Job Description

Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

The Organization

Since 1944, Heifer International has supported more than 36 million Small Holder Farmer (SHF) families globally lift themselves out of hunger and poverty while caring for the earth in partnership with the communities we serve including Youth & Women. Heifer International is now accelerating its strategic approaches to closing the Sustainable Living Income (SLI) gap for 10 million additional SHF households globally by 2030 using the Sustainable Locally Led Development (SLLD) approach.

Function

The Livestock Production Expert will possess extensive experience and expertise in various aspects of livestock production and livestock value chain development, aimed at promoting and strengthening the Sierra Leone Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project (SLLDP), which is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) in partnership with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The role holder will provide technical assistance (TA) to the SLLDP project in the operation areas, in line with the project’s plans and requirements. This position will report to the SLLDP-TA Project Team Leader and will receive support from the Heifer Regional team. The expert will be responsible for fostering strategic relationships with the regional Bureau of Agriculture and collaborating closely with the SLLDP on the technical aspects of livestock production.

Additionally, the Livestock Production Expert will serve as Heifer’s chief brand ambassador for the SLLDP-IFAD TA provision project in Sierra Leone, representing Heifer in key strategic forums to ensure the organization maintains strong brand recognition within the region in relation to the project.

Essential character traits critical for success include:

High-level knowledge and experience in livestock production technologies (feed, breed improvement, animal health), rangeland management, and livestock value chain development, including poultry, cattle, sheep and goats, live animals, and dairy/milk value chains in selected districts of Sierra Leone.

The role holder must also demonstrate the ability to apply a strategic mindset, business insight, and organizational acumen to drive results in livestock sector commercialization. Strong collaboration, communication skills, the ability to instill trust, and self-awareness are essential. The ability to be a good team player and resourceful is also required.

Responsibilities and Deliverables

A. Technical assistance in establishing Livestock Farmers Field Schools (LFFSs) and selecting Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs)

Technical support to the Program Management Unit (PMU) in updating modules; in conducting Training of Trainers (TOT); and in establishing or strengthening LFFSs (20%)

• Updated modules tuned to the context of SL; assessment of the existing LFFSs and recommendations for strengthening; and guideline to establishing new LFFSs.
• Strengthen existing LFFSs and establish new ones.
• Develop and update training modules for LFFSs.
• Review and assess the current Livestock Extension Program and identify gaps.
• Develop a new Livestock Extension Program, if necessary.
• Conduct TOT for MAFS staff.
• Provide technical guidance for cascading the program to clusters of chiefdoms.
• Prepare and submit work plans for the delivery of TA activities, which will be reviewed and approved by SLLDP’s Regional Coordination and Management Unit (RCMU), in consultation with Team Leader.
• Facilitate the increased visibility of Heifer amidst the larger public including government officials and other stakeholders.
• Represent Heifer International before all persons and organizations at the regional level, government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector, stakeholders, and partners.
• Demonstrate an aptitude for creativity and innovation.
• Position Heifer as one of the thought leaders on thematic issues: Livestock, agriculture, livelihoods, smallholders, women, and youth.
• Regularly monitor the performance of TA activities, prepare, and submit progress reports (program and finance) to the Team Leader.
• Ensure the transfer, internalization and adoption of the TA learnings and best practices (national and international) into the SLLDP project for impact.
• Document and share project learnings to the Team Leader and stakeholders.

B. Ensures effective implementation of the SLLDP for the delivery of commercial outcomes for smallholders while at the same time strengthening local capacity building (35%)

• Guidance and advisory on procurement and restocking/placement/ on sheep and chicken
• Provide technical assistance to the partners on relevant livestock feed and forage development strategies and water development
• Facilitate the Establishment of Community-Based Breeding Programs (CBBPs)
• Together with the Value Chain Specialist, support the development of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mechanisms related to animal health and production
• Look for ways of strengthening the CAHWs function and explore other similar approaches like the Heifer’s Community Agro-Vet Extension (CAVE) approach
• Assist partners in the improvement of the local animal breeds for commercial livestock production
• Participate in the identification and analysis of value chains together with stakeholders and the Value Chain Specialist
• Assist the development of realistic and commercially viable business plans developed with Micro and Small Livestock Enterprises (MSLEs) to drive productivity and income increases
• Women empowered through enhanced social status, access to assets and services, and enhanced livelihoods
• Foster strong partnership and liaise regularly with SLLDP’s PMU
• Provide trainings as required to district-level stakeholders as required and demanded
• Build and maintain.

C. Livestock commercialization with strong private sector engagement and market systems approach (20%)

• Support the transitioning of subsistence livestock production to market-based (market-informed, market-oriented, and market-led) livestock production in communities located in the project operation areas
• Facilitate the accessibility of relevant animal production technologies and services to SLLDP.

D. Capacity building, relationships with the SLLDP stakeholders (20%)

• Design and implement animal health care service.
• Mainstream Nutrition and Gender in LFFSs.
• Technical support in Market Assessment and Beneficiary Selection.
• Technical support in the assessment of the capacities of the established MSLEs; technical assistance in developing guideline for the MSLEs.
• Technical assistance for PMU.
• Provide support in facilitating South-South Technical Cooperation (SSTC).
• Train and coach district extension and Development Assistants (DAs), cooperatives, and smallholder communities.
• Together with the SLLDP’s PMU, facilitate the different capacity building TOT trainings for district-level experts and implementation of biannual review workshops.
• Work with Signature Program Lead at Heifer Regional to ensure quality delivery of Heifer’s model.
• Support the Value Chain Specialist in identifying viable value chain opportunities.
• Foster a sense of connection and belonging.
• Show openness to new ideas and foster organizational learning.
• Maintain country-level requirements for Heifer’s legal operation.

E. Any other assigned functions (5%)

• Perform other job-related duties as requested.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s Degree from a recognized university or equivalent in Agriculture Science, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, or a related field.
• Fluent in English, and local languages, both spoken and written.
• 10 - 15 years of relevant experience with at least five (5) years in a supervisory capacity.

Most Critical Proficiencies

• Proven knowledge of new livestock technologies and development strategies.
• Inspired and motivated.
• Aligns resources to accomplish key objectives and assigns clear accountability for important objectives. Achieves meaningful accomplishments.
• Ability to support differences of opinion, and help individuals resolve conflict in a constructive manner.
• Proven experience in development actions under the following or related themes: Food Security and Nutrition, Environment, Women and Youth Empowerment
• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Excellent networking and negotiation skills
• Skills with Microsoft Office package, internet browser, and other appropriate technology
• Good understanding of and sensitivity to poverty, social and ethnic issues
• Understand the importance of traditional customs to various ethnic issue.
• An excellent team player with the ability to work with diverse cultural groups.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands

• Motivated to work responsibly with little supervision.
• Demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity.
• Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the stakeholders and others
• Constant sitting, standing, and walking, with occasional bending and lifting; may work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively locally
• Ability to meet and deal with others in a courteous and tactful manner.

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Accountability
• Professional Excellence
• Humility
• Customer Orientation
• Empathy
• Innovation

Deadline for Applications: 16th November 2026