Climate resilient livelihood expert (livestock specialist)

Background 

The Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources in partnership with UNOPS Kenya office has designed a project aimed at climate change adaptation and sustainable use of natural resources in rural areas of Kenya through the eco-village model. Climate change is one the greatest challenges facing the world today and Kenya is already experiencing the impact of climate change as witnessed in the
constant drought occurrences as well as floods, crop failure and environmental degradation through deforestation among others. 

The project introduces the eco-villages, which have been named in the United Nations’ top 100 listing of Best Practices as excellent models of sustainable living. Eco-villages are human settlements in which human activities are integrated into the natural environment with minimal harm, while considering economic, social and environmental principles. This proposed response not only brings climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability to the grassroots and community level, but also encourages sustainable livelihoods. 

The project will mitigate climate change associated risks to food security and livelihoods in 50 vulnerable communities established as a network of eco-villages. Given the scope of the project, implementation will be performed in three successive phases: 
1. feasibility and preparatory assessment phase 
2. a pilot phase on 5 selected villages 
3. a roll out phase to the 50 foreseen eco-villages. 

The selected candidate will be part of a team of technical experts who will complete the first phase of this project, the feasibility and preparatory assessment phase. The second and third phase of this project will be implemented once the required additional funding is secured. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Under the direct supervision of designated official at UNOPS, the selected candidate will be an expert on livelihood assessments and livestock and must have a strong knowledge of climate change adaptation programming with respect to this area of expertise, ideally in the Kenyan context. A sound knowledge of the other components of the project (alternative energy, livelihoods, water management, and agriculture) and work experience on similar projects would also be beneficial.

The Livelihoods / Livestock Specialist is required to perform the following duties and responsibilities:

- Work with the project team towards determining
• A locally suitable model for eco-villages that include adaptation to climate change as a core element
• A selection of suitable sites for pilot villages 

- Provide technical knowledge on animal breeding practices, livestock management / health, and commercial chain and how these may be affected by climate change 

- Provide technical guidance in the broader areas of livelihood program identification and assessment in the face of climate change and its impact on food security. 

- Provide cross-sectoral technical support to all other project members 

- Actively participate in planned workshops by providing concrete technical recommendations for survey design; potential assessment locations; a sound community approach; identification of risks / challenges and mitigations. 

- Develop a succinct, quality report that covers:
• All above indicated livestock related components of a model for eco-villages
• Recommendations, agreed with other technical members of the project team, on locations of pilot eco-villages
• Analysis and detailed description of how pastoralists and households can be more adapted to climate change variations, including associated costs
• Cost estimates for both infrastructure and software components
• A determination of whether the livestock component is a useful, cost-effective, and environmentally sound part of this project
• Assist with review relevant sections of existing logical framework 

Required Selection Criteria 

Competency 

- Extensive knowledge, experience and skills in livelihood / livestock programming, particularly assessment experience
- Demonstrated experience in livelihood field studies /research
- Sound understanding of livestock systems in Kenya and their role in rural livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable communities and groups
- An understanding of rural development theory and practice
- Excellent communication skills in English with Swahili as an added advantage
- Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced professional environment
- Excellent conceptual, analytical and English writing skills
- Excellent time management skills, with an ability to deliver high-quality outputs on time
- Very good computer skills including use of technical software for planning / training purposes
- Willingness to travel extensively in rural areas 

Academic Qualifications/Experience/Language 

- Advanced University degree in veterinary science, animal production, animal nutrition, agricultural economics, and natural resources. Additional years of relevant work experience, preferably in combination with a relevant bachelor’s degree, may substitute for the requirement for a master’s degree management or any other relevant area
- At least 5 years extensive experience in the assessment and support of communal livelihoods (ideally in the Kenyan context)
- Experience in livestock research/development or in livestock direct program implementation 
- Ability to assess livelihood assets and their vulnerability to present and future climate impacts 
- Experience in the design and implementation of different livelihood measures at community level 
- Familiarity with, and up-to-date knowledge on, various international efforts in livelihood diversification to deal with different environmental and climatic stresses including variability
- Livestock management experience in Kenya including processing and marketing
- The candidate must be thoroughly proficient in written and spoken English.