Malteser International, MI is the worldwide relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta for humanitarian aid, a German non-governmental organization with its headquarters in Cologne/ Germany. With over 100 projects annually in more than in about 20 countries worldwide, MI provides emergency relief after disasters and supports recovery efforts with a focus on sustainable development.
In Kenya, MI is present since 2001; in August 2012 MI opened an office in Illeret, Marsabit County/ Northern Kenya with the aim to address the needs of the pastoralist population of the area, by supporting sustainable solutions, drought resilience and disaster preparedness. Beside increasing the access to safe drinking water, current activities to be implemented until the end of 2016, also include promotion livelihood opportunities, mainly through improved livestock management and marketing activities.
In this context the Illeret Programme of Malteser International is looking for an
Animal Health / Livestock Marketing Officer
Position Summary
The Animal Health / Livestock Marketing Officer will be responsible to improve access of the local pastoral community to Animal Health Services and Livestock Markets. Under supervision of the Programme Coordinator and with administrative/logistic support by the Country Office in Nairobi, he/she will activate the dormant community based Animal Health Services including Vet-Pharmacies in Illeret. He/she will supervise and coordinate the meat inspection at the slaughterhouse in Illeret.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties
· Conduct animal disease prevention and control
· Introduce local surveillance systems for identifying, tracking, and reporting disease outbreaks
· Train / refresh CAHWs in optimal feeding and breeding practices, in diagnosis and treatment of livestock diseases
· Establish and supervise 3 Vet-pharmacies in Illeret Ward
· Identify indigenous wisdom on locally available ethno-veterinary plants
· Create and establish market links for livestock owners, establish a livestock market in Illeret
· Conduct and supervise meat inspection at the Illeret slaughterhouse
· Provide training in safe meat handling
· Ensure regular and timely project documentation and reporting according to Malteser and donor standards
Qualifications/Requirements:
· Diploma in Animal Health from Egerton University or accredited Animal Health Institute (AHITI) in Kenya
· Proven experience of at least 2 years in livestock health and management with pastoralist communities in ASAL
· Proven experience in the marketing of livestock and livestock products in a pastoral set-up
· Working experience with community based animal health services
· Authorization to conduct and working experience in meat inspection
· Ability to work under pressure and independently
· Physical and mental strength and experience in and willingness to live and work in a remote project location and under basic conditions
· Motorcycle skills with valid licence will be added advantage
· Fluency in English and Kiswahili, knowledge of local Dassanach language is an asset
· Personality: self-discipline and diligence including a positive sense of humour and can-do attitude
Conditions:
· Starting date: 1st April 2015
· Duty station: Illeret, Marsabit County, Northern Kenya
· Duration of contract: minimum 9 months (extendable)
· Salary according to qualification and experience, insurance package, accommodation in team house
HOW TO APPLY:
Qualified Candidates apply via e-mail to: applicationswash@malteser-africa.org, Subject: Animal Health Officer
