Livestock Officer

About Action Against Hunger

• Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger, innovating solutions and advocating for change to reach 28 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit operating across 55 countries, our 8,990 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies, striving to create a world free from hunger for everyone, for good. The organization is built on a foundation of rigorous evidence, community engagement, and a commitment to sustainable impact that goes beyond immediate relief.
• Action Against Hunger USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network and currently manages operations in 8 countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Haiti. In Uganda, the organization has a long-standing presence, working extensively in refugee-hosting districts to strengthen food security, nutrition, and livelihoods among vulnerable populations, including refugees and host communities in Nakivale and Kyangwali settlements.

Role: Livestock Officer, Uganda

• Based in Nakivale or Kyangwali, the Livestock Officer will lead technical support for climate-smart livestock value chains, focusing on smallholder poultry, piggery, small ruminants, and aquaculture where relevant. This role involves designing and implementing sustainable livestock interventions that increase household income, improve nutrition, and build resilience to climate shocks among vulnerable communities. The officer will conduct thorough needs assessments to identify the most appropriate livestock species and management systems for each target community, considering local market dynamics, environmental conditions, and cultural practices.
• The officer will train and mentor local farmers on best practices in animal husbandry, disease prevention, feed management, and breeding techniques to maximize productivity and minimize environmental impact. Training sessions will be participatory and tailored to different literacy levels, with a strong emphasis on practical demonstrations and follow-up coaching to ensure adoption of improved practices. The officer will also develop simple, illustrated training materials in local languages to enhance understanding and retention among community members.
• Collaborating closely with field teams, government veterinary services, and community leaders, the officer ensures that all livestock activities align with organizational goals and local agricultural policies. This includes regular coordination meetings with district livestock officers, partner NGOs, and local government authorities to harmonize approaches, share resources, and avoid duplication of efforts. The officer will also advocate for policy changes that support smallholder livestock keepers, such as improved access to veterinary drugs, markets, and credit.
• Monitoring and evaluation of livestock projects is a key responsibility, requiring the officer to collect data on herd health, mortality rates, milk and meat yields, and other indicators to measure impact and guide program improvements. The officer will design and manage a comprehensive data collection system using mobile tools such as KOBO or ODK, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to the program manager and donors. Data analysis will inform adaptive management decisions, helping to refine interventions and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders.
• The Livestock Officer will also participate in emergency response efforts, providing rapid livestock support during droughts, floods, or disease outbreaks to protect community livelihoods. This may involve distributing emergency livestock feed, organizing vaccination campaigns, or conducting assessments to identify the most urgent needs. The officer will work closely with the emergency response team to integrate livestock interventions into broader humanitarian strategies, ensuring that vulnerable households receive timely and effective assistance.
• Additional duties include preparing detailed technical reports, budget tracking for livestock inputs, and representing Action Against Hunger in relevant sector coordination meetings. The officer will contribute to donor proposals and reports, highlighting achievements and lessons learned. Financial responsibilities include monitoring expenditures for livestock-related activities, ensuring compliance with organizational and donor regulations, and providing accurate forecasts for future program needs.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science, Animal Production, Agriculture, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. A master’s degree in a relevant discipline is an added advantage, particularly for candidates with experience in research or program design.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in livestock development, preferably within humanitarian or development contexts in East Africa. Candidates with experience working in refugee settings or with conflict-affected populations will be given priority, as the role requires sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by displaced communities.
• Proven ability to design and deliver training to adult learners with diverse educational backgrounds, including women and marginalized groups. The ideal candidate will have a track record of using participatory methods, such as farmer field schools or demonstration plots, to facilitate behavior change and skill building among smallholder farmers.
• Strong knowledge of climate-smart agriculture practices, livestock value chain analysis, and smallholder farming systems. Familiarity with concepts such as agroecology, conservation agriculture, and sustainable intensification is highly desirable, as the officer will need to integrate these principles into program activities.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and interpersonal skills, with fluency in English required; knowledge of local languages (e.g., Runyankole, Luganda) is an advantage. The officer must be able to communicate complex technical information to non-specialist audiences, including community members, government officials, and donors.
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks, data collection tools (such as KOBO or ODK), and basic financial management for field activities. Experience with statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS or Stata) is a plus, as the officer may be required to analyze program data for reporting and learning purposes.
• Ability to work independently in remote field locations with limited infrastructure and under tight deadlines. The officer must demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a problem-solving mindset, with a willingness to live and work in basic conditions for extended periods.

Work Conditions and Environment

• This is a full-time position based in Nakivale or Kyangwali refugee settlements, with frequent travel (up to 60% of time) to surrounding communities and partner locations. The officer must be prepared for long journeys on unpaved roads and occasional overnight stays in remote villages.
• Field conditions may involve basic living arrangements, exposure to tropical climates, and long hours during peak planting or emergency response periods. The officer will need to manage physical demands such as walking long distances, carrying equipment, and working in outdoor environments with high temperatures and humidity.
• Action Against Hunger is committed to diversity and inclusion, strongly encouraging applications from qualified women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from refugee or host communities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, and exploitation, and provides a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.