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POSITION : Project Manager

Description

• The Nigerian Dairy Development Program (NDDP) is geared towards improving the livelihoods of smallholder dairy farmers in Nigeria by improving the productivity of their cattle and integrating them into the formal dairy value chain in Nigeria. The Project also includes a nutrition component and gender component which are geared towards improving nutrition outcomes and promoting women empowerment in smallholder farming communities
• This project is implemented by Sahel Capital Partners & Advisory Ltd. and a consortium of other partners. The project seeks to boost the yields and incomes of smallholder farmers, increase nutrition outcomes and empower women involved in agriculture in Africa.
• Role Summary:
• Under the direction of the Project Director, the principal role of the Project Manager will be to ensure timely and high quality project implementation. He/she will be responsible for all aspects of program implementation including, planning, coordination of, management and reporting of project activities, he/she will oversee the project team and the work of a range of sub-grantees and sub-contractors.
• Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Program Implementation:

• Lead the Program Management Office (PMO) of the NDDP under the direction of the Program Director to ensure high quality implementation of the NDDP’s activities.
• Lead the planning of project activities and set high quality performance targets ensuring adherence to technical standards, best practices and donor guidelines.
• Use appropriate project management tools to plan, review and track progress on project, implementation as well as on the utilization of project resources, effective financial management and reporting; use participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles.
• Oversee the activities of all members of the project team
• Manage project coordination within the PMO, with the implementing partners, and other key stakeholders including federal, state and local governments and other entities involved in the program for effective delivery of project activities.
• Set up and coordinate activities of the project’s external technical advisory committee.
• Manage process to award grants to implementing partners and contractors involved in the project. Ensure effective utilization of project funds by grantees. Coordinate and oversees using a participatory style annual planning activities, tracking and reporting against plan.
• Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
• Assist the Project Director in managing effective communication and relationship with the donor organization, the implementing partners and other key stakeholders in the public sector
• Lead the preparation of progress reports (quarterly, annual, final) around updates against plan, key timelines and milestones. Respond to the queries related to project particularly related to technical aspects of the project.
• Lead annual strategic planning exercises in order to develop annual strategic plans, integrated workplans and review. Set up quarterly reporting system involving all key partners, including private companies and contractors.
• Ensure project abides by donor requirements/regulations as well as Sahel’s procedures and policies for compliance, including financial reporting, grant management etc.
• Oversee monitoring progress and evaluation of project activities including financial performances
• Maintain up to date documentation related to project approval, monitoring and implementation.
• Participate in monthly field visits to project sites as per the requirement of the project

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master's degree in relevant field
• At least 7 years of working experience in program management in agriculture, development or food security programs, including developing and managing project plans, financial budgeting and management, reporting
• Experience in managing programs using international standards, including grant provisions and guidelines, proposal formats and reporting requirements
• Strong networks with key stakeholders in the agriculture landscape in both the public, private and development sector. Experience in collaborating and managing relationships with federal and state governments, development organizations, NGOs, private sector and other key stakeholders
• Experience in leading and managing teams
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal and facilitation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Strong program management skills and high level of analytical skills in planning and project implementation
• Ability to be flexible, respond professionally, and establish priorities in often fluid, changing, and challenging situations with little clear guidance is necessary.
• Ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility in managing more than one activity.
• Proficiency in the English language (required), Yoruba, Fulani and Hausa (preferred)
• PMP certification (preferred)

POSITION : Gender Specialist

 Description

• The Nigerian Dairy Development Program (NDDP) is geared towards improving the livelihoods of smallholder dairy farmers in Nigeria by improving the productivity of their cattle and integrating them into the formal dairy value chain in Nigeria.
• The Project also includes a nutrition and gender component which are geared towards improving nutrition outcomes and promoting women empowerment in smallholder dairy communities.
• This project is implemented by Sahel Capital Partners & Advisory Ltd. and a consortium of other partners.
• The project seeks to boost the yields and incomes of smallholder farmers, increase nutrition outcomes and empower women involved in agriculture in Africa.

Role Summary

• The role of the Gender Specialist (GS) is to be the project’s technical advisor on gender and women empowerment issues, as well as to manage and lead the execution of a holistic study that will assess the cultural and social contexts influencing women participation in smallholder dairy and farming communities in Northern and Southern Nigeria.
• He/she will work alongside other critical stakeholders in the project and other project team members to plan and develop gender integration strategies for the project.
• The GS will also manage and lead the execution of a holistic gender study that will assess barriers that women face in dairy producing communities in Northern and Southern Nigeria and propose specific interventions that will address these barriers.
• The gender specialist will also work closely with a wide range of stakeholders at the federal and state ministries of agriculture and women affairs as well as development agencies active in gender related issues to design and implement gender sensitive approaches for enhancing the livelihood of smallholder dairy farmers while yet improving their nutrition.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Sub-Grantee Management: Gender Study:

• In coordination with the NDDP’s Project Management Office (PMO), partner dairy processors, the Nutrition Specialist and the sub-grantee for the gender study, the Gender Specialist will plan, design and lead the execution of the gender study in smallholder farming communities in Northern and Southern Nigeria.
• Together with the sub grantee for the Gender Study, he/she will define key hypotheses for the focus of the analysis, including issues around employment of women in the dairy sector, control of productive assets, women participation in household decision making, access to basic education and health services for women and girls.
• Together with the Nutrition Specialist, oversee the development of harmonized, methodologies, approaches and instruments for conducting the Gender Study.
• Together with the sub grantee for the Gender Study, propose interventions and structures to address barriers that women face in dairy producing communities and to ensure that they continue to maintain a significant control over the proceeds from the sale of their milk and other productive assets related to dairy production.
• Investigate the applicability of proven dairy women empowerment programs such as the East African Dairy Development Project’s Social Capital Development and Dairy Interest Group approaches for the social, cultural and economic settings in Nigeria.
• In coordination with the Project Manager and Nutrition Specialist, oversee the organization of two stakeholder meetings in Lagos and Abuja to share the results of the gender study and obtain buy-in for proposed interventions
• Oversee the development of regular progress reports on the gender studies for the PMO and project funder use.
• Oversee the development of interim and final project reports from the gender studies for onward submission to the project funder and other stakeholders in the public, private and development sectors.
• Assist the Project Manager in the selection, contracting and remuneration of sub-grantees working on the gender study in accordance with donor guidelines.
• Assist the PMO in supporting the implementation of other project activities, including the nutrition component of the program.

Planning, developing and implementing Dairy Development Services:

• Oversee the development and implementation of a gender integration plan in the focal cluster communities.
• Work closely with the PMO and Dairy & Livestock Specialist in designing training modules targeting women farmers to drive production efficiencies as well as designing and trialing interventions as part of the overall gender study that can drive inclusion of women’s organizations in these communities.
• Serve as liaison on women’s issues for high-profile delegations from Government and private sector actors within and outside the dairy industry.
• Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
• Assist the Project Manager and Project Coordinators to develop project strategies, project plans technical capacity building interventions, activities and policies related to implementing the gender components of the NDDP.
• Participate in regular field visits to project sites (up to 50% of the time) to ensure high quality project performance and monitor and track progress against project timelines.
• Support the PMO M&E team and other sub-grantees on the collection and reporting of program results especially with regards to the baseline studies and any gender-related interventions.
• Support the Project Manager in monitoring progress and evaluation of project activities including financial performances.
• Assist the Project Manager in preparation of progress reports (quarterly, annual, final) and respond to the queries related to the gender components of the project.
• Coordinate with federal, state and local governments, communities, project beneficiaries, private sector service providers and suppliers, consultants, and other stakeholders at project level for effective delivery of project activities
• Assist the Project Manager to maintain good relations with project beneficiaries, partner organizations, and other stakeholders
• Oversee the preparation of the results of the gender study in compelling formats for eventual publication on selected platforms.
• Participate in public forum within and outside Nigeria to share and communicate the results of the study to public, private and development sector stakeholders focusing specifically on the dynamics influencing the success of dairy development, gender and nutrition interventions targeted at West Africa.
• Work with the Project Director and Project Manager to develop proposals for a potential 2nd Phase of the NDDP incorporating proposed gender interventions and developing a framework for the implementation of those interventions.

Relationship Management:

• Develop and maintain relations with a wide variety of private, public and international stakeholders working on gender related issues to ensure coordination of activities, support best practices, and build partnerships.
• Build relationships and partnerships with a wide range of Government officials including ministerial directors at the national level, state and local levels, and representatives from multiple ministries at the management, technical and administrative levels.
• Build relationships and partnerships with potential implementing partners as necessary, including meetings at a senior level with key NGO implementing personnel to discuss issues related to the effective implementation and support for potential interventions

Minimum Qualification and Requirements
Candidates should have:

• Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Development Studies, International Development, Sociology, or any other related social science discipline with at least three years of work experience in a similar capacity in Nigeria or West Africa or a Bachelor’s degree in in Gender Studies, Development Studies, Sociology, or any other related social science discipline with at least five-seven years of work experience in programming for women’s development in Nigeria or West Africa.
• Deep understanding of women’s and gender equality issues in Nigeria both at national, state and community levels.
• Familiarity with key policies and stakeholders related to women’s and gender equality issues in Nigeria (local and international governmental and non-governmental actors).
• A substantial understanding of gender equality with knowledge of relevant international and national gender and human rights instruments, conventions and legislation is highly desirable.
• Strong program management skills and high level of analytical skills in planning and project implementation.
• Ability to be flexible, respond professionally, and establish priorities in often fluid, changing, and challenging situations with little clear guidance is necessary.
• Ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility in managing more than one activity.
• An understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of gender mainstreaming strategies and methodologies and of gender dynamics and complexities and cultural issues/constraints in facilitating women’s participation with a particular focus on the agriculture sector in Nigeria.
• Ability to formulate and present expert analyses from personal observations, surveys, journal articles, and other documents, and a demonstrated ability to express views clearly and logically before groups and individuals verbally or in writing.
• Understanding of the social and cultural contexts that underpin Fulani and smallholder farming communities in Nigeria.
• Willingness and enthusiasm for working with rural and vulnerable communities living in remote areas of the country.
• Proficiency in the English language (required) and Yoruba and Hausa (preferred)
• Position based: Lagos (Project Management Office) with 50% travel to project sites across Nigeria as will be required.

POSITION : Nutrition Specialist

 Description

• The Nigerian Dairy Development Program (NDDP) is geared towards improving the livelihoods of smallholder dairy farmers in Nigeria by improving the productivity of their cattle and integrating them into the formal dairy value chain in Nigeria.
• The Project also includes a nutrition component and gender component which are geared towards improving nutrition outcomes and promoting women empowerment in smallholder farming communities.
• This project is implemented by Sahel Capital Partners & Advisory Ltd. and a consortium of other partners.
• The project seeks to boost the yields and incomes of smallholder farmers, increase nutrition outcomes and empower women involved in agriculture in Africa.

Role Summary

• The role of the Nutrition Specialist is to serve as the project’s technical advisor on nutrition activities, as well as to manage and lead the execution of a holistic nutrition study that will assess the nutrition situation in smallholder farming communities in Northern and Southern Nigeria.
• He/she will be required to manage sub-grantees recruited to support the nutrition study which will comprise of a baseline assessment incorporating anthropometric and related health indications to assess malnutrition levels; an in-depth assessment of food basket and consumption patterns among smallholder farming communities to uncover dependencies or causalities influencing the malnutrition situation; testing and investigation of approaches to address malnutrition and influence improved nutrition outcomes and the organization of a stakeholders meeting to obtain buy-in from stakeholders in the government, private and development sectors on the proposed approaches.
• These program activities will be undertaken with dairy products as a central theme.
• The Nutrition Specialist will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders including private sector companies involved in the project, sub-grantees, rural community leaders, development organizations active in nutrition issues, civil service organizations (CSOs) and stakeholders at the federal and state ministries of agriculture and health in Nigeria.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Sub-Grantee Management: Nutrition Study:

• In coordination with the NDDP’s Project Management Office (PMO), partner dairy processors, the Gender Specialist and the sub-grantee for the nutrition study, the Nutrition Specialist will plan, design and lead the execution of the nutrition study in smallholder farming communities in Northern and Southern Nigeria.
• Together with the Gender Specialist, oversee the development of harmonized, methodologies, approaches and instruments for conducting the Nutrition Study.
• In coordination with the Project Manager and Gender Specialist, oversee the organization of two stakeholder meetings in Lagos and Abuja to share the results of the nutrition study and obtain buy-in for proposed nutrition interventions
• Oversee the development of regular progress reports on the nutrition studies for the PMO and project funder use.
• Oversee the development of interim and final project reports from the nutrition studies for onward submission to the project funder and other stakeholders in the public, private and development sectors.
• Assist the Project Manager in the selection, contracting and remuneration of sub-grantees working on the nutrition study in accordance with donor guidelines.
• Assist the PMO in supporting the implementation of other project activities, including the women empowerment component of the program.

Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting:

• Assist the Project Manager and Project Coordinators to develop project strategies, project plans technical capacity building interventions, activities and policies related to implementing the nutrition components of the NDDP.
• Participate in regular field visits to project sites (up to 50% of the time) to ensure high quality project performance and monitor and track progress against project timelines.
• Support the PMO M&E team and other sub-grantees on the collection and reporting of program results especially with regards to the baseline studies and any nutrition-related interventions.
• Support the Project Manager in monitoring progress and evaluation of project activities including financial performances
• Assist the Project Manager in preparation of progress reports (quarterly, annual, final) and respond to the queries related to the nutrition components of the project.
• Coordinate with federal, state and local governments, communities, project beneficiaries, private sector service providers and suppliers, consultants, and other stakeholders at project level for effective delivery of project activities
• Assist the Project Manager to maintain good relations with project beneficiaries, partner organizations, and other stakeholders
• Oversee the preparation of the results of the nutrition study in compelling formats for eventual publication on selected platforms.
• Participate in public forum within and outside Nigeria to share and communicate the results of the study to public, private and development sector stakeholders.
• Work with the Project Director and Project Manager to develop proposals for a potential 2nd Phase of the NDDP incorporating proposed nutrition interventions and developing a framework for the implementation of those interventions.

Relationship Management:

• Develop and maintain relations with a wide variety of private, public and international stakeholders working on malnutrition, agriculture-nutrition and food security related issues to ensure coordination of activities, support best practices, and build partnerships.
• Represent the Project on technical working groups focused on nutrition issues including initiatives such as the Scaling-Up Nutrition (SUN) working group
• Build relationships and partnerships with a wide range of Government officials including ministerial directors at the national level, state and local levels, and representatives from multiple ministries at the management, technical and administrative levels.
• Build relationships and partnerships with potential implementing partners as necessary, including meetings at a senior level with key NGO implementing personnel to discuss issues related to the effective implementation and support for potential interventions

Minimum Qualification and Requirements
Candidates should have:

• Masters Degree in Nutrition, Food Security, Health Science, International Development or other related field with at least five years of work experience in a similar capacity working on food security and nutrition issues in Nigeria or West Africa (Preferred) or
• Bachelors Degree in Nutrition, Food Security, Health Science, International Development or other related field with at least ten years of work experience in related fields, five of which should have been in a similar capacity working on food security and nutrition issues in Nigeria or West Africa.
• Strong program management skills and high level of analytical skills in planning and project implementation
• Ability to be flexible, respond professionally, and establish priorities in often fluid, changing, and challenging situations with little clear guidance is necessary.
• Ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility in managing more than one activity.
• Knowledge of the cultural norms influencing food choices and consumption patterns in Northern and Southern Nigeria.
• Knowledge of international and local stakeholders in Nigeria in the agriculture, health, food aid and nutrition sectors
• Ability to interact directly and independently with senior management of technical partners and senior government officials.
• Ability to formulate and present expert analyses from personal observations, surveys, journal articles, and other documents, and demonstrated ability to express views clearly and logically before groups and individuals verbally or in writing
• Understanding of the social and cultural contexts that underpin Fulani and smallholder farming communities in Nigeria.
• Willingness and enthusiasm for working with rural and vulnerable communities living in remote areas of the country.
• Proficiency in the English language (required) and Yoruba and Hausa (preferred)
• Position based: Lagos (Project Management Office) with frequent travel to project sites across Nigeria, including North as will be required.

POSITION : Project Coordinator- (OYO/KANO)

 Description

• The Nigerian Dairy Development Program (NDDP) is geared towards improving the livelihoods of smallholder dairy farmers in Nigeria by improving the productivity of their cattle and integrating them into the formal dairy value chain in Nigeria.
• The Project also includes a nutrition component and gender component which are geared towards improving nutrition outcomes and promoting women empowerment in smallholder farming communities.
• This project is implemented by Sahel Capital Partners & Advisory Ltd. and a consortium of other partners.
• The project seeks to boost the yields and incomes of smallholder farmers, increase nutrition outcomes and empower women involved in agriculture in Africa.

Role Summary

• Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Coordinators will ensure high quality implementation of the Dairy Development Program in Oyo State.
• The project coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day running of all aspects of program. He/she will lead the planning, coordination of, management and reporting of project activities at the state level, engaging with beneficiaries and partnering processors on the one hand and reporting to Program Management Office (PMO) on the other hand with the objective of achieving project goals.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Program Implementation:

• Coordinate project activities in Oyo state, ensuring adherence to technical standards, best practices and donor guidelines.
• Lead the engagement with the implementing partners, service providers and other key stakeholders including federal, state and local governments and other entities involved in the program’s activities in Oyo state to deliver on the targets for the program
• In coordination with the PMO, the Project Coordinators will facilitate the development of project strategies, plan technical capacity building interventions, activities and policies related to increasing the production and productivity of smallholder dairy farmers.
• The Project Coordinators in collaboration with the D&LS will work with the processors to train local resource persons, leader farmers and community livestock workers to provide capacity building trainings on herd management, dairy nutrition, silage, fodder and feed management, health management etc. with a focus on improving milk production, yields and quality as well as ensuring adequate women representation in capacity building initiatives undertaken as part of the project.
• Support the process of developing a dairy management curriculum among other teaching materials in English and other languages to support the process of delivering training and capacity building support to farmers, extension officers and other stakeholders involved in the project.
• The Program Coordinators with the support of PMO will lead the implementation of other project activities, including the gender and nutrition components of the program in Oyo.
• Maintain good relations with project beneficiaries, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.

Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting:

• Abide by donor requirements/regulations as well as Sahel’s procedures and policies for compliance, including financial, procurement etc.
• Support the program manager in the grant award and management process to implementing partners and contractors involved in the project. Ensure effective utilization of project funds by grantees.
• Support the Program Manager in planning, reviewing and tracking progress on project, implementation as well as on the utilization of project resources, effective financial management and reporting.
• Assist the Program Manager in preparing quarterly and annual progress reports
• Report on follow up, trainings, support provided to groups, monitoring and evaluation activities, livestock and farm productivity at the community level.
• Document success stories and case studies.
• Maintain up to date documentation related to project approval, monitoring and implementation.
• Building daily progress reports into quarterly, annual and final reports and respond to the queries related to project particularly technical aspects of the project.
• Ensure that all project documentation is well organized and easy to access on the portal.

Minimum Qualification and Requirements
Candidates should have:

• A University Degree in Agriculture or related field with 3 years’ relevant experience at field level of community development with a strong understanding of social development
• Strong networks with key stakeholders in the agriculture landscape in both the public, private and development sector. Experience in collaborating and managing relationships with federal and state governments, donors, private sector and other key stakeholders
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, training and facilitation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook
• Excellent personal organizational skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• High level of interpersonal skills with the ability to work across cultures and religions, with strong communication and listening abilities, good problem solving approach and conflict resolution at individual and community level
• Strong program management skills and high level of analytical skills in planning and project implementation
• Ability to be flexible, respond professionally, and establish priorities in often fluid, changing, and challenging situations with little clear guidance is necessary.
• Ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility in managing more than one activity.
• Sound knowledge of local environment
• Willingness and enthusiasm for working with rural and vulnerable communities living in remote areas of the country.
• Proficiency in the English language (required) and Yoruba (preferred)

POSITION : M&E Officer

Description

• The Nigerian Dairy Development Program (NDDP) is geared towards improving the livelihoods of smallholder dairy farmers in Nigeria by improving the productivity of their cattle and integrating them into the formal dairy value chain in Nigeria.
• The Project also includes a nutrition component and gender component which are geared towards improving nutrition outcomes and promoting women empowerment in smallholder farming communities
• This project is implemented by Sahel Capital Partners & Advisory Ltd. and a consortium of other partners.
• The project seeks to boost the yields and incomes of smallholder farmers, increase nutrition outcomes and empower women involved in agriculture in Africa.
• Position is based in Lagos (Project Management Office) with frequent travel to project sites across Nigeria, including the North as will be required.

Role Summary

• Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the M&E Officer will be responsible for designing and implementing the project M&E plan, identifying key information areas, data sources, metrics and indicators to be tracked for each implementing partner.
• He/she will also establish and direct a process for preparing and submitting periodic M&E reports that will inform conversations at the quarterly project progress meetings.
• The M&E officer will also oversee the selection, development and maintenance of a portal to monitor milk supplier involvement, insemination activities, feed supplied, vaccines delivered for the project and will be responsible for the collection and analysis of different data in relation to the project activities.
• Finally, the M&E officer will oversee the end of project evaluation in order to determine to which extent the program has achieved its targets and answered key anchor questions it seeks to answer.
• The M&E Officer will work in close collaboration with project team and operations clusters, Government officials, private sector, non-government and civil society organizations.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Planning, developing and implementing Dairy Development Services:

• Collaborate with the project team to plan, design and implement a baseline study at the beginning of the project.
• Develop M&E plan, including key information areas, data sources, metrics and indicators to be tracked for each implementing partner as well as establishing framework and timelines for preparing and submitting reports. Consult with implementing partners and lead key stakeholder convening to discuss and align on the M&E plan.
• Develop and implement monthly data reporting process for implementing partners. Coordinate with Implementing Partners (IPs) for collecting data against agreed indicators. Ensure quality of data collected by partners.
• Setup and maintain a portal to monitor milk supplier involvement, daily milk collection, insemination activities, feed supplied, vaccines delivered etc.
• Coordinate the training of the implementing partners’ extension workers who will be inputting data in the portal.
• Develop quarterly M&E reports and provide feedback to partners and PMO on projects’ performance based on monitoring data findings.
• Coordinate with the Program Manager to facilitate discussions at the quarterly progress meetings around progress against plan, potential issues, proposed resolutions and impact of these resolutions.
• Ensure quality of data/ statistics in project plans

Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting:

• Participate in field visits to project sites as per the requirement of the project
• Supervise regular data collection through implementing partners and ensure quality of the data by random verifications and validations.
• Record, manage and preserve monitoring and evaluation data in a safe and accessible way
• Analyze and discuss findings based on regular monitoring data
• Provide technical support on M&E and evidence-based recommendations to the Project Staff and other partners.
• Ensure that implementation of field activities adheres to the monitoring and evaluation system
• Participate actively in program planning process and budgeting of the program quality.
• Support Program Management Office in developing the quarterly, annual and final organizational reports.
• Support PMO in dealing with any other tasks as may be required

Minimum Qualification and Requirements
Candidates should have:

• Master’s Degree preferably in Business Administration, Economics or related field with at least 5 years of experience in the design and implementation of M&E/MIS in development projects implemented by national/international NGOs/ Government;
• Experience in designing tools and strategies for data collection, analysis and production of reports;
• Proven ICT skills, especially in the development of MIS software using database software;
• Expertise in analyzing data using statistical software;
• Strong training & facilitation skills.
• Excellent personal organizational skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong communication, analytical and report writing skills
• Willingness and enthusiasm for working with rural and vulnerable communities living in remote areas of the country.
• Proficiency in the English language (required) and Yoruba and Hausa (preferred)

POSITION : Dairy and Livestock Specialist

 Description

• The Nigerian Dairy Development Program (NDDP) is geared towards improving the livelihoods of smallholder dairy farmers in Nigeria by improving the productivity of their cattle and integrating them into the formal dairy value chain in Nigeria. The Project also includes a nutrition component and gender component which are geared towards improving nutrition outcomes and promoting women empowerment in smallholder farming communities
• This project is implemented by Sahel Capital Partners & Advisory Ltd. and a consortium of other partners. The project seeks to boost the yields and incomes of smallholder farmers, increase nutrition outcomes and empower women involved in agriculture in Africa

Role Summary

• The role of the Dairy and Livestock Specialist (D&LS) is to plan and implement the technical aspects of the dairy development component of the NDDP.
• He/she will be required to work alongside dairy processors involved in the project and other project team members to develop tools and approaches to assist smallholder dairy farmers improve their production and productivity.
• He/she will be required to manage sub-grantees recruited to support interventions around, but not limited to genetics and breed improvement, livestock health management, feed and fodder management, milk production, milk quality and milk safety.
• The Dairy and Livestock Specialist will also work closely with a wide range of service providers to ensure critical services are provided to smallholder dairy farmers while working with stakeholders at the federal and state ministries of agriculture as well as the dairy processors involved in the program to design and implement innovative approaches for delivering extension services targeted at smallholder farmers.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Planning, developing and implementing Dairy Development Services
• In coordination with the Project Management Office (PMO) and dairy processors implementing partners, the D&LS will plan and implement activities related to the dairy component of the program.
• Develop and implement innovative ways for delivering farmer extension and animal health services to smallholder farmers. Amongst other activities, this will also include piloting innovative mobile cattle health camps, vaccination camps etc. in close coordination with dairy processors, federal and state ministries of agriculture.
• Oversee the process of planning and delivering a comprehensive genetics and breeding program targeted at increasing the cross-bred cow population among Fulani and smallholder non-Fulani farmers in Nigeria. This will entail working with technical consultants hired by the project to develop project plans as well as prepare post-delivery tracking reports to provide updates on results.
• The D&LS will work closely with the processors to identify and negotiate terms with suppliers of feed concentrates and supplements in order to provide smallholder farmers with a credible source of improved feeds.
• At the farmer’s and farmer group level, the D&LS will work with the processors to train local resource persons, leader farmers and community livestock workers to provide capacity building trainings on herd management, dairy nutrition, silage, fodder and feed management, health management etc. with a particular focus on improving milk production, yields and quality as well as ensuring adequate women representation in capacity building initiatives undertaken as part of the project.
• Lead the process of developing a dairy management curriculum among other teaching materials in English and other languages to support the process of delivering training and capacity building support to farmers, extension officers and other stakeholders involved in the project.
• The D&LS will assist the PMO in supporting the implementation of other project activities, including the women empowerment and nutrition components of the program.
• Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
• Assist the Project Manager and Project Coordinators to develop project strategies, project plans technical capacity building interventions, activities and policies related to increasing the production and productivity of smallholder dairy farmers.
• Participate in monthly field visits to project sites as per the requirement of the project
• Support the PMO in monitoring progress and evaluation of project activities including financial performances
• Document and disseminate case studies, best practices on extension services, production, livestock health management, feed and fodder production and other related activities and lessons picked up during the project.
• Assist the PMO in preparation of progress reports (quarterly, annual, final) and respond to the queries related to project particularly related to technical aspects of the project.
• Coordinate with federal, state and local governments, communities, project beneficiaries, private sector service providers and suppliers, consultants, and other stakeholders at project level for effective delivery of project activities
• Assist the PMO to maintain good relations with project beneficiaries, partner organizations, and other stakeholders

Minimum Qualification and Requirements
Candidates should have:

• Master's Degree in Dairy Science, Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Services, Livestock Management, Dairy Food Technology or related field with at least two years of work experience in similar capacity or Bachelors Degree in Dairy Science, Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Services, Livestock Management, Dairy Food Technology with at least five years of work experience in related fields.
• Proven experience, skills and knowledge and preferred experience on dairy management, animal health, feed/fodder management and livestock extension services especially in African settings.
• Strong program management skills and high level of analytical skills in planning and project implementation
• Ability to be flexible, respond professionally, and establish priorities in often fluid, changing, and challenging situations with little clear guidance is necessary.
• Ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure and to demonstrate extreme flexibility in managing more than one activity.
• Ability to interact directly and independently with senior management of potential clients, technical partners and senior government officials
• Ability to influence and rally support from executives at managing director and executive director positions to support strategic initiatives.
• Strong communication, analytical and report writing skills
• Willingness and enthusiasm for working with rural and vulnerable communities living in remote areas of the country.
• Proficiency in the English language (required) and Yoruba and Hausa (preferred)
• Position based: Lagos (Project Management Office) with frequent travel to project sites across Nigeria, including the North as will be required.

How To Apply
Candidates should send their CV to:zika@sahelcp.com with the position applied for as the subject