ANIMAL PRODUCTION EXPERT

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.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION EXPERT
For the implementation of its strategic plan 2010-2014, AU-IBAR seeks the services of an expert in animal production.
1. Post

* Post title: Animal Production Expert
* Post level: P3 Step 5
* DUTY STATION: AU-IBAR, Nairobi, Kenya

This position is subjected to availability of funds.

2. Major duties and responsibilities:
The Animal Production expert will advise the Chief animal production officer on animal production policy frameworks in areas of sustainable natural resources management, animal genetic resources, and climate change. More specifically, the expert will:

* Advise on information and data to be collected, collated and disseminated on all aspects of animal production to improve the productivity of animal resources in Africa;
* Assist in Compilation and analysis/synthesis of data/information on livestock’s contribution to climate change, as well as its impact on animal production, to inform policy making and public education;
* Advise the Chief Animal production officer on Identification and facilitation of avenues for exploitation of opportunities for African livestock keepers to benefit from payments for ecological services (ecotourism, rehabilitation of degraded lands, controlled grazing, biodiversity and landscape conservation etc);
* Assist in the Development of, and/or making available, best practices and policy guidelines to build, capacities of RECs and member states to manage the conflicts arising at the wildlife-livestock-human interface;
* Assist in the Development of a continental strategy and implementation framework for the conservation of Africa’s livestock and fish genetic resources;
* Assist in the production of the Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa;
* Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor and the director of AU-IBAR.

3. Educational qualifications:
At least an advanced degree (Msc) in animal production, natural resource, and environmental, sciences is required. A Ph.D. is an added advantage d. 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:
At least 7 years experience in development programs that deals with the interactions of livestock and the natural systems in which they operate, as well as experience in integrated NRM required. Experiences with agricultural systems approach and challenges associated with NRM in agricultural systems dominated by poor producers are essential.

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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