International Specialist in Dairy Sector Tropical Forage Development

Organizational Setting

The Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have jointly formulated the Project “Improving smallholder dairy production through the introduction of quality forage varieties and improved nutrition management practices” to improve nutrition of dairy cattle to increase local milk production. The FAO TCP programme is looking for an international consultant to be engaged in the above program and to assist the implementation of the program successfully. The consultant will have experience in the dairy sector with special attention to fodder and pasture cultivation, preservation and ration formulation for dairy cattle, ruminant nutrition, good understanding of value chains, farmer organizations and sector associations. The consultant will also have valuable experience in programme formulation and implementation and have a good understanding of M&E systems.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall management of the FAO Representative in Sri Lanka and under direct guidance and supervision of Assistant FAOR (Programme), with technical oversight from the FAO Regional Office Lead Technical Officer (LTO).

Technical Focus

The overall scope of the consultancy will be to provide technical assistance to green forage cultivation and preservation in the development of dairy cattle feed. The consultant is responsible for outputs related to technical aspects of fodder production, including seeds, suitability analysis, and climate smart agronomic practices. Overall the candidate is expected to support and guide the implementation, monitoring and evaluation and progress reporting of a two-year implementation of the project, and support a communication strategy between partners, advisors, other important stakeholders.

Tasks and responsibilities

To achieve the project objectives, the consultant will specifically carryout the following tasks:

• Lead the assessment on current fodder production and nutritional values of indigenous and imported fodder products; • Provide technical guidance (including design and methods) to local research institutions on the testing of indigenous and imported high-quality forage and fodder varieties and associated agronomic practices; • Review and recommend the tested varieties and associated agronomic practices which are suitable to the local environment with enhanced climate resilience, in collaboration with the technical team, local research institutions and national consultant; • With support from technical team, lead the development of draft technical guidelines on sustainable production of recommended forage and fodder products including land preparation, irrigation, fertilizer and pesticide usages; • Provide inputs to the development of training materials, and contribute through demonstrative training activities; • Lead the development of fodder seed and production components in the project inception, interim, final reports, and the diagnostic assessment report; • Assess current post-harvest practices including processing, storage, and quality testing; • Supervise local research institutions to develop a plan with identified methods to test fodder nutrient values and losses associated with processing and storage processes; • Analyze, review, and recommend improved processing technologies and practices, including nutrient add-ons, for identified animal feed products; • Review and recommend improved storage practices which can prolong the nutritional quality of the fodder under varying storage conditions and lengths; • With support from national consultant and technical team, lead the development of guidelines on post-harvest processing procedures, storage conditions, and supply methods, specific to the selected feed varieties; • Provide inputs to draft quality standards to ensure it is compatible with international standards, including but not limited to nutrient values and water content, related to raw forage and fodder products, and those after post-harvest processing and storage; • Provide inputs to the development of training materials; • Lead the development of relevant post-harvest components in the project inception, interim, final reports, and the diagnostic assessment report.The incumbent shall familiarize him/herself with FAO’s corporate communication policy and operational guidelines to ensure mandatory coherence of all communication and information outputs; • The incumbent shall demonstrate a strong understanding of FAO Style Guide in drafting documentation, without the need for continuous correction or oversight; • The incumbent shall keep the project budget holder and LTO/supervisor informed of his/her work and findings; • Upon finalizing his/her assignment, he/she will submit specified documents to the budget holder after addressing comments by the supervisor; and • The selected candidate will also need to perform any other duties as requested by the FAOR.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• A post graduate university degree in agriculture, animal science or related field • Five years and above work experience in agricultural value chains, preferably related to fodder supply or a university degree in agriculture, animal science or related field • Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the FAO official languages for COF.REG, and working knowledge of English for PSA.SBS is required.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building effective relationships • Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proven and demonstrated experience in the area of the dairy sub sector • Experience in market linkages of farmer groups • Proven experience in market intelligence • Demonstrated experience in Dairy Business Hub (DBH contractually binds dairy services to a milk buyer, enabling farmers to access milk markets, as well as inputs and services) or similar setups • Experience in strengthening milk producer groups • Experience working with government structures • Knowledge on dairy program development with reference to green forage cultivation and ruminant nutrition • Proficient in English and have experience working with international development agencies • Good understanding of multi stakeholder processes and their application in program design and implementation • Good presentation skills • Good negotiation, facilitation, coordination skills • Good team building and leadership skills • Excellent communication and writing skills