Livestock Technical Specialist - RRMACS

Syria

Agriculture - Humanitarian/Disasters

Not Specified

The Aga Khan Foundation in Syria seeks to employ a Project-Based Livestock Technical Specialist- Road to Resilience: Making Rural Agricultural Communities in Syria more viable (RRMACS) for its office in Salamieh.

Road to Resilience: Making Rural Agricultural Communities in Syria More Viable (RRMACS) aims to enhance the resilience of rural communities, with a particular focus on women and youth in six target governorates: Hama, Homs, Aleppo, Rural Damascus, Tartus, and Sweida. This will be achieved through (i) engaging the small-holder farmers in Farmers Groups and enhancing the cooperative actions, (ii) strengthening strategic agriculture, horticulture, and livestock value chains (iii) increasing access to agriculture business services and financing. The base station (location) of the Livestock Technical Specialist is subject to negotiations.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Livestock Technical Specialist will act as the project's technical lead in livestock and related businesses, responsible for providing specialized expertise and guidance in the livestock sector to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience. This includes leading the project team in designing and implementing livestock interventions by providing technical advice, guidance, and expertise in selecting and conducting analysis of the strategic value chains; promoting adaptation of climate-resilient and nature-based livestock practices and solutions; delivering capacity-building training to project staff and partners; and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of project interventions. Additionally, the role includes conducting needs assessments, and research, monitoring project progress, evaluating outcomes, and developing practical and contextually relevant solutions for continuous improvement to achieve the project's goals and objectives. The incumbent will report directly to the Project Coordinator.


ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Lead and mentor the project team on the best ways to identify, study, and analyze strategic value chains, identify needs for studies, technically supervise all stages of implementation, and review results, reports, and recommendations.
- Conduct technical analysis of farmers’ and breeders' needs, participate in designing and implementing participatory rapid assessment tools, and prepare technical reports.
- Contribute to the development and review/updating of the project’s Annual Work Plan (AWP), including the logic model, M&E tools, gender and safeguarding plans, budget forecast, procurement plan and other documents as and when necessary;
- Lead the design and development of livestock initiatives and models based on the results of needs assessments, and market and value chain studies for the selected livestock and fodder plants.
- Provide technical support to the project staff in developing and implementing livestock interventions, including animal feeding, regenerative farming practices, and market and value chain development.
- Provide mentoring to the project staff for effective planning, management, and implementation of project activities associated with technical designs to ensure quality results, timely implementation, and achievement of the project targets.
- Coordinate with Water, Climate Resilience, Agriculture specialists, and the project staff to ensure a high level of integration among the project components and practices.
- Explore all possible mechanisms that respond to farmers' and breeders’ needs and AKF's flexibility to work within identified communities.
- Ensure effective partnerships with local partners and stakeholders, actively participate in project coordination meetings and discussions, engage with relevant knowledge networks, and contribute to communities of practice. This includes creating quality knowledge products such as technical designs, research findings, thematic reports, and practical recommendations.
- Participate in addressing the training needs of the Community Groups and LNGOs, develop educational materials, and provide LNGOs with technical training as required.
- Conduct research and outreach activities, assisting in developing new livestock technologies and practices.
- In coordination and guidance of MERL Officer, support and participate in M&E activities including pre and post-assessment development, monitoring and data & information collection.
- Develop qualitative and quantitative case studies showcasing best practices, lessons learned, and success stories from the field. Provide inputs that contribute to effective communication about the project.
- Provide narrative progress reports (monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad-hoc) to the Project Coordinator.
- Foster a diverse and inclusive work environment that welcomes individuals of all genders
- Adhere to safeguarding policies and Code of Conduct in all interactions, implement safeguarding prevention measures to prevent and report safeguarding concerns, and contribute to a safe and respectful environment for all individuals AKF works with.

Deadline for application submission is Tuesday, June 24th, 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates that include the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, and the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalization of historic cities. AKDN agencies conduct their programmes without regard to faith, origin or gender.
Safeguarding Commitments:
AKF is committed to maintaining the highest standard of ethical behaviour among its staff, representatives, and partners to make sure of do no harm of the beneficiaries and whom they deal with. In line with this commitment; the selected incumbent must adhere to the AKF Code of Conduct and the relevant Safeguarding policies

Jun 10, 2025

English