BANGLADESH
Job Title:  Team Leader, Livestock Productivity
Job Family: Programs
Salary Grade:  
Division/Dept.: Programs / Asia/South Pacific
Reports to: Program Manager
Supervision: Employees
Location:  Project Office; Khulna, Bangladesh   
Job Level:  Manager
Travel Required: Minimum 25% Annually
Application due date: November 7, 2014
Start date:  TBD (the position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding)

FUNCTIONS:

Heifer International is seeking a Livestock Productivity Team Leader (LPTL) for an upcoming five-year USAID-funded project in Bangladesh. With direction from the Senior Program Manager, the LPTL will lead the technical implementation of interventions intended to increase livestock (dairy and meat) productivity to improve the nutritional status of rural households in 20 Districts within the USAID/ Feed the Future (FTF) Zone of influence in Dhaka, Khulna, and Barisal Divisions. S/he should have competence and extensive past experience in promoting fodder production and livestock productivity, animal health strategies, and community mobilization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
In close collaboration with the Senior Program Manager and the Project Team, the LPTL will:

  • Facilitate the capacity building of livestock farmers on fodder production, feed formulation, housing, breeding through AI, vaccination/treatment and overall management for improving production and productivity.
  • Ensure the adoption of improved variety of fodder and forage production, especially saline tolerant varieties and innovative methods for the utilization of fallow lands.
  • Support Community Agro-Veterinary Entrepreneurs (CAVEs) through capacity development to facilitate livestock production and fodder cultivation.
  • Support CAVEs and project partners to mobilize for participation in livestock activities such as best practice field days, animal health camp, restocking, destocking etc.
  • Facilitate the conduct of Farmer Field Schools to promote the adoption and scaling-up of innovative and appropriate technologies for cattle fattening and dairy production.
  • Facilitate data collection and analysis on livestock-based information, especially on growth and production monitoring for strengthening production systems.
  • Create linkages and good working relationships with other local and national stakeholders including Department of Livestock Services (DLS) and the private sector involved in livestock programming through sharing of experiences and best practices.
  • Establish coordination to ensure effective delivery of inputs from actors and technical mentoring and financial services from service providers for strengthening the milk and beef value chains.
  • Coordinate with other project team members to address the issue of nutritional knowledge and behavior.
  • Coordinate with Government livestock departments and BLRI to contribute to policy advocacy in national strategies and priorities to strengthen veterinary services in the southwestern region.
  • Facilitate the process of business plan development for livestock producers and Cooperative/Farmers Association to strengthen the production and services of Milk Collection Centres (MCCs) and establish linkage with private sector-operated dairy hub(s).
  • Prepare quarterly progress reports.

Qualifications and Competencies:

  • Minimum educational qualification of a Master’s degree in Animal Sciences/DVM.
  • Must have a minimum of 5 years or more proven successful experience in programme development in promoting fodder production and livestock productivity in Bangladesh.
  • Should have successful experience with USAID-funded projects/programs.
  • Familiarity with USAID development policies regarding animal production and/or agricultural sector promotion.
  • Strong knowledge of capacity building approaches for animal health and production, and for community organizations.
  • Should have demonstrated strong management and organizational skills.
  • Strong working experience in cross-cultural teams.
  • Ability and willingness to work with flexible schedules and tight deadlines.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

  • Knowledge of and experience in agriculture, livelihood, and women empowerment programs.
  • Knowledge of and experience with or within community organizations.
  • Fluent in national language/s and English, spoken as well as written.
  • Have an interest in community development.
  • Skills with Microsoft Office package, internet browser, and other appropriate technology.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

  • Motivated to work responsibly with little supervision
  • Ability to meet and deal with others in a courteous and tactful manner
  • Demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity
  • Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the general public
  • Constant sitting, standing and walking, with occasional bending and lifting; may work at a computer for extended periods of time
  • Ability and willingness to work with a flexible schedule
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively, both locally and internationally
  • Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork and cooperation
  • Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity

Remuneration: Negotiable

Heifer International Bangladesh invites application from qualified individuals. The candidates are to visit the website at: www.heiferbangladesh.org to get job application format. Please submit your application with cover letter addressing to Country Director to info.bangladesh@heifer.org on or before November 7, 2014.