Feed & Fodder System Specialist

ACDI/VOCA

 

ACDI/VOCA

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Summary

• Vacancy: 1
• Location: Bogura, Jashore
• Experience: At least 5 years
• Published: 13 Aug 2024

 

Requirements

Education

A master’s degree in agronomy, soil science, genetics and plant breeding, animal science, or a related field with a four-year bachelor’s degree from reputed Government Universities;

Experience

• At least 5 years

Additional Requirements

• At least five years of relevant experience in development projects, including a minimum of three years focused on extension, research, animal feed and fodder enhancement, and the processing of milk and meat products, particularly in field-based roles;

• Candidates with experience in milk and/or meat value chain, feed and fodder value chain/market system approach, field studies would be preferable;
• Experience in mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with dairy, beef, and goat production preferred;
• Prior experience with donor-funded projects, particularly for individuals familiar with US government laws, practices, and reporting guidelines, will be preferred.
• Proven success in collaborating with government organizations, business entities, market participants (both suppliers and buyers), service providers, and other stakeholders;

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Proven track record of successful animal feed and fodder improvement, milk and meat processing-related technical work, teamwork, and good facilitation skills;
• Ability to work with a diversified team and build working relationships;
• Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision;
• Self-motivation, willingness to learn, and strong work ethic in a multi-disciplinary team environment;
• Good organizational, planning, and time management skills while handling varied complex, and demanding workloads;
• Computer skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other related software applications;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and must be fluent in both English and Bangla;
• The ability to ride motorcycle with a valid driving license would be an asset.

Responsibilities & Context

Project name : Bangladesh Climate Smart Livestock project

Reports to : Animal Health Service Manager

The Feed and Fodder System Specialist (F&FSS) will serve as a technical expert with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funded Bangladesh Climate Smart Livestock (BCSL) Project. Based in either Bogura or Jashore regional offices, the F&FSS will report directly to the Animal Health Service Manager. This role is instrumental in providing technical assistance across BCSL’s field and satellite offices, ensuring the precise implementation of the project’s annual work plan. Primary responsibilities include spearheading initiatives for enhancing animal feed and fodder, integrating climate-smart agricultural practices, improving soil health management, enhancing animal waste management, and adopting hygienic, quality, and efficient feed management strategies.

A significant part of the F&FSS’s job responsibilities is to nurture enduring partnerships with relevant stakeholders in both public and private sectors, alongside fostering a robust network among livestock producers. The role extends to contributing towards research, field trials, and demonstration of feed and fodder innovations, as well as crafting a commercially sustainable marketing framework for these products.

Working in collaboration and coordination with the Animal Health Specialist, the F&FSS is tasked with the comprehensive management of project undertakings, placing a strong emphasis on direct engagement with livestock producers. This partnership is critical for driving forward the development of resilient animal production systems and enhancing the socio-economic status of livestock farmers.

Moreover, the F&FSS is entrusted with a vital role in team development, ensuring a harmonious and productive workplace culture. This includes facilitating open, constructive communication, uplifting team morale, and improving inter-team coordination and cooperation, all of which are essential for the project’s success and the team’s well-being.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead technically in the execution of animal feed and fodder management, collaborating with the Animal Health Specialist and guided by the Animal Health Service Manager;
• Promote capacity-building initiatives for the livestock producers and Local Service Providers (LSP) within the feed and fodder sector, including those in the public and the private sector;
• Conduct market system studies under the guidance of the supervisory authority to identify challenges. Explore climate-smart, market-oriented solutions to enhance livestock producers’ animal feed management and high-yield fodder production, to increase household income.
• Provide technical backstopping support to livestock producers to facilitate the commercial transition of the livestock sector toward resilient, efficient, sustainable, and climate-smart practices;
• Identify livestock producers, farmers’ groups, commercial fodder cultivators, silage producers, institutional input sellers, product buyers, and service providers. Develop a system of commercial incentives to encourage the adoption of climate-smart livestock technologies and practices;
• Explore climate-smart technologies and practices for appropriate feed and fodder management, hygienic animal housing management, and waste management to keep better animal enteric fermentation and reduce GHG emissions;
• Produce technical information and contribute to written outputs (reports, notes) on sustainable livestock production, safe and hygienic farm and slaughterhouse management practices, hygienic processing and maintenance of livestock products, and quality feed management;
• Facilitate to engage local and regional livestock market actors and establish working relationships and strategic partnerships as per project design and work plan;
• Build strong connections and relationships with regional universities and government agencies, such as the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) and the Department of Livestock Services (DLS);
• Support capacity-building initiatives by sharing expertise and best practices, and by creating educational resources such as training materials, summaries, e-learning modules, and digital tools;
• Work together with regional team members on interdisciplinary projects that encompass climate change, market systems, animal health management, and gender inclusion, while also engaging stakeholders;
• Efficiently plan, execute, monitor, and evaluate milestones and activities related to animal feed & fodder and hygienic processing, in collaboration with the project team;
• Regularly visit field sites to monitor activities, identify challenges faced by market actors, and assess the project’s impact;
• Regularly gather data from the field, update it periodically (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually), and compile these updates into reports for project management;
• Foster a work-friendly environment that motivates employees to uphold a strong sense of teamwork and accomplish project goals;
• Undertake any other responsibilities as assigned by the Animal Health Service Manager and senior management.

Employment Status

Full Time

Job Location

Bogura, Jashore

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