MISSION NOTICE - Nairobi

MISSION NOTICE
USAID Nairobi Complex
NOTICE NO:
09 – 14
DATE: June 17, 2009
SUBJECT:
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR
LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SPECIALIST, AGRICULTURE,
BUSINESS & ENVIRONMENT OFFICE (ABEO), USAID/KENYA
OPENING DATE: Immediately
CLOSING DATE: June 30, 2009
Office:
Title:
Agriculture, Business & Environment Office (ABEO), USAID/Kenya
Livestock Development Program Specialist
Grade: FSN - (PSC) – 4005-11
Who May Apply:
All qualified Kenyan citizens.
Employees currently on probation are ineligible to apply.
BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:
The position is in the USAID/Kenya Mission’s Agriculture, Business and Environment Office (ABEO).
The incumbent is a high level professional who performs a variety of program analyses, reporting and
evaluation, government and donor liaison and performance monitoring functions in support of the
USAID/Kenya Mission. The incumbent serves as a professional advisor to senior staff on complex indepth
country analysis for the policy formulation of the USAID development assistance in Kenya and
assessing the performance of ongoing programs. The incumbent will also serve as a Contracting
Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) for the Mission’s livestock related activities and/or projects
under grants, cooperative agreements or contracts with responsibility for USAID management oversight
of such activities and/or project. ABEO is the Kenya Mission’s office responsible for the management
and implementation of USAID’s Economic Growth objective in Kenya. Activities are implemented in
the areas of agricultural production and policy and business development managed under an agricultural
unit of ABEO, and in environment and natural resources management managed under an environmental
unit of ABEO.
The underlying approach taken by the agricultural program is one of market-led, value chain development
that targets some of Kenya’s most important agricultural commodities, including maize, dairy,
horticulture and livestock. The program aims to expand adoption of productivity-enhancing, sustainable
agricultural technologies; enhance viable business linkages throughout the value chains, from small
farmer to end consumer -- including producer and marketing associations, and promote domestic,
regional, and international trade in agricultural products, thereby improving Kenyan agricultural products’
access to global markets. In addition, the program will identify and support appropriate roles of the public
and private sectors in agriculture and business services -- especially in rural areas, and advocate for
policy, regulatory and legal reforms that heighten performance in the sector.
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The environment program aims to enhance sustainable and equitable management of Kenya’s rich biodiverse
resource areas that are essential to the protection of the human environment and natural
ecosystems. The program will focus on enhancing the financial and social benefits associated with
conservation. Based on the Kenyan experience since the 1990s, these benefits are expected to attract and
motivate local communities and individuals to change their behavior regarding natural resources. The
program will address relevant ecological and socioeconomic issues facing communities and management
of the bio-diverse areas in Kenya.
Several activities are funded and managed under the office to implement programs and projects in support
of ABEO objectives. The activities are implemented by host country institutions, international
contractors, and international and national non-government organizations. The Livestock Development
Program Specialist will provide high level technical and analytical support to ABEO under the direct
supervision of the ABEO Office Chief.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND % OF TIME:
Project Planning and Management: (60%)
The incumbent will:
1. Serve as ABEO’s principal livestock development program advisor and manages livestock related
program, projects and activities. This entails overall planning and management responsibilities to ensure
that program/project/activity actions are implemented and responsive to Mission operational guidelines as
given in the Agency’s Automated Directives Systems (ADS). During the course of assigned duties,
responsible for strategic planning, conceptualization, project discussions with the Government of Kenya
(GoK) and other relevant stakeholders, assessment, design, scopes of work, preparation of cost estimates,
and preparation of grant/cooperative agreement/contract solicitations. These actions may entail the
chairing of contractor selection committees, recommendation of contractor selection and assessment of
contractor performance.
Monitor programs and/or projects involving regular contact with USAID partners to stay abreast of
project/activity status, problems and issues, develop and track performance management plans, work
plans, evaluation criteria, assessment of achievement, and justification/waivers to meet changing
conditions or circumstances impacting on the implementation of programs, projects and activities; take
corrective action to ensure activities achieve targets; and review and approve work plans and payment
vouchers.
Participate in analysis of program/project sectors and provide inputs into the formulation of sector policy
and program design. Conduct periodic assessments of the adequacy of program/project objectives and
benchmarks and recommend revisions as needed. Recommend continuation or cancellation of USAID
participation in joint projects. Oversee and evaluate contractor performance. Monitor project
disbursements, initiate and review status of project commodity procurement, and prepare or supervise the
preparation of project documentation, develop scopes of work for evaluations and closes out projects.
Maintain liaison with the highest levels up to ministers, permanent secretaries, directors of agriculture,
livestock development and veterinary services, and other host-country personnel responsible for or
concerned with project implementation.
2. Assume management and supervisory oversight for specific livestock related project management
responsibilities. At present the portfolio consists of activities for the North Eastern Pastoral Development
Program (NEPDP), implemented by the African Union, Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources. This
program, in the North Eastern Province and the Tana River District focuses on strengthening institutional
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capacity of local organizations, strengthening capacity of the veterinary department, and strengthening
public-private sector collaboration. The incumbent will also assume management and supervisory
oversight for the Mission’s new livestock development program that is currently being developed and will
focus on improving livestock health, production and marketing of livestock and livestock products. Where
appropriate, the incumbent will collaborate with other Mission activities in agricultural policy and
research, micro- and small enterprise assistance, rural finance, food security, dairy and other agricultural
commodity value chain programs.
The projects managed by the incumbent are of major importance in terms of the total USAID program
assistance and high priority development areas within the GoK. Complexity of the projects managed by
the incumbent stem from the intricate organizational structure of the implementing agencies, including
private sector agribusiness, international agriculture research centers, private U.S. contracting firms,
Kenyan NGOs, and GoK. The incumbent must overcome initial GoK reluctance to devote scarce
resources to a project which includes private sector beneficiaries.
3. Prepare a number of wide-ranging reports on programs/projects/activities for which he/she is
responsible, GoK policies and procedures with respect to agriculture -- particularly livestock sector
development, and private sector issues and activities that impact upon agricultural and livestock
development. Responsibility shall be assigned for Agency annual reporting on Mission operational plan
and performance, and for internal documentation required for Mission review and approval, and other
relevant documentation as assigned.
4. Advise U.S. direct hire officers at all levels in the USAID/Kenya Mission, up to and including the
Director, on a variety of development and capacity building matters in his/her areas of management
responsibility. The incumbent is considered a senior specialist in his/her areas of assignment, and in that
capacity he/she will suggest alternative approaches for Mission consideration regarding program
negotiation involving the wider agriculture sector, and in particular the livestock sub-sector. Advice and
suggestions will be based on the incumbent’s thorough understanding of the socio-economic environment
of Kenya and positions/policies/practices of the GoK. Substantial reliance will be placed upon the
incumbent’s professional judgment in the development, management and evaluation of major
development programs and projects designed to achieve U.S. objectives.
5. Based on the employee's knowledge of Kenya's livestock sub-sector, identify and advise on the
selection of specific programs for USAID funding, having evaluated and analyzed alternatives. Determine
the effect of such programs on the Mission’s agricultural development strategy and ensures the
compilation of documentation necessary to amend or expand the ongoing programs or design new ones if
necessary to ensure performance.
Program Development and Policy: (40%)
The incumbent will:
1. Develop and maintain an extensive range of key contacts at the highest levels of the public and private
sectors in livestock development. Review and utilize on a continuous basis a wide variety of public
material, GoK reports, Kenya research organizations’ publications, private sector journals, local press and
other publications to inform and improve program performance.
2. Provide briefings, advise USAID senior management, U.S. Embassy officials and ABEO on GoK
administrative, policy and programming procedures, and facilitate access for the Mission Director,
USAID Office Chiefs and U.S. Embassy officers to relevant GoK ministries at all levels up to the
Minister. He/she will review and update GoK key policy and personnel changes in these various
ministries and prepare periodic background materials for the Mission Director and ABEO Office Chief.
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3. Analyze GoK requests for assistance in livestock development, private sector development in the area
of livestock, institutional and capacity building, and provide recommendations in negotiating and
executing bilateral agreements.
4. Manage or conduct special research projects for the Mission. He/she designs methodology, or arranges
for specific studies, and develops concise, meaningful reports on such topics as:
(a) Recommendation of Kenyan institutions available to participate in the implementation of USAID
projects and their existing capability in terms of staff and facilities;
(b) Identify livestock sector market opportunities and sub-sector development strategies;
(c) Review of private sector development needs and determine ways of involving them more in Kenyan
livestock development as partners and within alliances;
(d) Determine the effectiveness of the GoK policies on livestock development;
(e) Identify institutions critical to livestock development and private sector capacity building and
prioritize those needs;
(f) Identify and recommend necessary studies and make recommendations regarding livestock
development and private sector development.
5. Make independent forecasts of likely trends in Kenya development programs, policies, and legislation
which may affect U.S. operations in all sectors of the USAID/Kenya’s project/program portfolio. For
example, follow closely the activities of the GoK under the Agricultural Sector Development Strategy
(ASDS) with respect to livestock development, and privatization of GoK institutions.
6. Compile and analyze information that covers livestock development trends in the public, private and
parastatal sectors, and determine the effects on the nation's livestock sector as well as their potential
effects on other Kenyan development sectors, i.e., food security, health, HIV/AIDS, democracy and
governance, environment, and nutrition.
7. Consult with beneficiaries, non-government organizations, private sector leaders and Government to
analyze and recommend how USAID activities can be improved to more effectively address gender,
corruption and youth.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Any application that does not meet the minimum requirements stated below will not be evaluated. Only short
listed applicants will be contacted. If you have not been contacted within one month from the closing date of this
advertisement, please consider your application unsuccessful.
a. Education: A Master’s degree in one of the following: animal husbandry (with a focus on cattle and
small ruminants), rangeland or pastoral management, agricultural economics (with an emphasis on
livestock economics), livestock production and marketing, extension, or a closely related field.
b. Prior Work Experience: (40%) Five to eight years of progressively professional responsibility in the
field of livestock development/management, including experience in the management, analysis and
interpretation of data, and presentation of findings in written and oral form. Substantive experience with
program/project development, management, and performance monitoring, preferably for an international
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organization. Work experience that demonstrates solid understanding of the issues surrounding livestock
sector development – including trade, development and social and environmental concerns – so as to be
able to represent USAID interests and programs to a wide variety of policy-makers, technical experts and
other stakeholders in Kenya.
c. Post Entry Training/Training Required After Employment: In-house training in USAID
programming policies and processes. Computer training will be provided as appropriate. Training for
preparation and posting of web-based documents. Other USAID formal training as determined by the
Supervisor.
d. Language Proficiency: Must be fluent (Level IV) in reading, writing and speaking English and
Kiswahili. Must have excellent written and verbal presentation in English and Kiswahili.
e. Knowledge: (30%) Must have expert knowledge of livestock sector productivity, policy and marketing
systems. Must have thorough knowledge and understanding of GoK institutions, policies, legislation,
strategies, past experiences and development approaches. A thorough knowledge of agriculture, rural
development and relevant private sector, NGO and international organizations is also essential.
f. Skills and Abilities: (30%) Must be able to develop and maintain an extensive range of high level
contacts in the Kenya Government, NGOs, international organization community and private sector
circles. Must have well-developed skills in policy analysis, and institutional relations. The ability to
quickly and objectively render advice is required. Highly developed interpersonal skills are required.
Demonstrated ability to work as a team member in a multi-cultural environment, with excellent analytical,
written and verbal communication skills. Must be a self-starter, able to analyze and evaluate complex
information from a variety of sources and prepare precise, accurate and well-written reports, often under
tight deadlines and with minimal direction. Must be proficient in computer applications, including
Microsoft Office Suite.
POSITION ELEMENTS:
a. Supervision Received: The incumbent is supervised by the ABEO Office Chief, who establishes
broad outlines of tasks to be performed. The incumbent handles work assignments independently with
limited supervision. The incumbent develops his/her own work schedule, procedures for
accomplishing tasks and independently resolve problems which may arise during accomplishment of
those objectives.
b. Available Guidelines: The incumbent will be expected to be fully being aware of AID procedures
and policies, traditional practices and information included in ADS, FAR, AIDAR and Mission
Orders. In addition, he/she will have intimate knowledge and understanding of Mission level
documents, i.e., the ADS, the CBJ, and other related statements of strategy and policy.
c. Exercise of Judgment: In interpreting guidelines noted above, the incumbent uses considerable
judgment in deciding between alternatives and in interpreting, adapting and possibly recommending
new guidelines. Judgment exercised on accessing expertise in or outside SO team.
d. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent deals independently with high-level
government officials, other foreign assistance advisors, and members of the Kenya Mission. He/she
will not make commitments on behalf of the U.S. Government, but will be given substantial leeway in
discussing development options and alternatives. He/she will be expected to keep the supervisor
informed regarding discussions that may result in U.S. Government commitments.
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e. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent contacts with high level officials up to
ministers, members of parliaments, permanent secretaries, directors of departments/institutions,
mission directors of the host country government, country representatives of private voluntary
organizations/NGOs and international organizations and donor agencies. These contacts will be used
to transmit specific information, obtain required information and relaying positions and requests on
behalf of the supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to ascertain or predict host government
officials’ reaction to program plans and USAID policies, and through these contacts keep the AID
Mission apprised of reaction to development activities.
f. Supervision Exercised: The employee will supervise USAID-funded projects amounting to
approximately $1-4 million/year. He/she will also be carrying out complex and difficult tasks using
independent judgment and initiatives based on extensive knowledge and experience in the livestock
development and livestock-related private enterprise development field. The incumbent will allocate
work to a secretary.
g. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties after Entry into the Position: The incumbent
will be expected to work a full 40-hour week and be available on an as-needed basis to deal with
emergency situations and during times of heavy work load. It is expected that one year will be
required for the incumbent to become familiar with the complex tasks outlined in this position.
NOTE:
Current USG employees must meet the "time-in-grade” requirement of 52 weeks in the previous
lower grade to qualify for the position at the level in this vacancy announcement or be at the same
grade for which the position is being recruited. Applicants who meet the job qualification
requirements but not the "time-in-grade" requirement may be considered for the position but will
have to abide by the in-grade requirement prior to being considered for the next higher grade. In
addition the employee must have received a Personnel Evaluation Report (PER) during the most
recent rating period which clearly indicated the employee is ready and capable of assuming a more
responsible position.
HOW TO APPLY
Current USG employees should submit a memo explaining their qualifications against our requirements,
updated resume/curriculum vitae, copies of all relevant academic certificates, and the most recent
Performance Evaluation Report (PER) to the Human Resources Office stating their interest.
External applicants must submit an application letter explaining their qualifications against our
requirements, updated resume/curriculum vitae, and copies of all relevant academic certificates to the
Human Resources Office. Please note that this position has been advertised in the Daily Nation and
Standard newspapers.
All applications must reach the USAID Human Resources Office, Ground Floor, by COB June 30, 2009.
USAID Human Resources Office,
Ground Floor, P.O. Box 629, Village Market 00621, Nairobi
Re: Livestock Development Program Specialist, ABEO/USAID/Kenya
EXO:__________________
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