1. ORGANIZATION AND POSITION OVERVIEW

Welthungerhilfe is one of the largest private aid agencies in Germany; politically and religiously independent. The organization fights for "Zero Hunger by 2030". Since being founded in 1962, it has provided funding of EUR 4.2 billion for more than 10,369 overseas projects in 70 countries.

Welthungerhilfe bases its efforts on the principle of help for self-help, which it implements with measures ranging from rapid disaster relief to rehabilitation to long-term development cooperation projects with national and international partner organizations.

Welthungerhilfe (WHH) has a vision of a world in which everyone can lead a self-determined life in dignity and justice, free from hunger and poverty. Hunger is the biggest solvable problem in the world. WHH wants to do all it can to find a lasting solution to this problem. "Zero Hunger wherever we work by 2030" - this is the clear goal for the organization with reference to the Sustainable Development Goals defined in its strategy.

WHH has been working in four regions of Somaliland (Awdal, Maroodijeex, Togdheer and Sanaag) since 2001 with multisector interventions. It secures funding mainly from the German Government’s external cooperation (BMZ, AA), private donors of Germany, World Food Programme and European Union for its interventions.

WHH in partnership with Candlelight seeks to engage a qualified consultant to conduct practical scientific research on Prosopis hay. The planned activity is aimed at promoting the utilization and control of Prosopis under a BMZ-funded project. WHH and Candlelight want to establish if Prosopis hay can be utilized on small, medium, and large scale to contribute to animal nutrition and animal survival during drought. The project targets Awdal, Maroodi-jex and Togdheer Regions of Somaliland.

Under the supervision of the Head of the Project, the Livestock Nutrition Research Consultant will have the responsibility of technically leading the production of scientific research on the use of Prosopis Juliflora Hay (only dried leaves, no woody elements) as an animal feed in Somaliland.

III. OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The objective of the consultancy is to conduct a practical field analysis on the nutritional value of Prosopis hay (only dried leaves, no woody elements) on livestock and document the processes and key findings. The report will be used to inform activities related to the use of invasive plants specifically Prosopis control under SOM 1038 project (Sustainable income through gender, sensitive value chains, sustainable WASH and nutrition systems and climate resilience building in Somaliland)

1. SCOPE/ FOCUS

• The potentiality of prosopis hay as an alternative animal fodder
• The pros and cons of the use of Prosopis hay as regular or drought emergency animal fodder
• The nutrition value/content of Prosopis hay
• Well documented scientifically proven benefits or side-effects of Prosopis hay on livestock

1. METHODOLOGY

Our desirable methodology will be based on this research question: What are the livestock performance and productivity (in terms of weight gain and milk production) when fed Prosopis hay? The detailed methodology will be proposed by the consultant, however, it must have

• Practical scientific research – feeding an appropriate sample size with moderate quantities of Prosopis hay and measuring weight and milk yield changes against control animals.
• How the consultant will closely monitor the health of the animals to identify if there are side effects due to Prosopis hay – observation only, lab test is not required. Additionally, the consultant is expected to closely monitor if there is a change in the appetite of the animals and their interest in eating the dried leaves.

1. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

• Comprehensive research proposal
• Detailed work plan
• At the final stage: A detailed scientific research report capturing the effects of feeding livestock on Prosopis hay will be required.

• At least a bachelor’s degree in livestock feed, nutrition-related or its equivalent from a credited institution (a master’s degree in the same field is an added advantage)
• Must have worked under a livestock feed and nutrition program for at least five years
• Demonstrated ability in designing scientific research, data analysis, and report writing
• The ideal candidate should be familiar with prosopis juliflora in the Somaliland context
• Ability to plan workload, prioritize, commit to meet tight deadlines, and demonstrate accountability for outputs with minimal direct supervision
• Previous experience in conducting similar research is an added advantage
• Good organizational skills including accuracy, consistency, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure
• Willingness to travel extensively within Somaliland (over 80% fieldwork)
• Computer literacy, particularly in Word, Excel and Statistical Packages
• Fluency in English and Somali

Welthungerhilfe is an equal-opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best-qualified talent. If you think you are a great fit for this consultancy, please submit your detailed and up-to-date CV and a cover letter with the consultant’s fee per working day in USD and contact details of 3 professional referees by email to [email protected] with the subject of the email as “APPLICATION FOR LIVESTOCK NUTRITION RESEARCH CONSULTANT” by no later than on 25 January 2023 at 12:00 pm EAT. All applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process within three weeks after the closing date.

All applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Female qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.