Description
Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. The Organization Since 1944, Heifer International has supported more than 36 million Smallholder Farmer (SHF) families globally to lift themselves out of hunger and poverty while caring for the earthโin partnership with the communities we serve, including youth and women. Heifer International is now accelerating its strategic approaches to closing the Sustainable Living Income (SLI) gap for 10 million additional SHF households globally by 2030 using the Sustainable Locally Led Development (SLLD) approach. Function The Team Leader shall possess extensive experience and knowledge in various aspects of livestock program commercialization, private sector engagement, public-private-producer partnerships (PPPP), livestock production, value chain development, market linkages, agricultural financing, and agribusiness/agricultural value chains. This expertise will be applied to promote and strengthen the Sierra Leone Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project (SLLDP), which is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of Sierra Leone. The role holder will provide leadership and management to the SLLDP IFAD Technical Assistance (TA) team, which is based in 8 districts (with the possibility of expansion). The Team Leader will coordinate and support the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, IFAD, and other stakeholders to deliver high-level technical assistance as required. As the national-level representative of Heiferโs Sierra Leone Technical Services Provision Project, the Team Leader will coordinate with SLLDP stakeholders and IFAD. This position will report to the Senior Vice President (SVP) and receive support from the Heifer Africa Business Development and Partnership Director, as well as Heiferโs Regional Livestock Development and Commercialization Expert. The Team Leader is responsible for building strategic relationships with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and IFAD. Working closely with the Heifer Africa Regional team, the Team Leader will serve as Heiferโs chief brand ambassador for the SLLDP IFAD TA provision project in Sierra Leone, representing Heifer in strategic forums and ensuring strong brand recognition for Heifer in relation to the project Essential character Traits critical for success include: High-level knowledge and experience in private sector engagement for livestock commercialization and development, agricultural financing, and the development of agribusiness livestock value chains in the Sahel region. This includes expertise in Poultry, Red Meat, Live Animals, Hides and Skins, and Dairy/Milk value chains. The role requires the ability to apply a strategic mindset, business insight, and organizational acumen to drive results in the livestock commercialization sector. The ideal candidate must possess strong collaboration and communication skills, the ability to instill trust, and demonstrate self-awareness. Additionally, the role demands the ability to build effective teams, be resourceful, and provide strong leadership to foster team spirit. Key Role Dimensions Complexity of Decision-Making:
High autonomy and strategic decision-making, which has a significant impact on the project. A high level of technical leadership is required because the country has limited skilled manpower and high demand on the Team Leader. The Team Leader will face complex challenges and will require high-level problem-solving skills. Scope and Scale of Impact:
Wide-reaching impact. The project spans 8 districts, with plans for expansion as additional funding from other donors becomes available. This will extend coverage to more districts, each with unique geographic and production system characteristics, requiring high-level technical leadership. The project operates in a multi-stakeholder environment involving two major donors, the government, and the private sector. The Team Leader will need to navigate this complex landscape and make critical technical decisions at the highest level. Financial Accountability:
No direct budget administration, but a strong requirement for oversight. Must align with the financial policies of IFAD and MAFFS. People and Team Influence:
Leads a team of 4 experts, 1 MEL Manager, and 1 Senior Veterinary Expert under direct supervision. Based on the first-year evaluation, TA project staff numbers may increase. Stakeholder Influence and Impact:
High stakeholder engagement and influence. This role is of significant value as it will, among other things, determine the future presence of Heifer in Sierra Leone. Problem-Solving and Complexity:
High level of judgment, innovation, and complexity in tasks handled. The Team Leader will operate in a challenging multi-stakeholder environment. Responsibilities and Deliverables A. Conduct livestock value chain assessments and analyses, and support stakeholders in developing guidelines, manuals, and periodically monitoring the performance of project activities (15%)
Stay informed about and commission market-driven, demand-based value chain studies.Facilitate and lead value chain assessments and analyses.Lead the development of guidelines, Terms of Reference (ToRs), and manuals as outlined in the TA document, supporting stakeholders' experts in various assessments and analyses.Provide Training of Trainers (ToT), orientation on methodologies, and guidance on assessment and data analysis to experts and key technical officers.Support the development and preparation of guidelines and manuals as required by the SLLDP project and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.Prepare and submit work plans for the delivery of TA activities, to be reviewed and approved by SLLDPโs PMU, in consultation with IFAD.Facilitate the increased visibility of Heifer among the larger public, including government officials and other stakeholders.Represent Heifer International at the country level, engaging with government entities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector, stakeholders, and partners.Demonstrate creativity and innovation in approaches and solutions.Position Heifer as a thought leader on key thematic issues: livestock, agriculture, livelihoods, smallholders, women, and youth.Regularly monitor the performance of TA activities and submit progress reports (program and finance) to IFAD, stakeholders, and Heifer Africa.Ensure the transfer, internalization, and adoption of technical assistance learnings and best practices (both national and international) into the SLLDP Project for impact.Document and share project learnings with stakeholders.B. Ensure the effective implementation of the private sector development and engagement components of SLLDP, delivering commercial outcomes for Smallholder Producers, while simultaneously strengthening local capacity building (30%)
Enhance stakeholders' capacity to identify and analyze livestock value chains and promote Public-Private-Producer Partnerships (PPPPs) to support livelihoods opportunities for PAP.Develop realistic and commercially viable business plans with actors in pilot PPPPs to drive productivity and increase income.Ensure access to relevant animal production technologies and services for SLLDP clients through PPPP arrangements.Empower women by improving their social status, access to assets and services, and enhancing their livelihoods.Strengthen stakeholders' understanding of the 4P approach, with a particular focus on empowering producers, the weakest link in the PPPP framework.Foster strong partnerships and maintain regular communication with SLLDPโs PMU at the Ministry and the Project Office in Bo, as well as with IFAD.Provide necessary training to ministry and district teams as required.Lead the strategic visioning process for Heifer International at the country level, aligning with Africa Regional priorities.Form strategic partnerships that embrace the triple bottom line: social, environmental, and financial.Strengthen strategic alliances and partnerships (Public, Private, and Producer) with key stakeholders.Build and maintain strong relationships among stakeholders at both federal and regional levels.Coordinate TA project activities and resources, providing technical support to the TA project staff (including animal production and livestock value chain experts).C. Livestock commercialization with a strong private sector engagement and market systems approach (20%)
Support the transition from subsistence to market-based livestock production (market-informed, market-oriented, and market-led) in selected districts of Sierra Leone.D. Capacity building, relationship management with SLLDP stakeholders and IFAD, and oversight of the SLLDP team across the 8 districts (30%)
Provide coaching and training to equip MELS staff in the PMU of SLLDP to deliver the assigned responsibilities efficiently.Train SLLDP PMU staff in MEL and provide them with technical support to build their MEL capacity.Contribute to the recruitment, training, and supervision of external parties that are contracted to implement special surveys and studies required for evaluating the SLLDP project effects and impacts.Collaborate with the SLLDPโs PMU to facilitate capacity-building ToT training and implement biannual review workshops.Maintain, cultivate, and grow a strong signature program portfolio.Work with signature program leaders to ensure the quality delivery of Heiferโs model.Systematically identify viable value chain opportunities.Foster a sense of connection and belonging within the team.Encourage openness to new ideas and foster organizational learning.Ensure compliance with country-level legal requirements for Heiferโs operations.Provide sound operational and fiscal management.E. Any other assigned functions (5%)
Perform other job-related duties as requested.Minimum Requirements
Masterโs degree from a recognized university or equivalent in Livestock Science, Extension and Rural Development, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, or a related field.10โ15 years of relevant experience, including at least five (5) years in a supervisory role. Fluent in English, both spoken and written.Most Critical Proficiencies
Proven knowledge of new business development strategies.Ability to inspire and motivate others to take action.Aligns resources to achieve key objectives and assigns clear accountability for important tasks, driving meaningful accomplishments.Ability to support differing opinions and help individuals resolve conflicts constructively.Proven experience in development initiatives related to value chains, markets, access to finance, livestock development and commercialization, livestock Farmers Field Schools, gender and nutrition, climate change, and Women and Youth Empowerment.Demonstrated knowledge of major funders such as IFAD, World Bank, IsDB and Governments in the Shael Region. Experience of USAID, DFID, AFDB, FAO, etc. is also desirable.Proven professional experience & results in Livestock Development and Commercialization/Agribusiness/value chains development/agricultural financing/community development/institutional capacity building.Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands
Excellent analytical and writing skills.Strong networking and negotiation skills.Public speaking proficiency.Proficient in Microsoft Office, internet browsers, and other relevant technologies.Good understanding of and sensitivity to poverty, social, and ethnic issues.Awareness of the importance of traditional customs within various ethnic groups.Excellent team player with the ability to collaborate with diverse cultural groups.Motivated to work responsibly with little supervision.Demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity.Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the stakeholders and others Constant sitting, standing, and walking, with occasional bending and lifting; may work at a computer for extended periods of time.Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule.Willingness and ability to travel extensively, both locally and internationallyAbility to meet and deal with others in a courteous and tactful manner.Working with sensitive information and always maintaining confidentiality.Key Behavioural Competencies
AccountabilityProfessional ExcellenceHumilityCustomer OrientationEmpathyInnovationDeadline for Applications: 18th July 2025
