Artificial Insemination Service Delivery (AISD) Advisor

Sustainable Commercialization of Sexed Dairy Genetics in East Africa

Venture37 project support to

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) Sustainable Commercialization of Sexed Dairy Genetics in East Africa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Project Summary: 

ABS Global (ABS) has awarded a sub-grant to Land O’Lakes Venture37 (Venture37) to implement the Sustainable Commercialization of Sexed Dairy Genetics in East Africa program activities through a two and a half-year implementation period from May 2023 to December 2025. ABS and Venture37 will reach the program goal of establishing a commercially viable sexed semen market that will inclusively grow the competitiveness of the dairy market by 1) increasing small scale producer (SSP) demand and willingness to pay for sexed semen; 2) improving last-mile delivery of AI of sexed semen to SSPs; and 3) improving the enabling environment to establish a commercial market.

Venture37’s role will be to build awareness and capacity of SSPs of sexed semen, strengthen AI technicians’ skills and reach and access to necessary inputs and infrastructure to administer the sexed semen. Notably, this project will work to improve market access for women SSPs and AI technicians and build off previous work with the Gates Foundation, the Private-Public Partnership for AI Delivery project.

Position Summary:

The AISD Advisor will work on the technical aspects of the distribution and  last mile delivery of the AI. This position will conduct detailed assessments of targeted milk sheds in Ethiopia to identify opportunities for Al businesses specific to the local context. They will provide technical support to dairy processors, and cooperatives and cooperative unions in the three program target regions in extending quality Al services to dairy farmers. This support includes negotiating performance-based contracts between processors and cooperatives and Al technicians and providing needed business training in managing Al technician and development of business models. In addition, they will work with consultants to upgrade training curriculum to include business management, last mile delivery approaches for Al technicians and will collaborate with other public and private partners to establish distribution points for the Al technicians after confirming the local sources  of liquid nitrogen. The position will assist in the development of digital extension messages, and the use of last mile delivery apps. The position will be responsible for providing continuous in-service trainings to Al Technician Field Coordinators, Al Technicians on business and financial management practices. They will also identify which Al Technician Field Coordinators are performing excellently and meeting expected outcomes and targets.

Reporting & Supervision:

The AISD Advisor will report to the National Coordinator, with technical support from the Venture37 Group Director, Technical Impact and Innovation   

Position Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the following:

• Prepare private sector-related work plan, implement accordingly, and report regularly as required

• Train staff and select participants in AI delivery services.

• Inputs supply systems (such as liquid nitrogen),  data recording and collection needs and oversee the quality of the data collected.

• Lead the technical aspect of AI delivery including, mapping the AI service, critically look the technical challenges of AI service delivery and design alternative strategies, forecast demand and supply, support in efficient supply system of major inputs including, semen, liquid nitrogen, and different consumables for AI service delivery.

• Evaluate the technical and financial feasibility of private AI service delivery (as a business venture); based on evaluation outcomes, suggest improvement options, and track these outcomes in collaboration with the ABS Data Analyst and ABS National Coordinator.

• Establish relations with other private dairy firms that are interested in private AI service delivery through employing or franchising private AI technicians while facilitating a partnership with the ABS project.

• Coordinate with ABS to organize stakeholder meetings that would collect and synthesize stakeholder’s comments as a means of improving performance the AI technicians and success of the project.

• Coordinate all technical aspects of AI services and related matters.

• Other duties as requested by the National Coordinator

Job Requirements

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in animal breeding, Animal production, dairy production, Agricultural extension or another related field

• At least 6 years of demonstrated experience in AI service delivery models to farmers

• Experience with public and private sector engagement

• Good coordination skills and networks with various input suppliers, government organizations and relevant stakeholders

• Well-developed conceptual, analytical, and innovative problem-solving ability

• Professional proficiency in English with excellent writing skills

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills required.

• Ability to work independently as an individual or as part of a team.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field

• Experience in business models, economics, and GIS software

• Experience with development agriculture / livestock programs in high dairy potential areas in Ethiopia

• Experience with donor-funded projects such as Gates funded programs

How to Apply

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls will be accepted.

Land O’Lakes Venture37 never requests money or payment from candidates for any position type. Please report any such requests to Land O’Lakes Venture37.

Land O’Lakes Venture37 is an equal opportunity employer and an organization striving to help global communities thrive through agriculture. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, among other factors. Our culture values a diversity of voices. So, bring us your unique experiences, your workstyle, and your dreams — they’ll only make us stronger.

ABS Artificial Insemination Service Delivery (AISD) Advisor - Careers (avature.net)