Animal Health and Production – Intern 122 views0 applications

Job Description

Position Title: Intern- Animal Health and Production

Reports To: Project Officer- Food Security and Livelihoods

Division: CWS Africa

Department: Programs

Job Location: Tana River, Kenya

Grade Level: Internship, National

Duration: 3 months (with possibility of extension for another 3 months subject to

Performance)

Introduction:

Church World Service (CWS) is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster. CWS does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.

Primary Purpose

This position will provide support to the implementation of the food security for small holder farmers through effective and sustainable agricultural production and management under the Mwanga project. The Goal of this project is to improve food security and to promote the economic empowerment for small holder farmers in Tana Delta Sub-County through provision of improved animal breeds, crop production and modern beekeeping and VSLA.

The animal health intern role will focus on providing technical training and extension services to project beneficiaries, including farmers and livestock keepers. The intern will work closely with the project officer and manager to enhance good agricultural practices and address the needs of local farmers.

Key Responsibilities:

The animal health intern will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Create a monthly workplan aligned with project workplan, keep track of planned activities and submit weekly and monthly narrative reports.
2. Train farmer groups on livestock husbandry, including affordable feeding, record keeping, hygiene management, disease identification, and control.
3. Provide agricultural extension services through field visits to address individual farmers’ needs.
4. Advise farmers on best practices for livestock- poultry and goat production.
5. Support community mobilisers in conducting community-based surveillance and verification of alerts for vaccine-preventable disease.
6. Collect weekly monitoring reports from lead farmers and share them with project staff.
7. Provide technical advice to farmers on livestock production and marketing of products.
8. Conduct animal multiplication surveys and submit the required data.
9. Assist project officer/manager in the implementation of community-based surveillance systems for vaccine-preventable diseases.
10. Support the project officer to document project success stories and lessons learned and share with project for documentation monthly.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications:

• A recent graduate of a diploma program in Animal Health, or Veterinary Science, General Agriculture, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Education, or a Certificate with two (2) years of relevant experience in lieu of a diploma.
• KVB (Kenya Veterinary Board) Registration is require

Experience:

• Experience in data collection and report writing is preferred.
• Ability to effectively and gently handle animals.
• Able to assess vital signs, recognize signs of distress or discomfort in livestock.
• A valid motorcycle license Class A or the ability to acquire one at short notice
• Ability to keep and maintain accurate records.
• Demonstrable strong organizational and time management skills.
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of Animal Health and Extension Services or Agricultural Extension and Community Development.
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills. Fluency in English and Swahili are required. Knowledge of the local language is an added advantage.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent computer skills, in particular Microsoft Office

Abilities:

The Intern – Animal Health and Extension Service must have the ability to:

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Follow instructions with a positive and receptive attitude.
• A proactive attitude and readiness to learn on the job.
• Deal effectively and courteously with collaborators, government agencies, and members of the general public.
• Conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of CWS Africa.
• Maintain a high-performance standard with attention to detail.
• Carry out all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision.
• Take initiative in the development and completion of projects within the specified timeframe.
• Maintain strict confidentiality with CWS and operational information.
• Manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities.
• Work well as a team in a multi-cultural environment while maintaining a high level of motivation.
• Effectively manage CWS resources

Important Requirements:

• Strong English communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.

Special Requirements:

• The candidate should be of good health, willing and able to travel extensively in often difficult conditions and have a high degree of flexibility.
• This position is based in Tana River, Kenya
• Background check which includes references, and an educational and criminal check is required before the start of employment for international applicants.
• A valid driving license (Class A) and the ability to maintain a valid driving license throughout the entire appointment is required.
• This position requires hands-on motorbike riding around rough terrain and poor road networks.
• Physical: This position requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and lifting/carrying heavy loads.
• Environmental: Incumbents in this position will be exposed to excessive noise, marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, dust and infectious diseases, harsh weather climates, long work hours, bumpy roads, extended travel, excessive sun exposure, and non-ventilated spaces.
• Full time

All employees should be prepared to work from the CWS office within their location of hire.