Short-Term Poultry Production Expert

[Erbil,Baghdad,Iraq ]

Background 

The Iraq Durable Communities and Economic Opportunities (DCEO) is a United States Agency for International Development Office (USAID) program implemented by Chemonics International in Iraq. DCEO aims to support vulnerable communities to build community resilience against destabilizing factors by increasing their adaptive capacity and economic well-being. 

 

The Business Competitiveness and Job Creation Initiative (BCJCI) is a five-year strategy within DCEO to support private sector firms as they identify and overcome specific business constraints hindering growth. The project will also support local business associations and networks in their work to identify shared impediments to growth and trade and advocate. BCJCI will also provide new opportunities for young Iraqi entrepreneurs to access cutting edge business incubation services and/or receive support that will accelerate the growth of their micro/small businesses. 

 

BCJCI has identified the poultry sector as a vital one that can contribute to economic resilience through the growth of local businesses and the creation of jobs. The project is currently supporting several poultry businesses across the country operating in various stages of the value chain. BCJCI aims to widen its support to the industry across different regions. 

 

Reporting 

The Short-Term Poultry Production Specialist reports to The BCJCI Task Order Director. 

 

Description: The specialist will support BCJCI in their engagement with several poultry-based firms across Iraq that cover different aspects of the poultry value chain. Tentative support will be to farms (broilers and layers), day-old chick rearing, and input supply firms (feed, equipment, veterinary care). The expert will provide broad support in the (1) engagement of new poultry-based firms; (2) work with existing firms to review and analyze operations for effectiveness; (3) contribute to the development of Client Growth Plans for poultry-based firms; and (4) consult with Business Counselors, firms, and DCEO procurement on specifications for machinery and equipment.  

 

Responsibilities:  

• Act as the key expert in the poultry value chain for BCJCI, including aspects of poultry production, including but not limited to on-farm management, feed supply, processing machinery and equipment. 
• Assist the BCJCI team in identifying poultry value chain actors for potential engagement – identification of new firms.  
• Evaluation of identified poultry firms with the most promising growth opportunities, conduct baseline analysis and expected impact on employment and revenues, identify constraints affecting growth, and provide descriptions of technical assistance needed. 
• Contribute technical analysis to the Client Growth Plans when needed by Business Counselors. 

• Support the procurement team on the development of specifications for different production machinery such as ventilation, heating, feed and watering systems. 
• Provide firm-level technical assistance to client firms, specifically on production processes and on-farm management. In other cases, the specialist will consult BCJCI on additional expertise, and be involved in the recruitment of hyper-specialized professions, should it be required as part of the CGP.  
• Provide guidance on specific constraints that affect the poultry sector at large, such as automation, feed mills, and veterinary issues among others. Highlight shared challenges and sectoral impediments that can be cause for advocacy. 
• Conduct workshop(s) to the BCJCI team and/or external stakeholders on the poultry sector in Iraq. 
• Other related duties as assigned by the BCJCI TO Director. 

Deliverables: The consultant is expected to deliver not limited to but as follows: 

• A summary report on each of the client firms they have engaged with or visited. This summary report should highlight the growth opportunities, recommendations, and analysis for yield optimization. 
• A technical report on the poultry production subsectors (e.g., Hatcheries, egg production, broiler farms). This report should be inclusive of aspects such as sector expertise gaps, access to finance, opportunities for growth, and demand of poultry in Iraq. 
• A workshop given to the BCJCI team and other participants on the poultry sector in Iraq. 

 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agriscience, farm management, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.  
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the poultry sector, preference for significant on-farm and/or advisory experience. 
• Experience with USAID or other donor funding support is preferred though not required.  
• Experience in Middle East required, Iraq highly preferred. 

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to prioritize multiple work assignments in an extremely fast-paced environment, to meet deadlines, and to exercise good, strong professional judgement. 
• Ability to travel to all areas of Iraq, security permitting.  
• Ability to work in a professional and cordial manner with fellow staff members, the general public, and partner institutions. 
• Written and oral fluency in Arabic is required. Good command of English (spoken and written) is required. 
• A high priority will be given to Iraqi nationals. 

Application Instructions 

 

To apply, please visit:

 

 

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/db1f4804033f4a31becee8c37c13d31f

 

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.