PROJECT TECHNICAL OFFICER

African Union/Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU/IBAR) The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) aims to provide leadership in the development of animal resources for Africa. By supporting and empowering the African Union member states and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), AU-IBAR’s vision is of an Africa free from hunger and poverty in which animal resources make a significant contribution within the global arena. Founded in 1951 to study the epidemiological situation and fight rinderpest in Africa, AU-IBAR’s mandate covers all aspects of animal resources, including livestock, fisheries and wildlife, across the entire African continent, but fills a unique and strategic niche by working at continental and regional levels, with the RECs being key partners.
For the implementation of the Project ‘REINFORCING Veterinary governance in Africa’ (VetGov) funded by the European Union, AU/IBAR seeks the services of a Technical Officer.

The project aims at improving the institutional environment at national and regional levels to provide effective and efficient animal health services in Africa. This will be achieved through (i) enhancement of knowledge and awareness for institutional strengthen at national and regional level for the establishment of adequate and affordable veterinary services(ii) enhancement of capacity for livestock policy, animal health strategies and legislation formulation and(iii) enhancement of capacity for policy implementation and regulations enforcement.

1. Post

* Post title: Project Technical Officer
* Post level: P3 Step 5
* Duty station: AU-IBAR, Nairobi, Kenya

This position is subject to availability of funds.

2. Major duties and responsibilities:
The position is based within the headquarters of AU-IBAR with frequent travel to headquarters of RECs and member states.

The incumbent provides general assistance to the Project Coordinator for the day to day management of the project. He reports to the Project Coordinator.

His/her main duties are as follows:

* Assist the Project Coordinator to develop working procedures and contractual arrangements with the implementing partners (OIE, FAO, RECs);
* Assist the Project Coordinator to assure effective use of the project’s human, financial and technical resources;
* Assist the Project Coordinator to coordinate the execution of the programme and follow-up activities implemented at continental, regional and national levels;
* Assist, coordinate and guide RECs in planning, implementing and monitoring work plans;
* Provide technical backstopping to the RECs to improve their capacities to support their members states in the Project related fields;
* Assist the Project Coordinator in monitoring the execution of the programme and follow up activities implemented by RECs;
* Identify technical or functional problems and ensure feedback to the Project Coordinator;
* Assist the Project Coordinator in preparing reports according to agreed formats and standards to IBAR, steering committee and donors;
* Assist in organizing steering committee meetings and other technical and coordination meetings;
* Perform all other duties as requested by the Project Coordinator.

3. Educational qualifications:
A Postgraduate Degree (Msc) in veterinary medicine, animal production, or agricultural economics with a strong understanding of agricultural/livestock policy and strategy analysis and formulation. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

4. Work experience:
* Seven years proven working experience in the livestock sector or rural development of which 3 years proven experience in livestock development projects in management position;
* Proven working experience on policy and legislation issues;
* Experience in dealing with senior government and international organization officials.

5. Other relevant skills:
* Self-starter with the ability to strategically plan own work;
* Knowledge of other official African Union languages is an advantage;
* Good networker with the ability to maintain a positive and fruitful dialogue and relationship with the main institutions operating on the Continent;
* Excellent communication skills.

6. Language requirement:
Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages is a requirement. Knowledge of one or more of the other AU working languages would be an added advantage.

7. Age requirement:
Must be preferably between the age of 35 and 50 years.

8. Tenure of Appointment:
The initial appointment will be for 11 months including a 3 months probation period. Contract extension will be subject to performance and availability of funding.

9. Gender Mainstreaming:
The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

10. Application:
To apply, please submit the following:

1. A letter stating your motivation for seeking employment with the AU Commission;
2. A detailed and updated CV, indicating your nationality, age and gender;
3. Names and contact details (including e-mail addresses) of three references;
4. Certified copies of degrees, diplomas and other academic certificates.

11. Remuneration:
The lump-sum salary attached to this position will be USD 6,783.14 per month all inclusive.

Director of AU-IBAR
P.O.BOX 30786
Nairobi, Kenya
FAX: +254-20-367-4143
E-mail:applications@au-ibar.org; ibar.office@au-ibar.org

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