ILRI Consultancy- Assessment of potential for community rangeland health workers

International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a consultant to produce an assessment of the potential and opportunties for the deployment of community rangeland health workers in Kenya and Somalia as part of One Health Units supported by the project One Health for Humans, Environment, Animals and Livelihoods (HEAL).

ILRI works to improve food security and nutrition and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe, and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 11 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, ILRI has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org

Background

The HEAL project, with support from the CGIAR Research Initiative on Livestock and Climate, is implementing participatory rangeland management (PRM), rangeland restoration and other activities in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. In Kenya this takes place in rural areas of Isiolo and Marsabit counties. A key component of the project is to establish local One Health units with trained community health workers providing services for humans, animals and the environment/rangelands. Though community health workers for humans and animals have been in existence for some time, community rangeland health workers have not.  However, a study in Ethiopia showed that there is significant demand and support for such a system with suggestions for roles to include invasive species surveillance, prevention, and removal, and provision of tree and grass seedlings.

A consultant is required to undertake a study on the opportunities and potential of community rangeland health workers in Kenya and Somalia. A consultant with extensive knowledge of rangeland ecology and management, strong experience with pastoralist management, institutions and knowledge of livestock and human extension services and delivery in northern Kenya and/or Somalia is required to perform this task.

Scope of Work

The scope of work comprises a desk and field assessment of the opportunities and potential for establishing a system of community rangeland health workers or similar in Kenya and Somalia, specifically:

• Review the literature of relevance for the development of community rangeland health workers in Kenya and Somalia including literature on community-based human and livestock health workers. This should include understanding and presenting what policy, legislative or government strategies are in place or might be needed for such workers to operate.
• Identify and interview key stakeholders on experiences of community-based human and livestock health workers and opportunities for community rangeland health workers.
• Consider how such as system of community rangeland health workers might be funded and made sustainable.
• Visit at least one field site and interview project leads, OH unit staff, OH task force and other relevant personnel.
• Presentation of results to project partners and relevant experts for feedback, before finalizing report.

Final Products

Report on opportunities and potential of community rangeland health workers in Kenya and Somalia.

Consultancy Fee:  By mutual agreement based on agreed milestones and deliverables.

Post location:  Kenya

Expected places of travel: Northern Kenya (eastern Isiolo or North Horr); possibly southern Somalia (Dhollow)

Duration:   22 Working days

Contract dates: July to August 2024

Essential skills and qualifications

The selected Consultant should possess.

• A PhD or Master in rangeland ecology, environmental science, dryland ecology or related topics.
• At least 5 years’ experience of working in Kenya and/or Somalia rangelands, and preferably as an ecologist
• Significant experience in writing reports.
• The following qualifications and expertise are preferred:
  • Knowledge and experience in participatory rangeland management, One Health or livestock extension services.
  • English and Swahili fluency, with Somali preferred.

How to apply: 

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development by clicking on the "Apply Now" tab above before 7 July 2024.  The position title and reference number SLS/ 1417 /2024 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer