Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition
Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project
Advertisement for Project Management Unit Positions
The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition (MAFSN) will be implementing a Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project (WAMCOP), which is a 7 years project that will be covering the 10 districts of Lesotho. The project loan, is financed by the Government of Lesotho, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund for International Development, Global Environment Facility (GEF) and beneficiary’s contributions. The project’s overall goal is to increase the economic and climate resilience of wool and mohair value chain stakeholders, with emphasis on wool and mohair farmer’s livelihoods, including women and youth. The MAFSN is establishing a project management unit and would like to make a call to the relevant professionals for the following project positions;
Position: Livestock Production Expert
Duty Station: Maseru
Reports to: Project Coordinator
Job Summary:
Responsible for overseeing and coordinating technical aspects of WaMCoP initiatives in animal production, the Livestock Production Expert will serve as the primary technical authority across various facets affecting these sectors, particularly within the wool and mohair value chains. Working closely with and guided by the Directorate of Livestock Services and other relevant government bodies, the expert will harmonize strategies to ensure a thriving animal production system specifically tailored to the wool and mohair industry. Duties also include monitoring and supervising all essential activities related to animal production, including certification procedures.
Main tasks and Responsibilities
Coordination and oversight of activities related to animal production
- Provide expertise and support the implementation of WaMCoP activities in livestock production (particularly merino sheep and angora goats) and in accordance with the annual work plan and budget and procurement plan.
- Provide technical support on breed improvement, feed and forage management, animal health and on general animal husbandry.
- Coordinate with relevant project partners, service providers, NGOs and other stakeholders on the planning and implementation of livestock production activities.
- Work closely with all partners and key stakeholders to ensure the overall implementation of value chain development in the wool and mohair sector.
- Evaluate the technical soundness of activities on livestock design to improve productivity and production.
- Support the implementation of the certification programme alongside other key actors.
- Promote and support local processing of wool and mohair
Building partnerships and strengthening capacity of the key stakeholders
- Stocktake technical and system capacity gaps that are bottlenecks for accomplishment of sustainable livestock production and processing
- Facilitate, where necessary, capacity building for local partners on key aspects related to livestock production
- Support as much as possible the development of public-private partnerships that are geared towards enhanced livestock development in the wool and mohair sector
- Facilitate establishment of strategic partnerships with pertinent public institutions, implementing partners, private sector players, national and regional civil society organisations for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of veterinary service delivery and disease control
- Timely and accurate reporting on project activities and utilization of allocated resources
- Prepare accurate and timely reporting and provide for quality information dissemination of relevant project activities
- Ensure effective and efficient utilization of project funds and other resources allocated for livestock improvement
- Collaborate closely with the Knowledge Management team to raise awareness of the project within the communities.
Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s Degree in either Animal Sciences, Animal Production and Veterinary sciences from a recognized University plus 6 years work experience 3 of which must be at senior management level, covering various areas of livestock (including animal feed, animal health and animal genetic resources).
OR
- Postgraduate Degree in either Animal Sciences, Animal Production and Veterinary sciences from a recognized University plus 8 years work experience 4 of which must be at senior management level, covering various areas of livestock (including animal feed, animal health and animal genetic resources)
- Doctoral Degree in any of the listed degrees will be an added advantage
- Complementary knowledge in rural development will be an advantage
Skills and Competencies
- Previous experience of supporting initiatives related to agriculture and rural development, and poverty alleviation.
- Must possess established profession and practical work experience in donor- supported livestock projects in Lesotho or in the region.
- Leadership and ability to motivate team members
- Planning and organizing
SUBMISSION
Interested candidates’ applications should be accompanied by detailed CVs, certified copies of national identity document, educational certificates and transcripts and be delivered to the address below not later than 03rd May, 2024 at 13:30 pm
The Director Human Resources
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition
Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness project
P.O Box 24
Maseru 100
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified