, Heifer International has supported more than 36 million Smallholder Farmer (SHF) families globally to lift themselves out of hunger and poverty while caring for the earthโin partnership with the communities we serve, including youth and women. Heifer International is now accelerating its strategic approaches to closing the Sustainable Living Income (SLI) gap for 10 million additional SHF households globally by 2030 using the Sustainable Locally Led Development (SLLD) approach. Key Purpose of Department
Support Smallholder Livestock Production and Productivity for Better Incomes and Nutrition.Support the Ministry and PMU in establishing and strengthening Livestock Farmers Field Schools (LFFSs).Support the selection and training of Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs), and provide TOT training on CAHWs.Support the SLLDP implementers in the review, update, and development of LFFS training modules to suit the Sierra Leone context.Conduct Training of Trainers (TOT) for MAFFS staff to cascade livestock extension knowledge in animal health and service provisions.Provide technical guidance and capacity building related to animal health on restocking sheep and chickens, including developing restocking guidelines and supporting procurement procedures.Facilitate the establishment of Community-Based Breeding Programs (CBBPs), including training for MAFFS and SLARI staff to ensure that there is critical mass of local experts to carry the task in future.Enhance Livestock Service Delivery and Input Supply through building the capacity of the PMU and MAFFS in assessing current livestock service delivery and input supply systems, providing strategic recommendations for improvement.Build the technical capacity of the MAFFS in designing and implementing an animal health care service delivery model โ i.e. transitioning the CAHWs model on to Community Agro-vet Entrepreneurs (CAVEs).Support the SLLDP implementers in forging partnerships with academic institutions and stakeholders for animal health.Provide technical support and build the capacity of MAFFS and the PMU in developing technical packages, training manuals, and business plans to promote consumption of animal-sourced food.Provide Technical Assistance (TA) and Policy Support by supporting the PMU in upgrading the Program Implementation Manual (PIM) and providing TA to improve livestock-related policy frameworks.Provide support and guidance to the PMU of the SLLDP in the development of the Livestock Master Plan (LMP) for Sierra Leone.Facilitate South-South technical cooperation for animal health innovation and capacity building to build a technically strong staff in the SLLDP.Key Purpose of Job The Consultant will be responsible for providing comprehensive technical assistance and coordination in areas related to livestock health and services. Their role will involve delivering strategic support through both technical assistance and capacity building to enable government staff to effectively plan and implement activities under the Sierra Leone Livestock and Livelihoods Development Program (SLLDP). The aim is to enhance the adoption of improved animal management practices, productivity standards, and animal health measures, all of which contribute to ensuring high-quality products.Under the supervision of the Team Lead for Technical Assistance (TA), the Consultant will work closely with the SLLDP Project Management Unit (PMU) to provide technical guidance to the teams at the cluster level. This will include offering support in the implementation of the SLLDP, with a strong emphasis on technical assistance and capacity building. The Consultant will also be responsible for consolidating field data and evidence to measure and support the impact achieved. Essential Character Traits Critical for Success Include
Demonstrated experience in training and capacity building for extension workers and farmers.Experience in establishing or strengthening animal health service systems, including CAHW and Paravet programs.Proven expertise in animal production systems, including breeding, health, and nutrition.Strong understanding of livestock extension systems, value chains, and livestock sector policies.Competence in developing and reviewing training materials for field schools.Experience with monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment of livestock programs.Ability to work with government and development partners to design and implement livestock programs.Responsibilities and Deliverables A. Coordinate all SLLDP livestock and livestock health-related activities and provide technical leadership and guidance to the PMU and the field experts (30%)
Lead the planning, implementation, and reporting of animal health and production activities in the project area.Maintain and update databases of project beneficiaries, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records based on animal health training attendance sheets.Provide regular, time-sensitive project information to the PMU and the TA project team lead on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual basis.Ensure the timely and efficient selection and delivery of livestock, livestock services, and related inputs.Supervise and assess the effectiveness of field veterinary service delivery and disease control efforts.Review and approve annual, monthly, quarterly, and semester technical reports from field technicians.B. Support and provide oversight of livestock producer hubsโ establishment as well as veterinary and extension services delivery (20%)
Support the recruitment of Community Agro-vet Entrepreneurs (CAVEs) and mentor project teams and management committees.Coordinate the supply of quality veterinary services, equipment, vaccines, and medicines through the hubs.Facilitate the engagement of the private sector to enhance veterinary and extension service provision.Develop plans for integrating animal health practices and innovations into extension service delivery.
C. Design and implement necessary capacity building for farmers and SLLDP stakeholders (30%)
Collaborate with technical organizations to create training opportunities and materials, ensuring high-quality content.Participate in the development of training and coaching programs on animal health.Prepare and design training curricula and materials on animal health and contribute to training materials on husbandry and related issues.Provide follow-up support and guidance to trained farmers, project partners, and SLLDP staff.Mobilize CAVEs and technical experts for improving livestock management practices and ensure ongoing coaching and guidance.D. Representation and Stakeholder Management (15%)
Represent the project in cluster-level meetings, PMU, and other relevant events.Ensure strong, ongoing relationships with collaborative organizations at the district level, reporting any critical issues to the Project Manager.Share cluster work plans and reports with the districtโs SLLDP Implementation Unit (SPIU) and collaborative organization representatives.Participate in regular meetings and events related to the project, ensuring continuous communication with stakeholders.E. Other Assigned Functions (5%)
Perform additional duties as assigned by the TA Team Lead or their designee to support the overall success of the project, including deliverables required from the possible engagement with Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).Minimum Requirements
A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree in veterinary science.At least 7 years of experience in veterinary health, particularly in smallholder livestock production.Most Critical Proficiencies
Livestock Health and Production: In-depth understanding of livestock health issues, breeding programs, and productivity enhancement techniques.Training and Capacity Building: Ability to design and deliver effective training programs for both local farmers and extension workers.Strategic Planning: Competence in program design, implementation, and scaling, particularly for smallholder livestock systems.Monitoring and Evaluation: Strong skills in developing and using M&E tools to assess program outcomes.Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and private sector actors.An excellent team player with the ability to work with diverse cultural groups.Provide technical support and guidance for livestock-related interventions, including breeding, nutrition, health, and service delivery.Develop and update training modules tailored to local needs.Coordinate and facilitate workshops, field visits, and training sessions.Work closely with the Program Management Unit (PMU) and other stakeholders to refine program approaches and ensure alignment with national strategies.Contribute to the development of policy recommendations and technical packages. Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands
Ability to travel frequently to rural areas and field sites in Sierra Leone.Extended periods of outdoor work, including site assessments, training, and community engagement activities.Capacity to work in challenging and remote environments with limited infrastructure. Key Behavioural Competencies
AccountabilityProfessional ExcellenceHumilityCustomer OrientationEmpathyInnovationDeadline for Applications: 18th July 2025
