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 Smallholder Farmer (SHF) families globally to lift themselves out of hunger and poverty while caring for the earthโin partnership with the communities we serve, including youth and 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 Value Chain Specialist shall have deep experience and knowledge of various aspects of livestock programme commercialization, private sector engagement, Public-Private-Producer Partnerships (PPPPs), livestock production and value chain development, market linkages, agricultural financing, and agribusiness and agricultural value chain development to promote and strengthen the Sierra Leone Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project (SLLDP) being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security (MAFFS), Sierra Leone.The role holder will deliver Technical Assistance (TA) to the SLLDP project implemented in the region by MAFFS as planned and required.This position will report to the SLLDP TA Project Team Leader and will be supported by the Heifer Africa Regional Team. The expert is responsible for building strategic relationships with the Livestock Division at MAFFS and will work closely with the SLLDP on technical aspects of the livestock value chain.This position will serve as Heiferโs chief brand ambassador for the SLLDP International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) TA provision project, representing Heifer in strategic forums to ensure Heifer maintains strong brand recognition within the region related to the project. Essential Character Traits Critical for Success Include High-level knowledge and experience in private sector engagement for livestock commercialization and development, agricultural financing, and agribusiness livestock value chain development in the areas of poultry, red meat, live animals, hides and skins, and dairy/milk value chains.The role holder also requires the ability to apply a strategic mindset, business insight, and organizational savvy to drive results in the livestock sector commercialization areas. The ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, instill trust, and demonstrate self-awareness is essential. The role holder must be a good team player and resourceful. Responsibilities and Deliverables A. Livestock value chains assessment and analysis, and support stakeholders in development of guidelines, manuals, and periodically monitor the performance of project activities (20%)
Remain knowledgeable of and commission market-based, demand-driven value chain studies in the region.Facilitate and lead the undertaking of value chain assessments and analysis.Participate in the development of guidelines, Terms of References (ToRs), and manuals as stated in the TA document supporting the experts of the stakeholders for the various assessments and analysis.Provide training and orientation to enumerators on the methodologies, assessment, and data analysis to experts and key technical officers.Support the development and preparation of guidelines and manuals as required by the SLLDP and MAFFS.Prepare and submit work plans for the delivery of TA activities, which will be reviewed and approved by the SLLDP Program Management Unit (PMU).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 levelโgovernment, 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, and prepare and submit progress reports to the Team Leader.Ensure the transfer, internalization, and adoption of TA learnings and best practices (national and international) into the SLLDP project for impact.Document and share project learnings with the Team Leader and stakeholders.B. Ensure the effective implementation of the private sector development and engagement components of SLLDP, delivering commercial outcomes for smallholder producers while simultaneously strengthening local capacity building (35%)
Facilitate stakeholdersโ enhanced capacity to identify and analyze value chains and promote PPPPs in support of smallholder livelihood opportunities.Facilitate realistic and commercially viable business plans developed with actors in pilot PPPPs to drive productivity and income increases in the region.Ensure relevant animal production technologies and services are accessible to SLLDP clients through PPPP arrangements.Support womenโs empowerment through enhanced social status, access to assets and services, and improved livelihoods.Strengthen the understanding and knowledge base of stakeholders in the region on the 4P approaches, with special emphasis on producers who are the weakest link in the PPPP.Foster strong partnerships and liaise regularly with the SLLDP PMU.Provide trainings as required to ministry and regional stakeholders.Lead the process of strategic visioning for Heifer International at the regional level.Form strategic partnerships that embrace the triple bottom lineโsocial, environmental, and financial.Strengthen strategic alliances and partnerships (Public, Private & Producer) with stakeholders.Build and maintain strong relationships among stakeholders at the regional level. C. Livestock commercialization with a 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 the Project (P) and Associate Project (AP) communities.Facilitate the accessibility of relevant animal production technologies and services to SLLDP clients through PPPP arrangements. D. Capacity building, relationships with SLLDP stakeholders, IFAD, and management of the SLLDP TA team in the region (20%)
Together with the SLLDP PMU, facilitate various capacity-building trainings for Development Assistants (DAs) and implementation of biannual review workshops.Maintain, cultivate, and grow a strong Signature Program portfolio.Work with Signature Program Leaders to ensure quality delivery of Heiferโs model.Systematically identify viable value chain opportunities.Foster a sense of connection and belonging.Show openness to new ideas and foster organizational learning.Maintain regional-level requirements for Heiferโs legal operation. E. Any other assigned functions (5%)
Perform other job-related duties as requested.Minimum Requirements
Masterโs 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.10โ15 years of relevant experience with at least five (5) years in a supervisory capacity.Most Critical Proficiencies
High-level knowledge and experience in private sector engagement for livestock commercialization and development, agricultural financing, and agribusiness livestock value chain development in the areas of poultry, red meat, live animals, hides and skins, and dairy/milk.Proven professional experience and results in livestock production and livestock value chain development.Ability to apply a strategic mindset, business insight, and organizational savvy to drive results in livestock sector commercialization.Ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, instill trust, and demonstrate self-awareness.A good team player and resourceful.Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands
Proven knowledge of new business development strategies.Inspires and motivates others to act.Aligns resources to accomplish key objectives and assigns clear accountability for important outcomes.Ability to support differences of opinion and help individuals resolve conflict in a constructive manner.Proven experience in development work under the following or related themes: food security and nutrition, environment, and women and youth empowerment.Excellent analytical, writing, networking, and negotiation skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, internet browsers, and other appropriate technologies.Sensitivity to poverty, social, and ethnic issues.Understanding of the importance of traditional customs to various ethnic groups.A collaborative team player, capable of working with diverse cultural groups.Key Behavioural Competencies
AccountabilityProfessional ExcellenceHumilityCustomer OrientationEmpathyInnovationDeadline for Applications: 18th July 2025
