1. Liaise closely with stakeholders and counterparts to refine specific priorities and constraints to ensure they are adequately addressed with resources and training programs through the development and implementation of an annual workplan;

2. Provide technical assistance in the area of large and small ruminant livestock production, range management and grazing management to local experts and trainers to assist in the adaptation of technologies which are appropriate and effective at the field level through demonstration and applied research;

3. Participate in the selection of pilot project counties, make recommendations to the provincial and project leading groups for appropriate demonstration sites within these counties, participate first-hand in demonstration site development;

4. Provide mentorship to training and extension service providers in demonstration sites through formal and hands-on training and technical transfer based at demonstration sites and key farmer/herder locations. It is expected that much of the formal training will occur during the winter months and hands-on training, demonstrations and farmer/herder field schools will occur during the summer months;

5. Assist local experts to train and mentor trainers and extension staff and ensure that they have the capacity to transfer new technologies and management practices to farmer and herders and improve technology transfer adoption rates;

6. Assist local counterparts and Canadian LTTAs and the AAFC BPO in the prioritization of training in Canada based on available resources in Canada and identification of suitable candidates as trainers to achieve optimal impact;

7. Assist local counterparts in the design and development of specific training materials and techniques related to the project objectives in terms of audio-visual and other resources;

8. Represent the expectations of local provincial counterparts and their project priorities through the AAFC BPO and assist Canadian LTTAs and project management to appreciate specific provincial needs and constraints for project implementation and at meetings with CIDA and senior management;

9. Liaise closely with the Canadian LTTAs, Project Manager and Assistant Project Manager on all matters related to effective project implementation and coordination with the overall CIDA agricultural projects in the province;

10. Collaborate on the operation of the provincial field office including local staff assignments, logistics and financial management. Coordinate program activities amongst long term and short term Canadian technical advisors (TAs) and locally engaged consultants and advisors working through the provincial site office;

11. Provide technical assistance as required for delivery of workshops, seminars and training programs and make regular and frequent inspection and supervisory field visits to project demonstration sites;

12. Coordinate with local partners to ensure that facilities, staff and resources are available to support Canadian short term and long-term technical assistance staff in the province;

13. Recruit and engage locally hired staff and consultants as required;

14. Coordinate the local implementation of a project gender strategy to ensure appropriate levels of women’s participation in all project activities in the province;

15. Collaborate with LTTA’s in other provinces by exploring efficiencies in delivery of the project, and share expertise across Provinces as required;

16. Provide on-going reporting to the BPO on activities completed towards the annual workplan, as well as the outcomes and outputs of the LFA. Assist in the management the financial resources allocated to the province and report on expenditures accordingly.

Qualifications

1. Must be a resident of Sichuan Province and a Chinese citizen.

2. PhD Degree or equivalent in grassland management or Animal nutrition.

3. Proven proficiency in Chinese and candidate with English capability will be given preference. Demonstrated written and oral communications skills in Chinese.

4. Working experience in animal husbandry, grassland management or related work as an expert and manager with international projects and knowledge of geography and environmental conditions in Sichuan.

5. Should be willing to travel and spend time in Hongyuan County or other locations in Sichuan if needed.

6. Should be patient, friendly, outgoing, like working with people and eager to learn and communicate new ideas, methodologies and concepts.

7. Must be able to take orders from other more qualified personnel and complete tasks assigned and meet deadlines.

8. Must know how to type in Chinese and English and use Microsoft Word, EXCEL, Power Point and Email.