Program Officer (Veterinary, Animal Husbandry, Dairy)

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced person to join our development sector team, focusing on supporting beneficiaries in the fields of Veterinary, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in livestock management, and community engagement, with a passion for improving the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities.

Key roles:

- Directly support veterinary/animal husbandry/dairy related activities in Begusarai,

- With the support of SOS teams in other locations pan India work with communities and their SHGs to establish, maintain, and scale such efforts.

- Train local SOS teams in developing and managing such efforts.

The goal is to ensure SOS beneficiaries are equipped with the knowledge and resources and are able to manage initiatives in veterinary/animal husbandry/dairy.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Implementation & Support:

• Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of initiative in target communities in Begusarai
• Develop required protocols for implementation of development programs related to veterinary services, animal husbandry, and dairy farming techniques and best practices to support teams across India.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and beneficiary needs.

Capacity Building:

• Conduct workshops, training sessions, and awareness programs for farmers, women self-help groups, and other stakeholders.
• Develop training materials and resources tailored to the needs of rural communities.

Field Operations & Travel:

• Travel extensively across India to visit project sites, interact with beneficiaries, and assess on-ground challenges.
• Build strong relationships with local communities, government agencies, and partner organizations to ensure effective program delivery.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Prepare detailed reports on program progress, challenges, and outcomes.
• Document success stories, case studies, and lessons learned to share with stakeholders and donors.

Innovation & Strategy:

• Identify opportunities for innovation in veterinary, animal husbandry, and dairy practices to enhance productivity and sustainability.
• Collaborate with the team to design and implement new initiatives that address emerging challenges in the sector.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Bachelors or Masters degree in Veterinary Science, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Science, or a related field. Lower education with extensive experience can also be considered for this role.
• Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience in the development sector, with a focus on livestock, dairy, or rural development in a for-profit or not for-profit related organization
• Mandatory Skills:
• Strong understanding of veterinary practices, animal health, and dairy production
• Proven experience in community engagement, training, and capacity building.
• Willingness to travel extensively across India, including remote and rural areas.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in local languages (Hindi and/or regional languages) is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Ability to drive a two wheeler (Those who are learning driving need not apply)
• Desirable Attributes:
• Passion for community development and sustainable agriculture.
• Experience working with vulnerable or marginalized communities.
• Knowledge of nutrition and its link to food security.
• Familiarity with participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools and techniques.
• Soft Skills:
• Ability to work with highly experienced team members
• Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.