All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

Organizational Setting

The main aim of FAO  country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The Rwanda Dairy Development Project (RDDP) is a new project coordinated by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) through a designated Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU). The main goal of the RDDP is to contribute to pro-poor national economic growth and improve the livelihood of resource-poor rural households focusing on food security, nutrition and empowerment of women and youth in a sustainable and climate-resilient dairy value chain development. Specifically, the project seeks to increase competitiveness and profitability of the dairy sector for the provision of quality products from small-scale producers to domestic and regional consumers, thus improving their livelihoods, food security and nutrition whilst building overall resilience.

The Government of Rwanda has requested FAO to provide technical assistance (TA) to RAB/SPIU/RDDP for the implementation of RDDP. FAO’s TA will particularly contribute to RDDP’s capacity building component 1“Climate-smart Dairy Production Intensification” aimed at increasing the capacity of male and female smallholder dairy farmers and farm assistants to sustainably produce and supply higher volumes of quality milk to the dairy market and home consumption and Component 3 and subcomponent 3.1 focusing on “formulation of a national dairy policy and necessary legislation for improving the regulatory environment of the sector”.

FAO will provide TA on three thematic areas: (i) extension and advisory services through the adaptation and implementation of the existing livestock farmer field School (LFFS) approach; (ii) Support in updating up the existing national genetic improvement program and Implementation Plan for animal genetic resources and dairy cattle genetic improvement including a plan for conservation of local bovine genetic resources and (iii) Support the improvement of livestock identification and traceability system (LITS). The TA will be implemented over a period of 2 years

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative to Rwanda, direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR/Programme under the technical guidance of the FAO Lead Technical Officer supporting from  FAO Sub-regional office for Eastern Africa (SFE) based in Addis (Ethiopia) – and in close collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU).

Technical Focus

The TA-RDDP National Project Manager will coordinate FAO’s Technical Assistance and assist the international consultants to support the RDDP in the areas of Extension and advisory services (EAS) through the implementation of the existing livestock farmer field School (LFFS); Implementation Plan for animal genetic resources and dairy cattle genetic improvement programme including a plan for conservation of local bovine genetic resources; and Livestock Identification and Traceability System (RWALITS). He/She will serve as the liaison between FAO Rwanda and the SPIU team and participate (on behalf of FAO) to the TA-RDDP team to allow synergies between FAO TA reports and RDDP reports.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will undertake the following tasks:

• Undertake the day-to-day coordination, planning and monitoring of activities to ensure timely provision of both administrative and technical support services;
• Closely liaise with the RDDP Project Coordination and MINAGRI to maintain a good working relationship for implementation of FAO’s project activities.
• Ensure that appropriate linkages are established between the project activities and other relevant programs in Rwanda.
• Contribute to the preparation of the Terms of Reference (ToR), identification and selection of national consultants;
• Organize project meetings and workshops, as required and in close collaboration with the RDDP Management;
• Ensure that project activities and results are promoted through FAO Rwanda communication channels;
• Organize and participate in project management meetings and Technical Working Groups.
• Prepare and finalize all progress and final narrative reports prior to the corresponding deadlines indicated in the Project Document.
• Perform other related duties as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor degree in Veterinary Medicine, Animal sciences, Animal production and other related fields.
• A minimum of 5 years practical experience after graduation in the field of Veterinary Medicine, Animal sciences, Animal production.
• A minimum of 5 years after graduation in projects/programmes management.
• Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• National of Rwanda.
• Knowledge of French and Kinyarwanda would be an added advantage as well as proven experience and skills in working with UN system in the areas of Veterinary Medicine and Animal production. The same applies for knowledge and understanding of FAO project cycle.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical-Functional Skills

• Working experience in coordinating the development and implementation of integrated dairy strategies aligned with national strategies, policies and donor priorities and following organization standards.
• Working experience in promoting the improved dairy to fight food insecurity among vulnerable communities is highly desirable.
• Work experience on Dairy industry promotion  in Rwanda

• Skills in project management of integrated Food Security projects
• Sound understanding of ongoing programmes and policies in Dairy industry in Rwanda.
• Experience in working with nutrition partners and stakeholders at different levels.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, drafting skills, both written and verbal.
• Female applications are strongly encouraged.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/