Regional Livestock Assistant (Dairy Industry Development)

The Regional Livestock Assistant supports the development of integrated livestock and dairy production systems focusing on animal health, feeding, breeding, and farmer capacity building. The role involves strengthening dairy value chains, market linkages, training farmers, supporting vaccination campaigns, and promoting sustainable livestock and dairy practices across Afghanistan.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with local farmers to improve livestock production practices and enhance productivity.
• Facilitate training sessions on livestock management, breeding techniques, and health care for farmers.
• Assist in the implementation of best practices for animal husbandry and welfare.
• Coordinate vaccination programs and animal health campaigns to prevent diseases in livestock.
• Develop and implement nutritional programs tailored to the needs of dairy and meat-producing animals.
• Contribute to developing an extension, health, feed, fodder crop, and AI data collection network, and assist in analyzing data for recommendations.
• Support the head of the animal production and health team in improving practices and controlling zoonotic diseases.
• Assist in developing value-added products of dairy from dairy animals.
• Support dairy farmers in improving milk production and quality through training and technical guidance.
• Promote the benefits of dairy cooperatives and facilitate their establishment.
• Build and maintain relationships with farmers, cooperatives, and other stakeholders in the livestock and dairy sectors.
• Assist in developing value-added dairy products and marketing strategies to increase profitability.
• Collect and analyze data on livestock and dairy production, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of development interventions on livestock and dairy productivity.
• Collaborate with private sector, IP and local authority to align development efforts with regional objectives.
• Analyze market trends for livestock and dairy products, identifying opportunities for farmers.
• Assist in establishing effective marketing channels and strategies to promote livestock and dairy products.
• Evaluate the impact of interventions and report findings to stakeholders.
• Track and report pricing of dairy animals and products in local and regional markets.
• Support the planning and implementation of projects aimed at enhancing the livestock and dairy sectors.
• Ensure timely distribution of inputs and resources needed for project success.
• Organize workshops and training sessions to educate farmers on livestock and dairy best practices.
• Provide ongoing support to farmers in implementing new techniques and technologies.
• Participate in regional meetings and workshops to share knowledge and best practices.
• Liaise with other regional development assistants to ensure coordinated efforts across initiatives.
• Prepare and submit reports on livestock and dairy development activities and progress.
• Communicate regularly with regional coordinators to update on challenges and successes in the field.
• Respond to requests for assistance from farmers and provide solutions related to livestock and dairy issues.
• Perform any other related duties as required to support regional development goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in veterinary science / livestock production or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in veterinary or livestock out which 2 years of experience with UN or INGO is desirable.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and local languages (Dari and/or Pashto).
• National of Afghanistan
• Have knowledge of finalizing the scope of works with the timeline needed for the implementation.
• Experience of working with the United Nations or other international organizations (especially those working in the field of veterinary) is preferred.
• Proven skill to coordinate with the relevant institutions and the communities.
• Excellent knowledge, MS Office package, Internet etc.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills.

Skills

• Veterinary Science
• Livestock Production
• Dairy Industry Development
• Animal Health
• Livestock Feeding
• Breeding Techniques
• Farmer Capacity Building
• Livestock Value Chain
• Market Linkages Development
• Vaccination Campaigns
• Sustainable livestock practices
• Coordination with Public Institutions
• Community Engagement
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Internet Research
• Project Scope Finalization
• Training Delivery
• UN or INGO Experience

Languages

English, Dari, Pashto