Job Description

12       Introduction

Save the Children International (SCI) is a non-governmental organization whose mission is to fight for children’s rights and deliver immediate and lasting improvement to children’s lives worldwide. SCI has been operational in Greater Somalia for over 40 years. Current programs straddle relief and development in various sectors including Health, Nutrition, Child Protection, Child Rights Governance, Vocational and Skills Training, Education and Food Security & Livelihoods (FSL) working in Somaliland, Puntland, and Central South Somalia to help communities cope with drought, conflict, displacement, and flooding. Save the

Children is the world’s leading independent organization for children. We work in 120 countries. We save children’s lives; we fight for their rights; we help them fulfil their potential. We work together, with our

partners, to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

Background

SOM BHA 2024-25 Integrated Response in 3 Areas is an integrated project aimed to reduce morbidity, chronic hunger and mortality by providing holistic integrated life-saving and early recovery interventions to crisis-affected communities in Somalia. The project was anchored on the following theory of change (ToC) statement “ IF the displaced and critically underserved population, including those affected by the climatic crisis and conflict (including the newly liberated areas) have access to food of sufficient quantity and quality, health, malnutrition prevention and treatment, protection and adequate WASH services, THEN suffering will be alleviated, Human dignity will be restored, the adoption of negative coping mechanisms will be reduced, and children's well-being will be improved”

At the onset of the BHA III project in April 2023, Somalia was reeling from the most severe drought in over 40 years. The failure of four consecutive rainy seasons, compounded by conflict, displacement, and soaring food prices, had left 7.8 million people—almost half the population—severely affected. Over 1.1 million people had fled their homes in search of basic necessities like food, water, and livelihoods, while approximately 214,000 faced catastrophic food insecurity (IPC Phase 5). By April 2022, even before this latest phase of the drought, the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU) post-Gu rains SMART survey revealed worsening levels of acute malnutrition, with many areas in central and southern Somalia already facing Critical levels (GAM WHZ 15-29.9%)—indicative of Emergency (IPC Phase 4)

While April to June 2023 Gu rains offered some relief, supporting cropping activities and improving livestock health and reproduction, their early cessation in some regions disrupted crop production, particularly during critical growth stages. Furthermore, heavy rainfall and subsequent riverine flooding in April and May displaced many populations, which was exacerbated by El Niño-driven floods. The floods disrupted livelihoods, and livestock reproduction—particularly among camels and cattle—was significantly affected, with many animals unable to conceive during the drought, thereby reducing milk yields well into late 2023.

Livestock is a cornerstone of pastoralist livelihoods in Somalia, particularly shoats (goats and sheep), which provide both essential family nutrition through milk production and a vital source of income for basic needs like food, education, and debt payments. However, repeated climatic shocks, including failed rainy seasons and the El Niño phenomenon, have devastated herds, forced distress sales of animals, and significantly reduced productivity. Despite these setbacks, recent improvements in pasture and water availability during the Deyr rains have created an opportunity to rebuild livestock assets through targeted interventions

In response, Save the Children, in collaboration with the Ministries of Livestock of Hirshabele states and livestock Professional Association for Animal Production and Health aims to support 2,500 smallholder households through livestock treatment and vaccination services, reaching a total of 50,000 shots. This intervention will benefit 15,000 individuals by preventing disease outbreaks, improving livestock health and productivity, and enhancing household nutrition and income security.

Objective of the Assignment

The primary objective of this exercise is to support the recovery of livestock in drought-affected areas through the provision of veterinary services. Livestock that have been weakened by prolonged drought face heightened risks due to physical accidents, improper eating habits, and susceptibility to infectious diseases.

The Livestock Professional Associations (LPAs) plays a critical role in the recovery of livestock in drought-affected areas by providing timely and high-quality veterinary services. The engagement of LPAs adds value by leveraging their expertise in animal health management, veterinary services, and capacity to deliver on-the-ground solutions to mitigate the risks faced by livestock due to drought-induced vulnerabilities such as malnutrition, physical accidents, and infectious diseases.

As a result, the LPAs in close coordination with the Ministry of Livestock at the state level will facilitate the veterinary services, which will include the provision of qualified in-house veterinarians who will work alongside existing Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs). They will ensure the seamless delivery of veterinary services by mobilizing treatment teams, supplying veterinary kits, and maintaining operational readiness to respond swiftly to emerging livestock health challenges. Their added value lies in their ability to provide both preventative care and emergency interventions, ensuring livestock receive the necessary treatments to enhance survival and recovery. To reduce livestock mortality and support smallholder households for timely access to veterinary services, the following are the key Responsibilities of Save the Children (SCI) and LPAs

• Save the Children (SCI): Coordinates the intervention, selects 2,500 beneficiary households, distributes vouchers, supports the LPAs to provide veterinary kits, and covers administrative costs for treatment teams.

• LPAs: in close collaboration with the ministry of livestock of Hirshabele state, deploy in-house veterinarians and trained Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs), supply veterinary kits, and ensure timely treatment of 50,000 small ruminants with essential medications and the LPAs to engage prequalified CAHWs who have previously demonstrated competence in administering basic veterinary care to ensure that the CAHWs are fully equipped to handle the specific conditions related to drought-affected livestock

SCI, LPAs, and the Ministry of Livestock will work together to ensure proper implementation. LPAs will provide standby veterinarians to support and supervise CAHWs, ensuring effective service delivery. The intervention will focus on treating a minimum of 20 small ruminants such as goats, sheep and cattle per household, targeting the treatment of 50,000 small stocks in total that have been weakened by prolonged drought, are at increased risk of physical injuries, malnutrition due to improper grazing, and heightened vulnerability to infectious diseases.

Scope of Work

The scope of work focuses on leading a livestock treatment and vaccination campaign in collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock of Hirshabele state and Save the Children. The Certified Livestock Professional Association will oversee coordination, implementation, and monitoring, ensuring the strategic goals of the program are met. The work includes detailed planning, logistical support, and deploying veterinary teams to treat and vaccinate 50,000 small ruminants, benefiting 2,500 households. Monitoring, reporting, and capacity-building efforts will ensure effective disease management and long-term impact on livestock health, with strong stakeholder engagement for successful implementation. es:

Duration:

The duration of the exercise will be four months and the campaign will begin with an initial assessment to identify target areas and beneficiaries, followed by developing a detailed work plan. Community leaders are involved in the transparent selection of 2,500 vulnerable households, who will receive vouchers for veterinary services following Save the Children targeting process

Veterinary teams will be deployed to treat and vaccinate 50,000 small ruminants, following standardized treatment protocols. Monitoring and evaluation will track the progress, with regular reports submitted on the campaign's impact. Capacity building is central, with training provided to local veterinary teams and community members to ensure sustainability. Continuous collaboration with community leaders will ensure local ownership of the campaign and long-term benefits for livestock health management.

Deliverables

• Work Plan: Detailed work plan outlining the timeline, activities, and responsible parties for the livestock treatment and vaccination intervention.

• Beneficiary Identification and Voucher Distribution: Work with Save the Children to identify 2,500 households and distribute vouchers for veterinary services and submit a beneficiary and voucher distribution report.

• Veterinary Services Implementation: Treat and vaccinate 50,000 small ruminants, using veterinary kits and treating at least 20 animals per household and provide a detailed report on animals treated and health outcomes.

• Monitoring and Data Collection: Monitor veterinary services and collect data on households and animals treated and submit weekly progress reports.

• Capacity Building: Conduct at least two training sessions for local veterinary teams and community members.

Final Report

• Submit a comprehensive final report detailing the achievements, challenges, and impact of the campaign on January 2024.

Required Qualifications and Experience of the Certified Livestock Association for Animal Production and

Health:

To ensure the success of the livestock treatment and vaccination campaign, the Certified, the LPAs must meet the following qualifications and experience requirements:

Institutional Capacity

• The association must be a legally registered and certified entity in Somalia with a mandate to provide veterinary services and livestock health management support.

• Demonstrated experience in leading large-scale livestock treatment and vaccination campaigns in drought-affected or rural areas of Somalia.

• Proven capacity to deploy and manage veterinary teams across multiple regions, including remote and hard-to-reach areas.
• Strong logistical capabilities to coordinate the distribution of veterinary kits, transportation of

veterinary teams, and provision of treatment services in partnership with government entities and international organizations.

Technical Expertise

• Submit Reg documents, Recommendation Letters and qualification certificates must be sent with application.

• Expertise in animal health management, with a focus on livestock disease control, curative and preventive treatments, and vaccination protocols.

• Veterinary teams should include qualified veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are licensed to practice and have experience treating small ruminants, particularly goats and sheep.

• The association should be knowledgeable about common livestock diseases in the region, including respiratory, intestinal, dermatological, and parasitic infections.

• Familiarity with the veterinary medicines and treatments outlined in the project, such as Albendazole Suspension, Oxytetracycline Injection, and Multivitamin Injection, and experience administering them to livestock.

Monitoring and Reporting Experience

• A strong track record of monitoring and evaluating livestock health interventions, with the ability to collect, analyze, and report accurate data on the number of animals treated, health outcomes, and project impact.

• Demonstrated experience in preparing high-quality reports for stakeholders, including international donors, government ministries, and local communities.

Capacity Building and Training

• Experience in providing training and capacity-building services to local veterinary teams and communities, focusing on sustainable livestock health management practices.

• The ability to design and deliver training modules on disease prevention, proper livestock care, and the use of veterinary treatments and medications.

Partnerships and Collaboration

• Experience working in collaboration with government entities, including the Somali Ministry of Livestock and Hirshabele Ministries, as well as international NGOs such as Save the Children.

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with community leaders, pastoralist households, and other relevant actors in the livestock sector.

Geographic Knowledge and Cultural Sensitivity

• Extensive knowledge of the geographic, social, and economic context of the target regions, including Hirshabelle state particularly Beletweyne and surrounding areas.

• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and understanding of local pastoralist communities, ensuring that livestock interventions are designed and implemented in a way that respects local customs and practices.

Experiences and Qualifications

Skills Required

Attachment

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