Description

KEY PURPOSE OF DEPARTMENT
Heifer International is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) whose mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. We work with farmers and their communities to identify opportunities that deliver living incomes, creating solutions to local challenges that are designed to build inclusive, resilient economies. With Increased productivity of livestock and crops, farmers provide for their families and improve the health of their communities. 

KEY PURPOSE OF JOB
The Dairy Production Coordinator will ensure stimulation of on farm production and will be responsible for managing and providing technical guidance to dairy hubs under the Green Dairy Investment Project. This role is pivotal in empowering Producer Organizations (POs) and Dairy hubs to adopt appropriate farm practices that enhance sustainability, scalability, and value creation across the value chain. The dairy hubs will be in the Central and Southwestern Uganda Milk sheds covering a total of 15 Districts.

Working under the direction of the Project Manager - Renewable Energy and Water, the job holder will lead the development of extension structures and oversee the implementation of extension plans with cluster partners under the GDI Project. The job holder will provide expert guidance to PO boards, extension staff, cluster partners and farmers on climate smart dairy practices to enhance farm productivity and ensure hub profitability.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES  

Project Effectiveness & Management - Technical Leadership (50%)     

• Develop and implement an overall project plan, with a network of strong POs/Dairy Hubs, each having a clear strategic and implementation plan aligned with member priorities
• Work with the cluster partners to set up a robust extension service delivery system for each hub. 
• Develop a project strategy to increase milk production and productivity for project participants
• Develop strategies for increasing off-taker/processor capacity utilization and reducing milk rejections at hub level.
• Establish criteria for model farmer selection and develop strategies to transform their farms into centres of technology demonstrations 
• Work collaboratively with PO/hub management to develop compelling business cases that will enhance incomes for farmers and the PO.
• Ensure the POs/Dairy Hubs business operations reports are timely and used to inform business decisions concerning productivity and profitability.
• Ensure the POs/Dairy hubs are linked to reliable output markets.
• Promote adoption of innovative CSA practices among producer organisations and affiliated dairy farmers to reduce GHG emissions.
• Identify and map out any project related risks likely to impact project interventions and delivery. Devise mitigations to address them.
• Ensure that all procured hub supplies/equipment meet required specifications and quality standards, and that service providers deliver adequate after-sales support.
• Keep database of all BDS providers contracted under the project. 

Partnership Management & Coordination (15%)    

• Lead the process of farmer mobilization and profiling.
• Leverage resources from the public and private sector partners in the project clusters
  Identify, document, and pursue opportunities to replicate and scale up the green dairy hub model.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements, contractual obligations, and organizational standards.
• Facilitate linkages between POs/Dairy hubs and relevant private sector actors to enhance access to critical hub services like breeding, mechanization& digitisation, feeding, finance, animal health and water for production among others.

Monitoring & Evaluation (15%)

• Conduct quarterly field assessments, monitor implementation, document best practices, and support learning across the project.
• Collaborate with the MEL Officer to establish measurable KPIs, develop and implement action plans, and monitor project impact, sustainability, BDS access data, and business performance at the POS.
• Support the process of farmer profiling of all participating farmers under the project.
• Ensure periodic cluster reviews are conducted, prepare and submit timely (monthly, quarterly & annual) progress reports on project activities to the Project Manager.

Knowledge Management & Capacity Building (15%)    

• Support in training and coaching of PO’s / Dairy hubs in Values Based Holistic Community.
• Development (VBHCD) approach (financial literacy, entrepreneurship, climate-smart agriculture, and market access).
• Facilitate the documentation and reporting of best practices and lessons learned within the project, with a focus on farmer organizations, private sector actors, and development partners.
  Promotes and supports cross-learning and exchanges within the project including targeted capacity building (training, necessary equipment, etc.) of participants.
• Sensitize and train Producer Organizations (POs) to enhance understanding of sustainable dairy practices.

Other duties as assigned by the supervisor (5%) 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Science, Animal Production, Dairy Science and or related field.
• Masters degree in a related field will be an advantage.
• 5 - 7 years’ field experience in dairy value chain management, rural and agricultural development supporting producer/farmer organisations, Cooperatives or Dairy Farmer Businesses in Uganda.
• Certifications in Project Management (Project Management for Development).
• Good understanding of the dairy value chain and livestock sector in Uganda.
• Profound technical knowledge on sustainable/climate smart agricultural practices and practical experience in designing robust farmer extension systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the latest developments in dairy value chain management working with small-holder farmers.
• Having a business approach to designing smallholder farmer dairy business interventions. Should be able to write business cases.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in facilitating the development of farmer level business plans and feasibility studies
• Must have strong diplomatic, managerial, and communication abilities to effectively engage with government officials, donors, thought leaders, consortium partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Strong networking and relationship building skills with an ability to work with producer organizations to link small holders to markets.
• Working in a multi-cultural setting and commitment to promoting teamwork, gender equality, and sensitivity to hunger and poverty issues.

Application Deadline: 21st November 2025 at 5pm EAT