World Vision International (WVI) began emergency relief operations in Afghanistan in 2001 by addressing the urgent needs of children and families affected by natural disasters and decades of conflict. More than a decade later, World Vision Afghanistan’s (WVA) programs have expanded to development sectors such as health, nutrition, WASH, child protection, and education, empowering women to engage in civil and social change through interfaith partnership.

WVA targets the most vulnerable in its interventions; including children, women, Internally Displace Persons (IDPs), and returnee refugees, as well as the most impoverished and marginalized families. These priorities have been chosen to contribute to our Goal of: “Improved survival and well-being of Afghan girls and boys, building the foundations for a better future for Afghan children and their communities.” 

Our work is well established in Herat, Badghis, Ghor, and Faryab provinces in the western region of Afghanistan. We work closely with all levels of society including children, parents, teachers, village councils, religious leaders, ministries, provincial departments, and other national and international agencies.

Job Porpuse 

We are seeking a dedicated individual to fill the role of Livestock Extension Officer. This full-time, grant-funded position is integral to the planning and execution of technical operations within the Dairy and Livestock sectors. The successful candidate will work in tandem with livestock keepers, providing a suite of technical services that encompass livestock health management, feed and fodder production, as well as advanced milk production and processing techniques. These services are designed to bolster the production capabilities of smallholder dairy farmers. The role demands close collaboration with local service providers, including agriculturists, para-vets, BVWs, and VFUs, to ensure the delivery of comprehensive livestock services. Additionally, the officer will liaise with district-level stakeholders, such as DAIL and other public extension agents, to craft and support innovative extension services. A significant aspect of this role involves the capacity building of local organizations within the consortium, providing technical support and backstopping as necessary. The Livestock Extension Officer will operate under the leadership of the Project Manager and adhere to the guidance of the FSL sector lead and Zonal Manager, ensuring alignment with project goals and sector standards.

Major Responsibilities 

1. Building Relationship:

• Be responsible for maintaining and strengthening relationships with key partners through close coordination with project Manager, especially Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock at the province level.
• Ensure smooth networking with other actors involved in livelihood/food security sector at local and higher levels as appropriate.
• Conduct regular meetings with targeted livestock keepers and ensure proper coordination network is established
• Linkage with head of community centres and report on their behalf to Field Supervisor
• Establish linkage mechanism with Veterinary Field Unit (VFU)
• Provide the quarterly and annual livelihood Plan/reports and check with FSL Sector lead and (project Manager).
• Timely coordination and cooperation with local partner organization

2. Project Implementation and Technical Quality Assurance

• Selection of livestock keepers to participate in the project
• Provide livestock feed, stable, diseases management training for selected livestock keepers.
• Distribution of restock small ruminants for identified households (According to FSAC livestock basket)
• Provide livestock starter fodder through cash or in-kind distribution and promote the cultivation of forage crops
• Select and train Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) to provide basic animal husbandry services
• Assess communities’ awareness level regarding livestock keeping
• Conduct continuous monitoring of livestock production, status of coops and stables and livestock treatment process
• Contribute in livestock purchasing, distribution process, livestock feed stuff and other related activities
• Strengthen communities’ contribution toward project implementation
• Facilitate group gatherings/meetings schedule/ organize group meeting
• Support in training of project participants on livestock related topics
• Support local partner in planning, implementing of the livestock interventions
• Provide timely field support visits within WVA and local partner organization and provide timely guidance for correction measures

3. Planning, Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Conduct identification survey of the project participants
• Assist in conducting surveys, Value chain analysis, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) or research related to livestock
• Collect project related data and information
• Participate in participatory need assessment at community level
• Apply “Do No Harm” theory at any project interventions
• Work according to community cultures and norms
• Ensure that no discrimination has been made among the different classes people in the communities
• Record project lessons learned and challenges and report them to the Field Supervisor
• Ensure ideal behaviour is promoted among project participants
• Contribute monitoring process in the target communities. Submit necessary documents to field supervisor
• Submit necessary reports to the Supervisor in a timely manner
• Support the local partner in planning, reporting and evaluation of assigned interventions
• To perform other job-related tasks assigned by supervisor as and when required

Other

• Adhere to WV Child and Adult Safeguarding policy and standards
• Adhere to WV accountability standards

To be aware and prepared to implement WV Afghanistan Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs plan under the context of Herat) urban and rural interventions

Required Professional Experience and Education 

• At least two-years’ experience related to community-based livestock interventions and or in poultry, husbandry and veterinary services
• Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Husbandry is a MUST

Preferred Knowledge and Qualifications

• Master Degree in Animal Husbandry
• Understanding of local livestock practices and challenges
• Familiarity with livestock extension development issues
• Knowledge of participatory methods and community planning
• Awareness of gender mainstreaming in livestock activities
• Understanding the livestock value chain, including input and output deliver
• Experience in community group development and support.
• Ability to organize on-site training for Livestock keepers
• Overall understanding of Livestock in Emergencies (LEGs)
• Competence in data collection related to livestock production and productivity
• Communication with communities, Peer agencies, CAHWs and local authorities
• Interpersonal sensitivity, flexible worldview, emotional maturity
• Ability to maintain performance expectations in diverse contexts, psychologically stressful environments, and hardship conditions.
• Ability to work as part of a field team.
• Ability to exhibit exemplary lifestyle as interpreted in specific local cultural context
• Good computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), internet use and Lotus Notes.

The application closing date is 27- May 2024. Qualified applicants can apply for the position by filling in the online application form in WV Career portal. applicants can also attach their CV and cover letter in the online system. Please note that only the applications received through the online portal will be considered for this position.

Applicants can login to WV online application system by copying and pasting the following link into their web browser

Submission Email:

Careers (myworkdayjobs.com)