Position: Technical Expert Livestock – Community Based Breed Improvement Program(CBBP)
Project: CCMI
Reporting to: Program Manager – Livestock
Location: Project Area – Annamayya and Sri Sathya Sai Districts, Andhra Pradesh
Engagement Type: Retainer Consultancy (6 days per month from Aug 2026 to Feb 2027)
1. Background
Vijayavahini Charitable Foundation (VCF), supported by Tata Trusts, is implementing the Climate Change Mitigation Initiative (CCMI) Project in Annamayya and Sri Sathya Sai districts of Andhra Pradesh. The program aims to strengthen climate-resilient small ruminant production through improvement of the Nellore sheep breed, a locally adapted and economically important breed in the region.
The project engages with around 3,000 shepherds across selected clusters to establish a community-based Nellore sheep breed improvement program, ensuring the availability of quality breeding rams, ewes, and ram lambs. The initiative promotes scientific breeding practices, improved flock management, and community participation to enhance productivity and livelihoods.
To strengthen field implementation and ensure effective execution of breed improvement interventions, VCF proposes to engage Dr. Peetambar Kushwaha as a Part-time Livestock Consultant to provide technical guidance and field-level support to the project team and shepherd communities.
2. Objectives of the Assignment
The primary objective of the consultancy is to provide field-based technical support for the effective implementation of the Nellore sheep breed improvement program.
The consultant will:
• Provide technical guidance for implementation of community-based sheep breed improvement activities in the project villages.
• Support field teams in selection of breeding animals, performance recording, flock management, and breeding interventions.
• Build the technical capacity of project staff, Jeevamithras, and shepherds through on-site mentoring and practical demonstrations.
• Monitor implementation quality and recommend corrective measures to improve genetic gain and flock productivity.
3. Scope of Work / Key Responsibilities
1) Field-level technical support
a) Provide regular technical guidance to project staff during implementation of sheep breed improvement activities.
b) Support identification and selection of superior breeding rams and replacement ewes based on agreed selection criteria.
c) Guide field teams on animal identification, performance recording, pedigree maintenance, and breeding management.
d) Conduct field visits to monitor breeding interventions and recommend improvements for effective implementation.
e) Provide technical advice on nutrition, health care, reproductive management, and flock management practices.
2) Development of Training modules and resource material
a) Develop training modules and resource material for the shepherds, field testing of the modules and prepare ready to print copies
b) Collect different resource material and consolidate them
c) Develop Telugu brochures on the sheep and goat management practices.
d) Orientation to the team on the training modules and resource material.
3) Capacity building and mentoring
a) Conduct practical training and on-site mentoring for project staff and Jeevamithras on sheep breeding, animal selection, record keeping, and performance monitoring.
b) Support field demonstrations and community awareness programmes on improved sheep husbandry practices.
c) Mentor field staff during implementation and help address technical challenges encountered in the villages.
d) Strengthen the capacity of community institutions to manage breeding activities and maintain quality breeding records.
4) Monitoring and technical guidance
a) Review field records and breeding data to assess implementation progress and quality.
b) Provide recommendations to improve breeding performance, genetic gain, and flock productivity.
c) Participate in periodic project review meetings and provide technical inputs for strengthening field implementation.
d) Submit technical observations and recommendations following field visits.
4. Key Deliverables
1. Training modules and brochures in Telugu language on sheep and goat management
2. Monthly field visit reports documenting technical observations, recommendations, and actions required.
3. Technical guidance provided for identification and selection of breeding rams and replacement ewes in project villages.
4. On-site training and mentoring sessions conducted for project staff, Jeevamithras, and shepherds.
5. Periodic technical reports on implementation progress, breeding performance, and recommendations for improving the sheep breed improvement programme.
6. Technical support provided for monitoring breeding records, flock performance, and implementation quality throughout the consultancy period.
5. Time commitment and location
• The consultant will provide services for 6 days per month from August 2026 to March 2027.
• Field visits will be planned in consultation with the Program Manager based on project requirements.
• The consultancy will primarily cover the selected mandals of Annamayya and Sri Sathya Sai districts of Andhra Pradesh.
6. Qualifications and experience
• Ph.D./M.V.Sc./B.V.Sc. in Animal Genetics & Breeding, Animal Production, Livestock Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in sheep breeding, livestock development, or community-based breeding programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing breed improvement programmes for small ruminants.
• Experience in field mentoring and capacity building of extension staff and community institutions.
• Strong practical knowledge of sheep breeding, animal selection, performance recording, and flock management.
7. Consultancy Fees and logistics
• Consultancy fees will be finalized through mutual discussion and as per VCF norms.
• Travel, accommodation, and field-related expenses will be reimbursed as per VCF policy.
8. Reporting and coordination
The Consultant will report directly to the Program Manager – Livestock, VCF, and will work closely with project staff, Jeevamithras, community institutions, and shepherd groups in Annamayya and Sri Sathya Sai districts. The consultant will provide regular technical guidance through field visits, mentoring, review meetings, and submission of technical reports to support effective implementation of the community based breed improvement program.