GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Livestock Production Officer will participate in the daily implementation of the development programming through supporting key stakeholders to ensure the desired outcomes and targeted behaviors are achieved at household level. It is an opportunity for result oriented and self-motivated individual looking for complex challenges that can make a real difference in people’s lives. the Livestock Production Officer will focus on community based pilot interventions in areas of feed production (from by-products), rangeland management, animal nutrition, livestock production and health, farm business management, dairy production and small scale preservation, and meat production through backyard fattening at the community level

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
· Work closely with the GHG livestock team to identify and pilot interventions that improve the productivity and competitiveness
· Promote preservation and storage of local agricultural and industrial bi-products.
· Assist businesses and youth groups to develop new livestock-related businesses, such as feed block manufacture, silage production, milk distribution, and fattening activities.
· Collaborate with livestock health companies and service providers
· Together with district veterinary offices and veterinary extension workers, the Livestock Production Officer will support initiatives to improve herd composition.
· The production officer will foster good calf management practices, including creep feeding, milking frequency and calf-pen hygiene.
· Make on-site field visits regularly to monitor progress of activities and provide strategic measures for progress to maximize the programmes’ economic and social impacts to the community· Analyze project implementation strategies to identify constraints to program success and provide timely recommendations;
· Provide data in support of team’s submission of timely weekly, monthly and quarterly reports that will be indicative of program progress during implementation.· Pilot small scale backyard fattening in villages and peri-urban areas
· Identify, assess and develop networks and strategies for potential private, public and civil society sector partnership with GHG program
· Where needed, support external evaluations by research partner Feinstein International Centre and other organizations;
· Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
· Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
· A degree in Agriculture (Livestock production), Animal Production Technology and Management, Veterinary Medicine or its equivalent, including coursework on feed and dairy production;
· At least 4 years’ experience in livestock production activities especially in a rural or pastoral community.
· Willingness to work in the field with livestock producers, community animal health workers, kraal leaders, businesses in the value chain and communities;
· Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of partners; private sector, government and civil society;
· Skills in team work, holding community consultations and organizational development;
· Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills
· Good spoken and written English. Fluency in Ngakarimojong and Ethurr is an advantage

HOW TO APPLY:
Submit your E-mailed application including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates through the Human Resource Manager to mcjobs@ug.mercycorps.org. Deadline for Submission:Close of business on October 16, 2015Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.