Guest guest Posted March 15, 2008 Report Share Posted March 15, 2008 Colleagues, as some of you are aware, subsequent to the AfA held in Chennal last year, a move was initiated to set up a federation of Indian animal groups. While groups that attended that meeting have been kept abreast of developments in connection with the federation, one of the initial activities that has been planned is a basic research exercise based on secondary information that would establish the status of animals used for food and fibre in India. This would help prioritize action, frame strategies and initiate action. HSI has offered to support this project. Placed below is a job profile for a researcher for this project as well as a description of the project. We would welcome applicants who would be interested in undertaking this research. Sincerely, Arpan Sharma on behalf of the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations. -- Job Profile: Researcher: Animals used for Food and Fibre The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) is looking for a researcher to implement a research project that will establish the status of animals used for food and fibre in India. All issues related to animals commercially farmed for food in India and/or used for the production of leather, skin and wool will be covered in this role. Employment terms: Full-time contract initially for 5 months, with the possibility of further employment. Reporting to: Coordinator, FIAPO. Roles and responsibilities: a.. Design a comprehensive research report on the current status of animals used for food and fibre in India b.. Secondary data collection on all species and thematic areas identified by FIAPO. This would also include interviews where needed with relevant government and trade representatives c.. Analysis of the current situation, including but not limited to, proportions of subsistence/commercially farmed animals; human populations dependent on these animals; dynamics of rearing, housing, feed, veterinary care, marketing, transport, slaughter; related policy and legislation, including impact of trade agreements; drivers of industry growth; consumption trends and causes; existing global standards; and ongoing animal welfare efforts in India d.. Production of a comprehensive status report Person profile: a.. Master's degree in a related field. b.. Two years of research experience required c.. Excellent writing and communication skills d.. Ability to work independently and as part of a team e.. Excellent skills in Word and Excel. Added database skills an advantage f.. Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines g.. Ability to professionally interact with different stakeholders h.. Ability to represent the organisation in a professional manner i.. Knowledge of farm animal welfare issues would be an advantage To Apply: Please send your CV by email to mail along with names of 3 referees and a statement describing why you consider yourself suitable for this position. -- -- Project Profile Introduction: HSI is an international non-profit organization that maintains programs around the world, including in India, to alleviate inhumane practices affecting animals. HSI's India Factory Farming Campaign seeks to improve the welfare of animals kept in industrial-scale intensive confinement systems, such as hens housed in battery cages for commercial egg production. FIAPO is an umbrella body of groups working on animal welfare issues in India. The welfare of animals used for food and fibre is an area of priority for FIAPO's work and the organization is currently developing detailed plans of action in this sector. FIAPO and HSI agree that there is a great need for reliable detailed information about the species, numbers, husbandry practices, and welfare conditions of animals used for food and fibre in India. Baseline data on animals raised for food, particularly poultry, will be helpful in efforts to improve welfare conditions. Generating such information is a significant priority for both organizations. Project description: HSI and FIAPO will jointly publish, upon completion, written reports on each major species of concern (egg-laying hens, broiler chickens, dairy cows, and buffalo), as well as a combined report covering several minor species. In addition, HSI and FIAPO will jointly publish a comprehensive report containing an introduction, all reports on species of concern, and a conclusion. Including the final comprehensive report, there will be a total of 6 reports. For each of species of concern, FIAPO will collect available information from existing data sources including government documents, industry reports, and white papers by both NGO and academic researchers. FIAPO's research will cover both subsistence and commercial scale production; regional variations in husbandry practices will be noted. FIAPO is only responsible for collecting pre-existing data from secondary sources, and will not be responsible for conducting primary research to fill gaps in data. For egg-laying hens, broiler chickens, dairy cows and buffalo, FIAPO will collect available information and report on the following categories of information (not all types of information listed below will be available for all species of interest): 1. Populations (across all states in India) 2. Percent of each species of concern raised for subsistence and percent raised in commercial production 3. The average and highest number of animals in commercial operations 4. Number of people (with gender break-down) dependent on this sector for income. 5. Breeding, including diversity of breeds within each species of concern and breeding issues within each species of concern (for example, growth rate, limb strength, and immunity strength) 6. Breeding, rearing (housing, physical alterations, feed), veterinary care, marketing, transport, and slaughter practices across India, noting regional variations 7. Policy and legislation impacting and regulating each species of concern, including impact of trade and bilateral and multilateral agreements 8. Rate of growth in production and consumption of the animal product 9. Contribution of a particular species of concern to the national or regional economy 10. Existing standards in other parts of the world, including India's obligations as a result of being a signatory to treaties, pacts, and other agreements (OIE, WTO) or producers' obligations under contracts that specify animal welfare standards 11. Ongoing efforts in India on part of the government (through the federal animal welfare division, the AWBI, or state level animal welfare boards or committees) and civil society (animal welfare organizations) to improve conditions of this species. For beef cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and other poultry (turkeys, ducks) FIAPO will collect available information and report on the following categories of information (not all types of information listed below will be available for all species of interest): : 1. Populations (across all states in India) 2. Percent of each species of concern raised for subsistence and percent raised in commercial production 3. The average and highest number of animals in commercial operations 4. Rate of growth in production and consumption of the animal product 5. Ongoing efforts in India on part of the government (through the federal animal welfare division, the AWBI, or state level animal welfare boards or committees) and civil society (animal welfare organizations) to improve conditions of this species. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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