Intern – Livelihoods

Department: USAID Nawiri Project

Reports To: Production Officer (Livestock & Agriculture Officer)

Country/Location: Kenya- Illeret Ward (North Horr, Marsabit County)

About CRS:

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) supporting relief and development work in over 100 countries around the world. CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity, or nationality. CRS works through local church and non-church partners to implement i ts programs.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) opened operations in Kenya in 1965. For over 50 years, we have worked throughout the country to implement programs in agriculture, health, microfinance, water, sanitation, emergency relief and peacebuilding. We have built deep relationships with the Government of Kenya and the Catholic Church through ongoing collaboration and support. CRS’ projects in Kenya currently include agriculture, health, microfinance, emergency response, HIV care and treatment, and services for orphans and vulnerable children. CRS Kenya implements its programs through partnerships with local organizations, including the Catholic Church, other faith-based organizations and community entities for maximum impact and sustainability.

Background:

CRS, representing a consortium of international non-governmental organizations, local implementing partners and research institutions is leading the USAID Nutrition i n ASALs Within Integrated Resilient Institutions (NAWIRI) Project, a USAID Office of Food for Peace (FFP) funded 5-year Development Food Security Activity (DFSA) in Kenya. The overarching goal of this multi-sectoral activity is to sustainably reduce persistent levels of acute malnutrition in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), focusing on Isiolo and Marsabit counties. The activity will be implemented in two phases:

• Phase I (1.5-2 years) Research, test approaches and collaboratively design a context-sensitive, multi-sectoral activity that sustainably reduces acute malnutrition.
• Phase II (3- 3.5 years): Multi-sectoral Activity implementation and adaptation and Local System and Institutional Strengthening

Job Summary:

While being provided with a learning opportunity, the Animal Health Intern shall be responsible to and report directly to the Project officer – Livestock and Agriculture or designate in carrying out of his/her duties. The purpose of the position is to support provision of community-based animal health services and livestock-related projects in the Illeret ward. S/he will support capacity enhancement of Community Disease Reporters (CDR) and support strengthening of existing community-based diseases surveillance structures and link them to the County government of Marsabit Veterinary Department.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Undertake disease control activities such as disease search/surveillance, vaccination, reporting and enforcement of livestock movement regulations.
• Participate in the training of stakeholders in vector control programmes;
• Advise pastoralists on good veterinary practices and treatment of sick animals
• Collect data and prepare reports on animal health, products, and markets.
• Strengthen existing community-based diseases surveillance structures and link them to Government of Kenya Veterinary Department.
• Maintain close collaboration with Subcounty Veterinary Officer, Livestock Officer and Local Administration
• Participate in staff meetings and workshops related to veterinary services, food security and livelihoods
• Coordinate with public and private animal health service providers to reach Nawiri participants in Illeret ward
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, reports based on livestock actual field activities in Illeret
• Actively advance Nawiri’s connections to livestock at ward level, seeking avenues for partnership, collaboration and coordination of activities
• Performing any other duty that may be assigned by the supervisor

Personal Skills

• Strong relationship management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
• Strong interpersonal, communications, writing and presentation skills.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented, and results-oriented.
• Team player who can work independently while also being highly collaborative and open. Capable of building relationships and influencing the opinions of others.
• Willingness to stay long days in remote field locations
• Graduates with demonstrated good character, creativity, honesty and integrity, positive attitude, ability to learn, and with a recent full medical check-up.

Required/Desired Foreign Language: English, Swahili and Dassanch language is an added advantage

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory: None

Internal: Chief of Party USAID Nawiri, DCOP Programming, Nawiri Program team,

External: Local implementing partners, government bodies at different levels

Qualifications

• At least diploma in animal health from a Kenyan recognized institution
• Be registered by Kenya Veterinary Board (K.V.B.) or be a member of a relevant professional association
• Willingness to work in the field with, veterinary officers, CDRs, SILC and Farmer Field Schools
• Willingness to learn new things in a rapidly changing context

Clear internship objectives will be developed at the beginning of the internship period, assessed, and monitored on a regular basis, and final appraisal conducted at the end of the internship period to ensure that the intern achieves their learning and development objectives.

Note:

The internship program participants will not be entitled to a salary as this is not considered employment. However, they will be provided with a monthly stipend and a medical and Group Personal Accident cover as per HR Compensation provisions.

CRS is under no obligation whatsoever to hire a graduate intern during or after their completion of the internship program.

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.