National Specialist in Dairy Sector 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 the nutrition of dairy cattle to increase local milk production. The FAO TCP programme is looking for a consultant to be engaged in the above programme and to assist the implementation of the programme 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 program 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) as well as operational guidance of the International Consultant

Technical Focus

The overall scope of the assignment will be to provide technical support to green forage cultivation and preservation in the development of dairy cattle feed. The key areas of the services are (a) Introduction of quality forage varieties for smallholder dairy farmers, green forage cultivators and processors (b) capacity building of producers (c) capacity building of extension staff (d) operations through partnerships (e) market intelligence (f) program Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Tasks and responsibilities

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

• Develop a detailed work plan with clear time bound responsibilities among team members; • Manage and ensure timely implementation of project activities, including: (a) primary and secondary data collection; (b) synchronizing and quality control of output packages; (c) design, supervise and manage field activities including surveys and discussions with targeted groups; • Contribute to/lead technical components including: (a) review the current fodder production practices from land preparations to harvesting; (b) lead the assessment report on existing situations for each agro-ecological region and recommendations for increasing fodder production, livestock population control, and supply management; (c) contribute to the technical guidelines on fodder production, processing, storage, and supply management; (d) coordinate and arrange training and dissemination workshops including the preparatory materials (handbook, leaflet, brochures etc.); and (e) coordinate, consolidate, and revise as necessary project inception, interim, and final reports; • Provide technical support and guidance on dairy farmers, green forage cultivators and processors to develop their businesses; • Give technical support and guidance to all the stakeholders, including coordinate and supervise provincial propagation nurseries at selected sites and small scale fodder plots; • Arrange and coordinate capacity building programmes and workshops; • Assess progress of the project periodically and report to the FAO; • Assess the project in green forage cultivation, processing, dairy cattle feeding and nutrition management, milk production increase etc.; • Give inputs on farmer/ producer group organization and ensure their smooth engagement in dairy cattle feed production and nutrition management in the smallholder dairy farms; and • Liaise between government and FAO in regard to procurement of goods and services. • Familiarize him/herself with FAO’s corporate communication policy and operational guidelines to ensure mandatory coherence of all communication and information outputs; • Demonstrate a strong understanding of FAO Style Guide in drafting documentation, without the need for continuous correction or oversight; • 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; • Obtain government inputs and communicate with all stakeholders as relevant in order to carry out his/her technical tasks; and • 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 a related field • At least 5 years’ experience working in agricultural value chains, preferably related to fodder supply or a University degree in agriculture, animal science or a related field with at least 7 years’ experience working in agricultural value chains, preferably related to fodder supply is required. • Working knowledge (level C) of English is required. • National of Sri Lanka or must hold a regular work permit.

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 working with government structures • Knowledge in dairy program development with reference to green forage cultivation and ruminant nutrition • 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 • 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