Veterinarian Surgeons

For missions in Niger and Mali

Within its global Economic Security approach in conflict affected countries, the ICRC implements Relief-, Livelihood- and Rehabilitation Programs in order to improve, restore or maintain food- and economic security on the household level. Food production programs of the ICRC are multifaceted, bear different modes of intervention and aim at assisting victims in a timely and flexible way to meet their essential needs and expenditures in a sustainable and dignified way. Among the interventions are cash/voucher programming, microeconomic initiatives, agricultural and veterinary / livestock related relief / rehabilitation programs.

The veterinary programs actually conducted by the ICRC include vaccination campaigns, veterinary treatment programs, de- (re-) stocking, fodder production / -banks, capacity building, herders’ awareness training, support to existing structures and institutions and, as well, they aim at sustainable outcomes.

Tasks:

• Depending on the country and the context, she/he is the focal point for livestock related food production programs
• Direct operational responsibility for the implementation of livestock programs
• Design and propose appropriate livestock interventions, integrated into the Economic Security programs
• Communicate and network with partners and other actors involved in livestock programs
• Contribute to the set-up of a monitoring system and evaluations including:
  identification of SMART indicators
  preparation of data collection tools and modalities
  drafting a data analysis plan including linkages with decision making or adjustments as necessary
• Conduct post-intervention monitoring and impact evaluation of the livestock program / projects implemented by the ICRC delegation
• Guide and coach EcoSec team members on livestock issues

Requirements:

• Degree in Veterinary Sciences with emphasis on Animal Production / Husbandry
• 2 – 3 years of experience in international humanitarian work related to livestock programs and food security
• Sensitivity, knowledge and understanding of livestock owners and livestock based livelihoods (including pastoralist/agro pastoralist livelihoods, migration routes, specificities of land tenure and locally based agreements and negotiations, challenges/tensions between livestock owners and agriculturalists)
• Capacity and interest to work in a multidisciplinary team involving other sectors linked to the economic security of a population as well as ICRC “Protection” related activities.  
• Good veterinary diagnostic skills
• Has a strong motivation to work in difficult contexts and spend large amounts of time in the field, or - on the contrary – has to manage programs without being able to go to the field
• Strong capacities to analyse complex situations
• Ability to work under stress, particularly associated with a conflict affected environment
• Has the capacity and skills to manage, coach and motivate a small team of specialists
• Is able to live and work in a complex mix of cultures and profession
• Sound understanding of the project cycle, establishing appropriate (SMART) objectives and indicators is required
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Good organisational, managerial, planning, reporting skills
• Is fluent in French with good English; any other language knowledge (e.g. Arabic) is an asset
• Be ready to spend the first 2 years on unaccompanied mission
• Possess a valid driving licence

It would be an asset to have:

• A postgraduate degree in Tropical Veterinary Medicine / Agriculture or any degree linked to food security or the humanitarian sector
• A strong interest in, and understanding of complex food security and basic food production processes
• Experience in emergency and / or Economic Security interventions outside the livestock programming .

The Posts and Applications

There are two posts:

• one is in Mali, based in Bamako, for which ICRC requires a veterinary surgeon immediately and for a mission of 12 months
• one is in Niger, based in Bamako; the post will become vacant in February 2014 and the mission is for 12 months

                   

Applications must be made via the website www.icrc.org

                  

Candidates from the African continent are encouraged to apply