About US:
Mercy Corps is an international non-profit organization which implements high-quality, analytical development work in very difficult places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently implement development programs in the Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda with funding from USAID, EC, SDC, and USDA.
About USAID GHG Programme:
Mercy Ccorps is currently implementing a market-development focused 5-year USAID/Food for Peace-funded program, North Karamoja Growth, Health and Governance (GHG) programme, working in the northern half of Karamoja region. GHG works through partners with private, public and civil society sectors to support immediate needs of program beneficiaries while promoting long-term development by spurring systemic improvements in key economic sectors of northern Karamoja.
Job Summary: The Veterinary Business Officer will work directly with businesses to pilot private veterinary franchises, CAHWs veterinary services, disease surveillance and control, and other activities that improve livestock productivity and marketability.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
· The incumbent will work closely with the GHG livestock team, national pharmaceutical companies, Ministry of Agriculture, and district veterinary offices and other key partners.
· Work with National Drug Authority (NDA) and local authorities to ensure certification and licensing of private animal health businesses in the region.
· Ensure quality health service delivery to farmers, to support live animal inspection at markets and trading stations, and meat inspection activities at abattoirs.
· Work in close collaboration with DVOs, MAAIF and national pharmaceutical companies, build the capacity of CAHWs and agrovets in disease surveillance, reporting, and vaccination.
· The incumbent must support veterinary pharmaceutical companies, agrovets, farmers and extension workers on proper herd health management practices.
· Maintain close coordination with district veterinary department, ministry of agriculture, research institutions, sector working groups and development agencies.
· Actively monitor intervention activities and collect beneficiary information.· Identify, assess and develop networks and strategies.
· Establish procedures and guidelines to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of economic development.
· Prepare and submit periodic work plans and activity reports to the team leader
· Apply a gender and youth lens approach to activities in the program cycle;
· Carry himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
· Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· The applicant must hold a good degree in Veterinary Medicine or its equivalent;
· A minimum of three years of veterinary practice especially in rural communities and pastoral or agro-pastoral setting.
· Working knowledge of phytosanitary standards for live animal export and/or abattoirs.
· Private sector experience and entrepreneurially skills, although not necessarily in the veterinary sector.
· Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of partners; private sector, government and civil society;
· Skills in team work, networking, community dialogues and organizational development;
· Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills
· Intimate knowledge of Uganda’s economy and business environment, particularly in the context of rural livestock development in Karamoja
· Willingness to work in the field with small businesses, veterinarians, CAHWs, kraal leaders and communities;
· Good spoken and written English. Fluency in Ngakarimojong or Ethurr is an advantage
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested Ugandan candidates should send their applications including a cover letter clearly stating the salary requirements, updated CV (with three professional referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates to the HR/Admin Manager, Kampala Head Office on 4th Floor Embassy Plaza, Plot 1188-1190 Ggaba Road. The E-mail applications with cover letter should be sent to: mcjobs@ug.mercycorps.org
Deadline: 16th October 2015