Secretariat
Vacancy Announcement
Technical Advisor – Livestock Holding Grounds Project
Ministry of Livestock
Background
The Somaliland Development Fund (SDF) is a 4 - year fund designed to support the Government
of Somaliland (GoSL) filling a critical gap supporting projects that are fully aligned to the National
Development Plan (NDP). SDF is currently funded by the Department for International
Development (DFID), the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and the
Norwegian Government (Norway). The fund finances implementation of projects proposed and
designed by Government of Somaliland line ministries and agencies which are aligned to the
National Development Plan (NDP) and the specific ministries strategies. The management of the
SDF Secretariat has been contracted to BMB Mott MacDonald, an international consulting
company, which is responsible for both the strategic and day – to – day management of the fund
on behalf of the Government of Somaliland and the donors.
The Ministry of Livestock (MoL) has received funding from the SDF for the “Livestock Holding
Ground (LHG) Project”. The project will re-establish two LHGs, one in the Aroori grazing area
near Burao town/Togdheer and one in the Qool-Caday grazing area near Salaxlay
town/Maroodijeex. LHGs will provide livestock producers and traders with the means to preserve
the condition and market value of export animals during the first three weeks of quarantine (both
LHGs) and to also support local fodder production for adding value to export livestock (fodder
production may only be practicable in Aroori LHG). The foreseen two LHG sites had previously
been livestock holding grounds in exactly the same locations, but were overrun by private herds
and illegal land enclosures when the central government collapsed.
The project will be managed through a Project Management Team (PMT) within the MoL which
will be headed by a Project Manager supported by a Long-Term Technical Advisor. SDF –
Secretariat is seeking applications from suitable individual candidates for the Technical
Advisor role to the Ministry of Livestock.
Role of the Technical Advisor
The Technical Advisor will be responsible for advising the PMT in general and the Project
Manager in particular, on various technical and organizational matters for smooth implementation
of the project. Besides the advisory role, he/she will streamline the project’s activities as per the
project document and established procedures of the SDF. The TA will closely liaise and
coordinate with all stakeholders including other members of the PMT, key MoL staff, other actors
in the livestock sector and the SDF secretariat.
Required Qualifications/Skills
Qualifications and skills






At a Masters’ degree in Rural Development, Livestock or another field relevant to this
assignment;
Excellent understanding of the Project Cycle Management;
Demonstrated excellent command of spoken and written English. Fluency in Somali will
be an added advantage although not essential;
Proven facilitation, analytical and report writing skills;
Proven interpersonal and diplomatic skills; and
Proven conflict sensitivity and understanding of gender programming.
General professional experience




Minimum of 10 years' experience working in senior level in Livestock Sector related
projects in Africa;
Proven experience in Project Management skills including financial and physical progress
monitoring and reporting. Experience in setting up M&E systems preferred but not
essential;
Demonstrated experience with public sector clients; and
Specific work experience in East and Horn of Africa context is required. Specific work
experience in Somalia or Somaliland would be an added advantage but not essential.
Specific professional experience




Demonstrated experience (minimum of 8 years) in project design, formulation and
implementation of Livestock projects. Examples of projects managed in the last three
years might be requested for;
Demonstrated experience in the management of the livestock holding grounds and
range/grazing reserves.
Experience in community organization and mobilization in a pastoralist setting.
Proven capacity to supervise, train and coach teams.
Interested candidates should send their applications (CV and a cover letter explaining the
candidates’ suitability for the position) to the Somaliland Development Fund Secretariat through
e-mail. It should be addressed to jobs@sdf-secretariat.org. All applications must be received by
5th May 2014 by 17:00 East African standard Time. Full terms of reference (ToRs) can be
requested via email from SDF recruitment consultant at l.vocks@europeansolutions.nl.
This position can only be fulfilled upon the approval of the underlying project by the Joint Steering
Committee. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This role is open Somaliland, regional and international candidates
Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply