Livestock Market System Director at Heifer International

Description

Heifer Project International is seeking qualified applicants for the following positions for an anticipated USAID-funded 5-year Feed the Future Nigeria Livestock Development Activity in Nigeria. The Activity will potentially explore practical, cost effective, and multi-stakeholder adaptation solutions to improve livelihoods of poor and vulnerable communities in target states through; i) Improved agricultural productivity, livelihood and agroecosystem resilience through climate-smart practices; ii) Improved ecological and environmental services and functions, including enhanced climate-resilient water and other resource management and supply systems in vulnerable agropastoral communities; iii) Strengthened institutional capacity to reduce risks associated with climate-induced socio-economic losses and livelihood failures in the target states; and iv) Improved and productive livestock systems to improve food security and nutrition by (potentially) improving consumption of animal source/protein foods, providing income generation opportunities, and fostering mutual relationships among targeted households and communities. **These positions are contingent upon funding and donor approval.

Function**

The Livestock Markey System Director will closely collaborate with the Chief of Party to ensure successful technical delivery of project from the market system lens. H/She will be responsible for successfully managing and implementing one or more project components of the proposed activity.

RESPONSIBILITIES DELIVERABLES

• Collaborate with the COP to ensure that the respective activity component(s) achieve the greatest impact toward activity goals and objectives.
• Lead technical delivery of the respective activity component(s) by working closely with project beneficiaries and stakeholders that include private sector umbrella groups, livestock farmer, lead firms, local government representatives.
• Oversee the activity delivery team that will consist of both LTTA/STTA staff and consultants that will be tasked with contributing to the activity goals of increasing sector productivity through collaboration with government/regulatory officials to address enabling environment challenges and linkages with the local and international private sector stakeholders.
• Design and implement strategies to improve livestock productivity, strengthen market linkages, expand access to markets, support the development of diversified livelihoods opportunities, and strengthen input, service, and capacity building networks for livestock and diversified livelihoods activities
• Contribute to the development of project strategic plans, annual and quarterly work plans, reports, and other deliverables in line with USAID guidelines to achieve objectives.
• Support efforts to collaborate, learn and adapt with internal and external collaborators, adapting program component(s) as needed to optimize results per learning and contextual changes.
• Ensure that the activity component(s), proposed interventions and results are implemented in a timely manner within the approved budget.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with cooperatives, partners, collaborators, rural finance institutions, and any other associated stakeholders in support of the Nigeria Livestock sector.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Business, International Development or other related field is required.
• At least ten (10) years of experience in international development work managing all integrated aspects of complex programs of similar scale, with a particular emphasis on livestock-related programming in Nigeria.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in addressing livestock productivity challenges that include supporting services (financing/certifications), infrastructure, regulatory best practices, value addition etc.
• Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience with USG or other similar development projects focused on market systems and livelihood development, preferably with an understanding of the Nigerian context including gender and youth issues;
• At least Eight (8) years of supervisory experience in building and effectively supervising a diverse team.
• Strong technical experience in market system approach to development in Nigeria.
• Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including national and local government, donors, community-based organizations, and the private sector.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Full professional proficiency in English is required.