Background

Vétérinaires Sans Frontières – Suisse (VSF-Suisse) is a humanitarian organization with over 35 years of experience in Africa, dedicated to providing humanitarian aid and development cooperation to vulnerable populations. Politically and religiously neutral, VSF-Suisse specializes in animal and human health, working closely with communities affected by political unrest, natural disasters, climate change, marginalization, and limited governmental support. Headquartered in Berne, Switzerland, VSF-Suisse operates programs in West Africa (Mali and Togo) and East Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya, and South Sudan).

Currently, VSF-Suisse, in collaboration with Alinea, is implementing the Gender Responsive One Health (GROH) Project. This project is focused on the Shebele zone of the Somali Regional State, Ethiopia.

The Gender-Responsive One Health (GROH) Project aims to foster the adoption of gender-responsive One Health (OH) approaches among communities affected by endemic zoonotic diseases (EZDs) and diseases related to the human-animal-environment interface (HAEIRDs). GROH's primary objective is to enhance community health and promote equitable OH empowerment for impoverished, marginalized, and indigenous women and girls in two priority areas characterized by a high prevalence of EZDs.

Responsibilities and key tasks

VSF-Suisse is looking to hire a Pastoral Field Schools/Farmer Field Schools (PFS/FFS) Livelihood Officer to be based in the field project locations where the GROH project is being implemented, specifically at the Gode field office in the Somali Region. This officer will be responsible for conducting  a precondition assessment, establishing PFS/FFS groups, backstopping and technical support to the groups, supervising and facilitating livelihood project activities, with support from the OH Technical Advisor and VSF Suisse field staff. Furthermore, the PFS/FFS Livelihood Officer will take the technical lead in planning and implementing livelihood-related activities within the GROH project, as outlined below.

• Supporting livelihoods diversification and income generation for women

• Lead and facilitate the Community dialogue/discussion and Pre-condition assessment on Pastoral Field School (PFS), Farmer Field School (FFS), Pastoral Market School (PMS) and Village Community Banks (VICOBA)

• Facilitate training of FFS/PFS/FMS and VICOBA facilitators (master training), and establishing the groups as a sub-set of the Multi Stakeholder Innovative Platforms (MSIPs)

• Train FFS on a range of topics including financial inclusion, proper harvesting, handling, storage, and processing techniques and the use of post-harvest management technologies and equipment

• Harmonize and adapt Alinea’s small business / entrepreneurship training materials with ILO Business Skill development Module and Provide specialized trainings) and input supply for the VICOBA and FMS groups

• Conduct assessment on the potential NTFP value chains and markets and Train VSLAs and FMS on Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) Provide basic tools for harvesting and storing NTFP products, Facilitate market linkage to potential markets

• Train and Equip female Community Animal Health Workers and linkage to PVPs and cooperatives, Facilitate market linkage between livestock owners and animal health service providers

• Provide capacity building and skill training on establishing woman led nursery site, Establishment of nursery site by FFS groups to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, provision of inputs and materials, Support in the management and market/business linkage

• Mobilize community to identify priorities and resources through Community Action Plan (CAP approach)

• Support woman led Innovative and commercial feed solution initiatives through CAP, provide practical trainings on local feed production and value addition Procurement and provision of small-scale machineries through cost sharing

• Do other activities as requested by the supervisor 

 Communication

• Provide bi-weekly, monthly and quarterly reports to the OH Technical Advisor on the implementation of the activities including, at least, monthly report and statistics

• Compile and update monitoring reports for the local stakeholders

• Active participation in technical meetings and committees on the regional project level.

• Develop and maintain partnerships with the regional government ministries stakeholders and collaborators within the project area.

•  Meet with community representatives or government authorities to determine overall growth and development needs and goals, and to develop and support activities, programs, and plans.

Financial Management

• Develop project activity budget, work plan and expenditure forecasts, for submission to the Field Office Coordinator, Finance Officer, Admin and Finance manager 

• Develop monthly activity related financial budget and project expenditure forecasts

• Submit punctual monthly expenditure reports according to the VSF Suisse guidelines.

• Responsible for field expenses and field financial management ensuring strictly standards, rules and procedures provided

Job Requirements

Essential Criteria

• Degree in one or more of the following areas: Agriculture, Gender, Social science, economics, management and related subjects; Livelihood related training and experience will be an added advantage

• A minimum of 3-5 years of progressive work experience implementing similar projects with International NGOs particularly livelihood activities in the region using the One Health approach in multiple sectors (human Health, animal Health, environmental protection, gender, early warning, etc)

•  Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to liaise, consult, and interact professionally with technical and managerial staff, mid- and senior-level government officials, direct supervisors, external agencies, service providers, donors, technical and operations staff.

• Female applicants are encouraged to apply 

Skills and Abilities

• Proficient knowledge of English and ideally knowledge of any of the languages spoken in the intervention region.

• Ability to employ critical thinking skills and work independently to solve problems and contribute to the achievement of deliverables.

• Ability to work with tact and diplomacy with various stakeholders.

• Willing and able to travel extensively in the region.

• Ability to work independently and make rational strategic and routine decisions

• Excellent ability in analysis, negotiation skills and teamwork

• Excellent IT skills

What we offer

• A qualified, dynamic and highly motivated team of colleagues.

• A unique and relevant project for pastoral communities in the Greater Horn of Africa.

• The opportunity to actively contribute to the future design of the project implementation.

• A job with responsibilities in a demanding and challenging environment.

• A competitive salary as well as a medical and social insurance scheme.

 Entry date and contract length

One-year contract with the possibility of extension.

How to Apply

We look forward to receiving your application in English.

Submit your motivation letter (maximum 1 page) stating why you are the right candidate for this position, a recent CV of 4 pages maximum via email: selamawit.zewge@vsf-suisse.org with the position being applied for as "PFS/FFS Livelihood officer" on the subject line.

For further information contact Tel. +251116630217, +251913782121