Mercy Corps implements high-quality, analytical development work in very difficult places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently implement development programs in the Karamoja, Acholi, West Nile and Central sub-regions of Uganda with funding from USAID, DFID, EU, USDA and private foundations. Mercy Corps is currently implementing a USAID funded project focused on reducing the impact of pestes des petits ruminants (PPR), a highly infectious viral disease of small ruminants. The project is implemented by the University of Florida working closely with Tufts University, and with the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (PANVAC), BVI, Makerere University, Mercy Corps, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as well as target country institutions and authorities.

The purpose of this project is to conduct field testing supported by laboratory analysis of a thermostable PPR vaccine and to build capacity to scale the vaccine across a broad region where the disease is endemic. It will use a combination of tools and approaches, which proved successful in the rinderpest eradication, including the thermostable vaccine, community participation, and use of modeling to target areas with the highest disease transmission.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps seeks a dynamic individual to support in the daily implementation of program activities, helping to engage with key stakeholders and ensure program outcomes are achieved. It is an opportunity for a results oriented and self-motivated individual looking for complex challenges that can make difference in the people’s lives. The PPR Livestock Officer will focus on identifying and engaging with community-based stakeholders, help in the coordination of key training events and provide ongoing contextual knowledge to ensure program success.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Identify and mobilize key stakeholders for program activities.
Assist in the epidemiological targeting and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities through contextual knowledge
Support the PPR Team Leader in the selection of and training for veterinarians and CAHW in the context of on-going CAHW programs, together with Tufts University and local partners.
Assist in coordination of training events for the CAHW, with training conducted by Tufts and University of Florida epidemiologists and national universities, and participation by local Veterinary Services.
Assist in implementation of vaccination campaigns by the CAHW, with support by the Ugandan Veterinary Services.
Make on site visits regularly to monitor progress of activities and provide strategic measures for progress to maximize the programs’ economic and social impacts on the community
Analyze project implementation strategies to identify constraints to program success and provide timely recommendations
Prepare and submit periodic work plans and activity reports to the team leader
Apply gender and youth lens approach to activities in the program cycle
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;
Other duties as assigned.
Do This

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: N/A

ACCOUNTABILITY

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: PPR Team Leader

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: PPR Team Leader and Senior MEL officer

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

A degree in Agriculture (livestock production), Animal production technology and Management, Veterinary medicine or its equivalent including course units on medicine/ animal health.
At least 1-year experience in livestock health activities especially in the rural or pastoral communities
Willingness to work in the field with livestock producers, community animal health workers, kraal leaders, businesses in the value chain and communities
Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of partners; private sector, government and civil society
Skills in team work, networking, community dialogues and organizational development;
Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills
Good spoken and written English. Fluency in Ngakarimojong preferred.