Керівник/ця проєкту у сфері тваринництва / Livestock Project Manager

Position Title: Livestock Project Manager 
Location: Ukraine (Home-based with field travel as required) 
Reports to: Ukraine Program Manager 
Employment Type: Full-Time, Fixed Term (Initial contract for 2 years, renewable subject to performance and funding availability) 

Position Overview 

Veterinarians Without Borders North America (VWB) is dedicated to strengthening animal health and welfare to build more resilient communities. We do this by enhancing veterinary care, bolstering community disaster response and recovery, championing sustainable livelihoods, and improving the well-being of animals, humans, and ecosystems worldwide. As the North American affiliate of VSF International and a registered charity in Canada and the U.S., VWB has been active in Ukraine since March 2022. VWB has established long-term partnerships with local organizations to deliver pet food and medicine, provide preventative veterinary care, support emergency search and rescue operations, and enable online veterinary services to war-affected shelters and households. VWB also aims to enhance food security and rebuild local assets by improving technical skills among existing and aspiring farmers and providing access to production inputs. 

Veterinarians Without Borders (VWB) is launching its new project, PAVE (Poultry Farming and Veterinary Education), and is seeking a dedicated and experienced Livestock Project Manager to oversee its implementation in Ukraine. This key role involves delivering the program’s veterinary education objectives, with a strong focus on building capacity among rural veterinarians and smallholder farmers. The successful candidate will contribute to enhancing resilience, food security, and livelihoods in conflict-affected communities, driving meaningful impact through education and support. 

The Livestock Project Manager will work under the direct supervision of the Ukraine Program Manager and with the strategic guidance of the Deputy Director of International Programs. The position will also identify, engage, and oversee consultants as needed to support project implementation and specialized training activities. 

The Project Manager will coordinate training activities, oversee stakeholder engagement, and contribute to the development and execution of culturally relevant educational materials and programs. This includes addressing gaps in professional veterinary services, supporting community-driven approaches, and incorporating lessons from informal veterinary providers and livestock enterprises. With a strong background in agriculture, veterinary science, and project coordination, the ideal candidate will ensure the smooth implementation of project goals and deliverables. 

Utilizing a hybrid training model, including an online resource platform and in-person workshops, the Manager will ensure continuous learning and foster stronger connections between farmers and professional veterinary services to enhance community resilience and agricultural sustainability. 

This position offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of smallholder farmers and rural communities in Ukraine through the PAVE program’s innovative veterinary-humanitarian approach. 

Key Responsibilities 

Program Implementation 

• Coordinate the delivery of PAVE program objectives, focusing on veterinary education and capacity-building initiatives for smallholder livestock farmers and rural veterinarians. 
• Oversee the development and dissemination of culturally relevant training materials tailored to the needs of smallholder livestock farmers and veterinarians. 
• Collaborate with Implementing Partners to facilitate the distribution of poultry production kits and provide ongoing post-distribution mentorship for participating farmers. 
• Ensure alignment of all activities with the project log frame, focusing on achieving the outlined outcomes and outputs. 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Conduct stakeholder mapping and analysis to identify and engage local, national, and international partners for collaboration and resource sharing. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities, government officials, and veterinary associations to enhance training program delivery. 
• Represent VWB in cluster meetings and coordinate with international and national NGOs and other key stakeholders. 
• Establish formal partnerships with stakeholders to support and coordinate the implementation of veterinary training outreach and capacity-building efforts under PAVE. 
• Collaborate with veterinary associations, government agencies, and academic institutions to co-develop and deliver training initiatives, leveraging their expertise, resources, and networks. 
• Engage informal service providers and livestock enterprises in training and knowledge-sharing initiatives to build trust and awareness around professional veterinary care.

Training and Capacity Building 

• Organize and facilitate training workshops for rural veterinarians in collaboration with selected training partners, focusing on livestock health, disease prevention, sustainable husbandry, and emergency response. 
• Develop and deliver training modules for veterinarians on smallholder livestock health management, including poultry, pigs, and small ruminants. 
• Train veterinarians in preventive care practices, such as vaccination protocols, disease surveillance, and early detection of health deterioration. 
• Provide emergency response training, including animal first aid and crisis management for conflict-affected communities. 
• Support the creation and launch of online resources to provide continuing education for veterinarians with the support of partners, including VWB international veterinary volunteers. 
• Facilitate hybrid training formats, incorporating both in-person workshops and an online learning platform for ongoing professional development. 

Community and Market Development 

• Support the establishment of market linkages and collaborations to enhance smallholder farmer income opportunities. 
• Promote awareness of the risks of self-administering antibiotics and other veterinary practices without professional guidance. 
• Assist in creating pathways for smallholder farmers to connect with veterinary professionals for sustainable service delivery. 

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting 

• Conduct needs assessments to identify priority training areas for veterinarians and farmers. 
• Monitor and evaluate training programs, collecting data on participant outcomes to measure effectiveness and guide improvements. 
• Complete and submit monthly MRI data reports. 
• Prepare detailed reports on project progress, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and organizational standards. 

Project Coordination 

• Assist with budget management, ensuring efficient use of resources to achieve project goals. 
• Collaborate with the VWB Ukraine team and international colleagues to streamline project operations. 
• Ensure timely communication and reporting to the Program Manager and donors. 

Qualifications 

Essential 

• Advanced university degree in animal science, agriculture, economics, social sciences, and other subjects related to the work of VWB.  
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in agriculture, veterinary education, or rural development projects. 
• Strong knowledge of Ukraine’s regulatory framework, animal health partners, and veterinary service structure. 
• Strong knowledge of smallholder farming systems, poultry/livestock production, and livestock health management. 
• Proven experience in project coordination, including stakeholder engagement and training delivery. 
• Familiarity with the work of international assistance programs.  
• Familiarity with culturally sensitive approaches to training and community engagement in rural settings. 
• Native Ukrainian with excellent communication skills to engage effectively with local stakeholders and communities. 
• Solid knowledge of English (at least Upper-Intermediate level). 

Desirable 

• Degree in Veterinary Medicine from an Approved veterinary educational establishment in Ukraine. Advanced degrees or certifications in public health or animal health are a plus.  
• Experience working in conflict-affected or rural regions, particularly in Ukraine or similar contexts. 
• Knowledge of emergency response and animal health in crisis situations. 
• Proficiency in monitoring and evaluation frameworks and tools. 

Key Competencies 

• Excellent organizational and project management skills. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders. 
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities to address challenges in program implementation. 
• Proficiency in digital tools and platforms, including those for online training and reporting. 
• Commitment to gender-sensitive and inclusive programming. 

Compensation and Benefits 

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications. 
• Opportunity to contribute to impactful work improving livelihoods and resilience in conflict-affected communities. 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CVs and cover letters detailing their relevant experience and motivation for applying. Applications should be sent to [email protected] by April 6, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.