Livestock Expert

Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia

Internal and External Vacancy Announcement

About Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia

Established in 1974 by renowned obstetric fistula surgeons Dr. Reginald and Dr. Catherine Hamlin, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia (HFE) is a leading Ethiopian healthcare organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of obstetric fistula and the improvement of maternal health services nationwide. HFE employs more than 600 staff and operates a network comprising the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, five regional fistula hospitals in Mekelle, Yirgalem, Metu, Harar, and Bahir Dar, as well as Desta Mender Rehabilitation and Reintegration Center, the Hamlin College of Midwives, and extensive community-based maternal health programs. Through its clinical services, midwifery education, prevention initiatives, and health system strengthening efforts, HFE works to ensure that women have access to quality maternal healthcare and to eliminate obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.

About Desta Mender

 Desta Mender, meaning “Village of Joy” in Amharic, is a rehabilitation and reintegration center run by Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, located outside Addis Ababa. Established in 2002 by Dr. Catherine Hamlin, it supports women suffering from obstetric fistula and related childbirth injuries. The center provides more than medical care, offering counselling and psychosocial support, literacy and numeracy education, vocational and life-skills training, agricultural and livestock activities, and income-generating skills. It also helps women rebuild their confidence, dignity, and independence after experiencing isolation, stigma, or poverty, preparing them to return to their communities and live independently.

The Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia invites applicants for the following position:

 Job Summary

The Livestock Expert will lead the planning, development, and implementation of integrated livestock, dairy, beekeeping, and aquaculture activities within the organization’s livelihoods program. The position will develop action plans, procedures, and competency-based vocational training programs; support the modernization and sustainable management of farm operations; and establish practical livelihood pathways for women fistula survivors. The role will focus on strengthening trainees’ technical skills, confidence, and economic capacity to support their successful reintegration into their communities. The Livestock Expert will also ensure efficient use of farm resources, promote cost-effective feed production, and develop sustainable income-generating activities that contribute to the long-term economic resilience and independence of beneficiaries.

The role and Responsibilities of "The Livestock Expert" within the R&R program is

I. Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Service framing and initiative creation

• Develop and implement annual work plan and budget for all livestock, dairy, beekeeping, and aquaculture activities.
•  Define clear output targets, performance indicators, and milestones aligned with program goals.
•  Ensure all activities are integrated with protection principles, cost-efficiency, and sustainable livelihood objectives.

2. Operational Oversight and Technical Guidance

• Oversee the day-to-day management of livestock related operations, including herd and flock management, dairy production, apiary maintenance, and fishery systems.
•  Modernize dairy operations by implementing improved milking routines, comprehensive record keeping, herd performance tracking, and milk quality controls.
• Deliver vocational training, provide technical guidance, and oversee poultry, small ruminant, and animal health management, including breeding, feeding, and biosecurity protocols.
• Supervise farm staff to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare, health, safety, and humane handling.

3. Sustainable Feed Production and Cost Reduction

• Lead the development and management of cost-effective, in-house feed production systems.
• Plan and establish green fodder production and conservation systems (e.g., using Napier grass, maize, and legumes) to reduce reliance on purchased feed and enhance food security.
• Implement feed preservation techniques, including silage production, and provide practical training to staff and beneficiaries on the entire process (chopping, ensiling, sealing, and fermentation).
•  Promote feed efficiency through budgeting, ration optimization, by-product utilization, and rotational grazing.

4. Livelihoods Promotion and Skills Development

• Design and deliver survivor‑centered, practical training sessions covering animal breeding, rearing, milking techniques, honey processing, fish husbandry, feed formulation, and business management
• Facilitate the development of income-generating initiatives and link beneficiaries to markets, microfinance opportunities, and value-chain actors.
• Apply disability-inclusive approaches to ensure all interventions are accessible and empowering for all survivors.

5. Resource Management and Infrastructure

• Optimize the use of land, water, feed, equipment, and financial resources to maximize productivity while minimizing waste.
• Oversee the maintenance of all farm infrastructure and assets, and plan for capital investments and equipment replacement.

6. Monitoring, Documentation, and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of trainee attendance, practical performance, livestock inventory, production yields, and resource utilization.
• Prepare timely monthly, quarterly, and periodic technical and operational reports.
•  Document success stories, challenges, lessons learned, and best practices to inform program improvement.

7. Compliance and Safeguarding

• Adhere to and promote all Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia policies, including the Code of Conduct and Safeguarding standards.
• Ensure all interactions with survivors are conducted with dignity, confidentiality, respect, and compassion.

8. Other Responsibilities

• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor to support the achievement of program objectives.