VSF Belgium Field Veterinarian Job in Turkana County, Kenya
Position Title: Field Veterinarian
Duty Station: Turkana County
Availability: Immediately
Role: The Field Vet will provide technical support in the implementation of the VSF Belgium animal welfare project funded by The Brooke.
This will be done in a in a culturally appropriate manner and in accordance with standards and guidelines provided by VSF Belgium and the Brooke.
The holder of this position will be required to travel extensively to project sites within Turkana County.
The position will report to the Senior Project Manager, Kenya programme.
Responsibilities
Project implementation, monitoring and reporting
Carry out needs assessment in a participatory way to identify knowledge gaps and appropriate training aids for the local service providers
Develop work plans, facilitate implementation and formulate monitoring plans for the project in consultation with the programme manager and field team
Implement the principles of applied equine behavior and welfare, humane handling and compassion building, ensuring that the welfare needs of working donkeys are understood and prioritized within communities and livestock service providers
Provide veterinary knowledge and skills for on donkey/equine welfare and work with livestock service providers to ensure alignment with existing policies and minimum standards of welfare
Cultivate and encourage learning amongst the communities and livestock service providers in animal welfare, ethical decision-making, equine behavior and humane handling of working donkeys and their application in practice
Plan, facilitate, and monitor any capacity building/ training on animal welfare and related topics
Be at all times a role model for sympathetic and humane handling, treatment and management of working equine animals
Liaise with other players in the county with similar interventions to ensure synergy and collaboration
Support the Kenya team in development of project concepts and proposals with reference to specific donor regulations
Compile comprehensive mission specific, monthly and other relevant project reports or documentation
Responsible in promoting cross-learning between communities through gathering, documenting and sharing best practices
Support in other project activities as advised by supervisorProject finance management
Ensure adequate use of funds allocated to project activities and all field missions as per VSF B and specific donor policiesCommunication and information
Inform and collaborate with the project manager on continuous basis
Representing and communicating the interests of VSF Belgium work internally and externally
Promotion of team spirit at all levels
Assist the Programme Manager to identify and effectively manage all animal welfare related risksMinimum requirements
University degree in Veterinary Medicine or Science, Animal health or related fields from a recognized university.
Should be duly registered with the Kenya Veterinary BoardKnowledge and Experience
Knowledge of basic animal welfare concepts and an understanding of the importance of working equines to the economies of developing countries
An understanding of the evidence-based approach to veterinary medicine and animal welfare
Experience and field practice in animal welfare or working with equines especially working donkeys
At least four years experience in the animal husbandry and medicine sector in pastoral regions is ideal
Experience in developing and implementing projects through partners at grass roots
Knowledge and experience in building professional external networks Experience in assessing training needs and capacity building of community groupsSkills and Altitudes
Clear strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem solving skills
A culturally sensitive communicator and excellent negotiation skills
Motivation to engage and learn and be at all times a role model
Good writing and reporting skills
Good organizational and analytical skills
Ability to work under pressure in remote areas with pastoral communities
Ability to deal with conflict and crises and mobilize communities for appropriate responses
Computer literacy especially with MS Word, Excel and power point
Fluent in written and spoken Swahili and English; knowledge of the local language would be an added advantage
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Willingness to work flexibly and on occasions, outside of office hours
Committed to the mission of VSF Belgium, adherence to animal welfare minimum standards and legislations governing vet service provision, and community development principles
Proven ability to work with a range of local stakeholders including local government and project partners
Attentive to detail
Team playerPlease send your application (reference to Field Veterinarian), CV and 3 references (one must be your current employer, by e-mail to recruitment@vsfb.or.ke on or before 1st August 2014.
This Vacancy is open to male and female candidates.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
