Position: Agricultural/Livestock Economist (Consultant)
Position Type: Part-time, fixed term consultancy (6 weeks)
Reports to: WCS Project Coordinator and WCS Regional Technical Advisor (Health Program)
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia with travel to Boueng Sne, Prey Veng province
This position is open to national candidates.
1. Background
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US nonprofit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity.
WCS has been working in partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia since 1999, providing technical advice and support for the conservation of key habitats and species across the country. Within our WCS Wildlife Health Program, our collaborative projects with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Administration focus on wildlife health surveillance, livelihoods, capacity building, and preventing spillover at the source, which are funded by a wide range of bilateral, multi-lateral and foundation donors.
2. Context
WCS has received financing from the UK Government through their Biodiversity Challenge Funds and is recruiting for this consultancy under the following Darwin Initiative: Risk reduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Cambodia’s wetlands.
Cambodia hosts some of the most important global priority regions for biodiversity conservation and supports some of the most threatened waterbird species in the world. Its forests and wetlands provide a natural barrier against the emergence of future zoonotic pandemics. However, current deforestation rates, livestock encroachment, and wildlife trade trends make Cambodia a hot-spot vulnerable to pathogen spillover. In 2021, 2022, and 2023, Cambodia experienced multiple mass mortalities of wild waterbirds due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in areas with substantial domestic duck farming. At the same time, duck farmers experience losses among their flocks, presumably due to outbreaks of HPAI and/or other diseases. We aim to create a scalable model for Cambodia’s wetlands via a network of informed and skilled communities taking collective action to reduce the risk of disease spillover at the poultry-waterbird interface while protecting wild bird colonies, farmer livelihoods, and public health.
The site of interest is Boueng Sne (also known as Boueng Pring), Prey Veng Province which hosts multiple waterbird colonies as well as several surrounding domestic duck farms.
3. Objective of the Assignment
The purpose of this analysis is to understand the economics of small-scale domestic duck farming system(s) around Boeung Sne and assess for long-term financial gains by implementing new farming practices. By improving farm biosecurity and adjusting other practices we aim to mitigate the risk of pathogen spillover between domestic duck flocks and wild bird colonies.
4. Approach of the Assignment
This assignment is undertaken by a three-member team of WCS Cambodia’s Wildlife Health staff under the supervision of WCS’s Regional Technical Advisor (Health Program) along with the consultant – (herein known as “the team”). Travel to the field site from Phnom Penh, if required, will be organized by WCS. Communication with government stakeholders, logistics, and budget will be led by WCS.
The approach of the assignment may be adapted according to discussion among the team.
5. Key Tasks
- Organize and review economic data previously collected by WCS from 8-10 duck farms. WCS will provide the original questionnaire utilized, as well as raw data collected to date. Any relevant spatial data and maps, including study area boundaries, farm/flock locations mapped to date, and wild bird outbreak locations can be provided as necessary. The consultant will review the existing data provided and identify existing data gaps (if any).
- Based on identified data gaps (if any), the consultant will make recommendations on other information/data to gather and accompany the team to the field site to fill such gaps if necessary.
- Economic analysis and report: An economic analysis of existing data and a cost-benefit assessment is completed for the selected farms, evaluating cost of current farming methods and loss projections due to disease outbreak events compared to the cost of potential alternative farming methods with increased biosecurity and improved husbandry.
- Cooperate with WCS Cambodia and partners throughout the contract period, with ad-hoc meetings as needed to ensure smooth coordination.
6. Key Deliverables and timeline
|
Deliverable |
Type |
Estimated Submission Date |
|
Review existing questionnaire and raw data gathered to date, identify data gaps, and provide recommendations to fill such gaps |
Summary of any data gaps and recommendations on additional data to collect (if any) * |
Week 1 |
|
Economic analysis/assessment and report draft |
Draft analysis and report for WCS review |
Week 2 |
|
Final economic analysis and report (in English) |
Final analysis and report |
Week 3 |
*Additional field data collection, if needed, will be based on the initial review of existing data
7. Payment Schedule
50% Upon Signing
50% Upon submission of approved final report to WCS
Should a field visit be required, expenses will be covered by WCS directly.
8. Applicant’s profile
The consultant must conform to the following qualifications:
- Education: Minimum of master level in field relevant to agriculture/livestock economics
- Professional experience: At least 1 year of experience in agriculture/livestock economics in developing countries, preferably in low-resource settings with primarily small- to medium-holder farms.
- Knowledge of animal health and disease is preferred.
- Khmer language required, strong English language preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and cooperative attitude.
- Good ability to meet and multi-task deadlines.
9. Application process
Interested candidates should apply by emailing:
▪ a CV and cover letter that address the criteria outlined in the qualifications and experience section
▪ your expected rate for the above listed deliverables
to: Duch Thannirorn cambodiahr@wcs.org, latest by March 19th, 2024. Please include the Position Title “Application for Consultancy for economic assessment of duck farming practices” in the subject line of your email. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Moreinfo: https://cambodia.wcs.org/About-Us/Careers.aspx
Please mention "www.Cambodiajobs.Biz" where you saw the ad when you apply!
