Research Officer – Small Livestock At International Potato Center

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit a dynamic and experienced Research Officer to set up and backstop Small Livestock Rearing Clubs, predominately with women. The livestock species under consideration is cavies (Cavia porcellus L.). Cavy rearing will be piloted in the first year, and if successful adopted as the key livestock component. The officer will also be responsible for researching and identifying local feedstuffs appropriate for use and working with breeders to produce healthy stock for distribution to groups.

The Position: This position will be hosted by the International Water Management Institute in Ghana, on behalf of the International Potato Center. The selected candidate will be based in Tamale, Ghana and will report to the Project and Marketing Manager, Country Liaison.

Key Responsibilities:
• Learn all aspects of cavy with the perspective of teaching others.
• Strengthen at least three cavy breeders who will be used as suppliers of cavies to the groups.
• Conduct a pilot cavy rearing effort with selected households, that includes detailed data collection on each component of the rearing process and writing a comprehensive report.
• Set up, train, and backstop members of Small Livestock Rearing Clubs.
• Collaborate with local Ministry of Food and Agriculture Technicians working on small livestock.
• Identify local feed sources for small livestock and conduct tests with farmers rearing cavies on their suitability.
• Collaborate with team members and market agents to develop demand for small livestock products and evaluate acceptability of cavy consumption by consumers.
• Work with team members to develop a comprehensive communication and advocacy strategy for nutritious foods, especially small livestock.
• Monitor the performance of small livestock clubs, utilizing digital and other tools adopted by the project.
• Writing progress reports on a timely basis.
• Writing monthly stories from the field.
• Contributing to pictures and brief stories to designated social media platforms.

Selection Criteria

Essential
• BSc degree in animal science, animal nutrition/feed, animal health, veterinary, or closely related field
• Minimum five (5) year of relevant work experience as livestock production extension service provider or officer.
• Experience rearing small livestock species
• Training of field personnel
• Knowledge of essential business skills.
• Strong communication and writing skills in English
• Previous work with government or private organizations in the area of livestock production and extension services

Desirable
• Ability to plan and work effectively and independently.
• Experience with video technology
• Experience utilizing social media
• Experience in promotion activities
• Knowledge of French a plus.
• Knowledge of local languages such as Dagbani, Konkomba, Mamprusi, and Gonja.

Why should you consider this opportunity?
• CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background.
• CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.
• CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

What are we offering?
• Compensation package commensurate with experience.
• On-the-job learning opportunities with senior scientists
• This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position limited to Ghana nationals and permanent residents only. The contract will be for an initial period of 2 years (with a 6-month probation period). Renewal is dependent on performance and availability of funds.
• Work in diverse workplace committed to gender equality.