A livestock value chain advisor with solid understanding of livestock sector transformation in low and middle income countries and the concept of inclusive and sustainable food systems.

The dairy advisor will be responsible for analysing and supporting livestock value chains in low and middle income countries, addressing production, post-harvest, processing & marketing priorities, and quality of animal products. The advisor will contribute to the implementation of our increasing portfolio of work in dairy and livestock value chain development. Assignments range from project implementation and management, writing of technical documents, to applied (action-oriented) research, strategic and policy advice, capacity strengthening or a combination of the above. At WCDI, project implementation and capacity strengthening are closely intertwined and mutually reinforce each other. The position also involves strategic networking and representation of WCDI in order to acquire new assignments and strengthen partnerships.

We expect the livestock advisor to combine sound knowledge of livestock value chain development issues with understanding of the social, environmental, political and economic sector transformation context. You need to be able to conduct inter- and intra-disciplinary applied research of the livestock sector, to train and support different stakeholders, ranging for example from large, international enterprises to smallholder farmer groups, and to support collaboration between the public and private sectors, civil society organisations and knowledge institutes. You should be strong in supporting partners and clients to think critically about sector transformation and how interventions in the value chain can result in sustainable development impact at scale.

• An MSc degree or PhD in animal sciences, agro-economics, or other relevant field, preferably with a value chain / sector development orientation;
• Minimum of three years working experience, with engagement in low and middle income countries, preferably in the dairy sector;
• Experience in applied quantitative & qualitative research;
• Proficiency in writing reports and publications for practitioners;
• Experience in acquisition and a client-oriented attitude;
• Strong interest in linking theory and practice;
• Ability to train and coach others;
• A good (international) networker with the ability to work in partnerships between the business-, government-, civil society-, and academic worlds;
• Flexibility, ability to adapt;
• A result focused team player;
• Willingness to travel extensively (short missions);
• Excellent spoken and written English is essential (a minimum of CEFR C1
  level). For more information about this proficiency level, please visit our special language page.
• Fluency in other languages, in particular French or Spanish, is an added advantage.

An initial one year contract of 36 hours per week with a performance based possibility for extension. Scale 10 CAO Foundation Wageningen Research: minimum salary: € 2560, maximum salary: €4174 gross per month (based on fulltime employment), depending on education and experience. In addition we offer a holiday allowance of 8% of the annual salary and an end of year benefit of 3%.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is "To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life". Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialised research institutes from the Wageningen Research Foundation and Wageningen University have joined forces to help answer the most important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.

With approximately 30 locations, 5,000 employees, and 10,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the unique approach of Wageningen.

You will join Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation (WCDI). We strengthen capacities for sustainable development in support of inclusive and sustainable food systems, through 'Knowledge in Action'. We do so through our unique approaches in fostering lifelong learning, guiding sector transformation, managing for impact, facilitating stakeholder collaboration and strengthening strategic leadership. A close connection between project implementation and capacity development characterises our work. In our work with clients from governments, businesses, civil society, NGOs and the academic world, our group of 50 scientific staff connects Wageningen University & Research's knowledge and expertise with the challenges to support inclusive and sustainable food systems in low and middle income countries.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at thespecial career site.