About CNFA and Amalima Loko

CNFA is a US-based non-profit nongovernmental organization (NGO) that works to stimulate economic growth and improve rural livelihoods in the developing world through five core capabilities: (1) Productivity, Food Security and Nutrition; (2) Input Supply and Farm Services; (3) Economic Resilience and Rapid Recovery; (4) Value Chain Development; and (5) Volunteer Technical Assistance. Amalima Loko is a new USAID-funded 5-year program implemented by CNFA and 5 partner organizations which applies community-driven approaches to improve food security, nutrition, and natural resource management in over 80 communal wards in Matabeland North.

Position Summary

CNFA is seeking qualified applicants with significant >5 years' experience in USAID-funded programs to serve as Livestock Coordinator. The Livestock Coordinator will be within the Amalima Loko program structure. S/he will serve as a lead member of the Amalima Loko team overseeing all aspects of livestock production, marketing, financing and program compliance to USAID regulations, S/he will report directly to the Agriculture and Livelihoods Lead.

Location - Lupane or Hwange with travel within Amalima Loko operational areas

Responsibilities

Develop innovative strategies to sustainably increase adoption of proven improved livestock production techniques and practices;

Introduce new and improved context appropriate livestock breeds and breeding approaches that enhance drought resistance, increase productivity and production, improve market returns and improve household nutrition and food security;

Provide training to improve livestock productivity and production including but not limited to nutrition, grazing land management, animal health, breed improvement, marketing with a focus on holistic land use;

Promote household and community-based fodder production schemes to ensure adequate nutrition especially during the dry season;

Promote small livestock (goats, sheep, poultry, pigs) by developing models and approaches that are sustainable and appropriate to the Amalima Loko context;

Promote apiculture and aqua-culture and develop household and community based viable and sustainable models;

Promote indigenous knowledge systems in livestock management;

Work with agro-dealers and input supply companies to develop viable and sustainable livestock input supply models;

Work with agro-dealers and input supply companies to organize input fairs to showcase improved livestock breeds, veterinary drugs as well as tools and livestock handling equipment;

Conduct project site supervision and quality control activities for the program;

Undertaking project related surveys (baseline, process monitoring & post implementation)

Tags agribusiness animal health data collection economic growth farming systems food security gender mainstreaming land management land use livestock natural resource management quality control rural livelihoods value chain

Engage with MEL Manager on program impact data collection and research opportunities

Work closely with Gender Specialist to ensure that gender mainstreaming efforts are a component of all livestock activities;

Work closely with other Program Specialists to ensure integration and promotion of a holistic farming systems approach;

Document activities and production of relevant weekly/monthly, quarterly and progress reports;

Act as the primary liaison with Department of Veterinary services (DVS) and private sector input suppliers and service providers and maintenance of close, transparent and cordial relationships with all other relevant stakeholders in the area of operation;

Complete other duties as necessary and assigned by the Food Security Technical Coordinator.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in relevant field of Economics, Agribusiness/Agriculture and Livestock, master's degree preferred;

Minimum >5 years' experience in designing and implementing agriculture projects in the smallholder sector. Experience with NGOs strongly preferred. USAID and FFP/DFAP/DFSA experience a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirement

Excellent communication skills both written and oral in English and Ndebele is required.

Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate with wide range of stakeholders both verbally and in writing;

Willingness to stay and travel in very harsh and uncomfortable conditions

Minimum >5 years' experience in designing and implementing agriculture projects, preferably in the smallholder sector;

Experience in agriculture productivity and production in a development context within Natural Regions IV and V;

Languages

Fluency in spoken and written English is essential. Basic proficiency in spoken IsiNdebele required. Proficiency in other languages spoken in Matabeleland North a plus.