Terms of Reference (TOR) for Engagement of a Consultant in the Livestock Production and Value Chain Specialist Role – Heifer International Ethiopia

Agriculture, Consultancy and Training, Natural Sciences

Heifer International Ethiopia

Background:

Heifer Project International (HPI): HPI is an international non-governmental development organization working to end poverty and hunger in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. HPI has been in the development sector for more than seventy-five (75) years. Overall HPI is working in nineteen (19) countries, ten (10) of which are in Africa. HPI-Ethiopia’s programmatic focus areas include agricultural development (including crops and livestock) by employing agribusiness value chains (including, but not limited to, poultry, horticulture, small ruminants, dairy, and honey), climate resilience (water and environment), and job creation through entrepreneurship opportunities, water development, and livelihood improvement programs. HPI’s target groups are (i) women, (ii) youth, and iii) smallholder farmers.

Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands (MILLs): The MILLs was established through Proclamation 1263/2014 as part of a reform to better achieve the Country’s ten-year development plan. MILLs seeks to leverage the vast land, water, animal and human resources found within the lowland and pastoral areas of Ethiopia to help achieve the Country’s development mission. MILLs is divided into two broader sectors: Irrigation Development and the Lowland Research and Development sectors. Among the major duties and responsibilities of MILLs are designing a lowland irrigation development program to improve dryland agriculture; promoting lowland and pastoral area-oriented watershed for improving livelihoods and food security; and supporting irrigation development within watersheds in close collaboration with relevant “partners”.

The Lowland Livelihoods Resilience Project (LLRP): LLRP Ethiopia is a project of the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands (MILLs)  for which Heifer Project International(HPI) is providing Technical Assistance (TA), seeks to bolster the resilience and livelihoods of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in Ethiopia. To further this goal, now the MILLs and HPI are seeking a qualified Consultant to fulfill the combined roles of Livestock Production Expert and Livestock Value Chain Specialist for a period of 3 months. The consultant will be based in Somali National Regional State of Ethiopia.

Functions: The Consultant will serve as a pivotal figure in providing technical expertise and strategic direction to advance the LLRP’s objectives pertaining to livestock production, value chain development, and private sector engagement. Reporting directly to the LLRP-TA Project Team Leader and with support from the Heifer Ethiopia team, the Consultant will be tasked with delivering targeted assistance, conducting comprehensive assessments, and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships to ensure the project’s success.

Essential Traits for Success:

• Deep Expertise: The Consultant must possess in-depth knowledge and extensive, hands-on experience in various aspects of livestock production technologies, livelihoods enhancement, and value chain development, particularly within pastoral and agro-pastoral contexts.
• Strategic Insight: A strategic mindset, coupled with astute business acumen and organizational savvy, is essential to effectively drive initiatives aimed at commercializing the livestock sector and enhancing market access for local communities.
• Effective Collaboration:
• Strong collaboration, communication, and trust-building skills to engage effectively with stakeholders, build trust, and foster constructive relationships, are imperative for successful project implementation.
• Resourcefulness and Adaptability: The Consultant should demonstrate resourcefulness, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, serving as a valuable team player capable of navigating dynamic project environments.

Areas of Responsibility and Deliverables:

Assessment and Analysis (20%)

• Conduct thorough assessments of current livestock production and marketing systems, identifying existing gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead the development of comprehensive guidelines, manuals, and business plans tailored to optimize feed and forage production, while ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards.

Private Sector Development and Engagement (35%)

• Provide expert technical assistance and guidance to project partners on innovative livestock feed and forage development strategies, as well as efficient water management practices.
• Facilitate the identification and selection of strategic demonstration sites for the implementation of extension support programs targeting commercial livestock production and health services.
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders to develop viable business models and foster partnerships aimed at enhancing productivity and increasing income streams within the livestock value chain.

Livestock Commercialization and Market Systems Approach (20%)

• Support the transition from subsistence-based livestock production to market-oriented approaches, leveraging public-private-producer partnerships (PPPP) to enhance market access and promote value addition.
• Facilitate access to relevant animal production technologies and services through innovative PPPP arrangements, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability in market-driven interventions.

Capacity Building and Stakeholder Relationships (25%)

• Lead capacity-building initiatives targeted at local extension workers, cooperatives, and community entrepreneurs, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge in livestock production and management.
• Organize and facilitate participatory workshops and review sessions in collaboration with LLRP’s Regional Coordination and Monitoring Unit (RCMU), fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Ensure compliance with country-level requirements and regulations governing Heifer’s operations, maintaining strong stakeholder relationships and upholding Heifer’s reputation as a trusted partner in community development initiatives.

Deliverables:

• Technical Assistance and Guidance: Offer expert technical assistance and guidance to project partners regarding innovative strategies for livestock feed and forage development, alongside efficient water management practices.
• Facilitation of Extension Services: Facilitate the identification and selection of strategic demonstration sites for implementing extension support programs focused on commercial livestock production and health services.
• Collaborative Devising Business Models: Collaborate closely with stakeholders to devise viable business models and cultivate partnerships aimed at boosting productivity and augmenting income streams within the livestock value chain.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Conduct training sessions at federal, regional, and woreda levels for woreda experts and development agents on livestock extension systems and apiculture.
• Deliver extension package training to community members at pastoralists and Agro-pastoralists training centers (P/FTC(s)) related to livestock and natural resources management (NRM) and business development service.
• Support training and implementation of PFS
• Facilitate experience sharing on livestock best practices between woredas and among CIGs.

Promotion of Small-scale Poultry Production, Apiary, and Fisheries:

• Provide technical support for the promotion of small-scale poultry production and establish a day-old chicken multiplication center.
• Offer technical support for fishery development promotion.
• Provide technical support for the promotion of apiculture development.

Support community-based breeding program (CBBP) & Artificial Insemination Service  provision:

• Provide technical support for the implementation of the community-based breeding program (CBBP).
• Offer artificial insemination services provision.

Pastoral and Agropastoral Research Groups Support (PAPREGS):

• Conduct technical review of PAPREGS proposals at the regional level and provide technical support and follow up upon completion of research.

Animal Health Service Provision:

• Provide capacity building support for community-based animal health workers.
• Assess the animal health service provisions.

Enhance Market Linkages, Productive Partnerships, and Value Chains:

• Promote value chain approach in pastoralists and agro-pastoralists (PAPs) areas, create market linkages, and develop the value chains.
• Promote and establish 4P (Public, Private, Producer Partnership) arrangements in Project regions (honey, live animal, and fish).
• Create productive partnerships in PAP areas and establish market linkage for selected commodities.

Support for Business Development Services (BDS):

• Conduct training on BDS for development agents.
• Provide technical support and mentorship on BDS.
• Offer BDS to all CIGs in the Project woredas (technical support and mentoring).

Participate in the assessment of CIGs  Sustainability  at Regional Level.

Support for the Regional LLRP in Organizing the Management Information System.

Demonstration of Technologies for Model PAPs.

Promotion of Pastoral Saving and Credit Cooperatives

Duration: The consultancy will span a period of 3 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.

Location: The Consultant will be based in Somali National Regional State of Ethiopia, with frequent travel to project sites and field locations as necessary to fulfill project requirements.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their technical and financial propsal through www.ethiojobs.net.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in agricultural economics, animal science, or a related field Rural Development .
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in livestock production, value chain development, and private sector engagement, preferably within the context of rural development projects.
• Proven track record of successful project implementation, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills in English (both written and verbal), with proficiency in local languages being an asset.

Lien