AU-IBAR Veterinary Epidemiologist Job in Nairobi, Kenya

The African Union’s Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is a specialised technical office reporting to the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission.

AU-IBAR’s mandate is to support and coordinate the utilisation of livestock, fisheries and wildlife as resources for both human wellbeing and economic development in the member states of the African Union.

For the implementation of the initiative ‘Integrated Regional Coordination Mechanism for the Prevention and Control of Trans-boundary Animal Diseases and Zoonoses”, AU/IBAR seeks the services of a Veterinary Services Expert.

The initiative aims at improving preparedness, prevention and control of Trans-boundary Animal Diseases and Zoonoses through the strengthening of coordination and harmonization capacities of Regional Economic Communities, the promotion of Inter-REC collaboration, the improvement of continental technical coordination mechanisms, and the promotion of partnership with International Technical Organizations.

Post title: Veterinary Epidemiologist

Post level: P3 Step 5

Duty station: AU-IBAR, Nairobi, Kenya

The position is based at the headquarters of AU-IBAR with frequent travel to the Regional Economic Communities and their Member States.

The purpose of the assignment is to provide technical support to strengthen veterinary services for the prevention and control of TADs and Zoonoses within the framework of IRCM plans and activities.

The IRCM activities will be implemented at in the RECs and their member states through partnerships between AU-IBAR with the African Union directorate for social affairs ( AUC/DSA) and international technical organizations (FAO, OIE and WHO).

Interventions will target capacity building with regard to the coordination of, as well as preparedness, prevention and control of TADs and zoonoses at regional, inter-regional and continental levels.

Major duties and responsibilities:

The position holder’s main duties and responsibilities are:

Provide technical support in the field of public health, with special emphasis on preparedness, prevention and control of Trans-boundary animal diseases and zoonoses, and other emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases;Assess, in the context of zoonoses, the functioning of health systems and propose ways of reinforcement of the country’s public health services to prevent and control priority zoonoses and other emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases;Assess the capacities to implement a regionally based prevention, rapid response and control system of zoonoses and proposes measures to strengthen them.Assist in the preparation of plans to be implemented to strengthen regional capacity to enhance inter-sectoral collaboration between health domains (domestic animals, wildlife and humans);Assist in the preparation of plans to strengthen sectoral coordination at REC, Inter-REC and continental coordination;Provide support to RECs and their Member States to implement and comply with International animal health standards and regulations;Identify and develop institutional relationships and partnerships to attract technical support to RECs and member states;Provide support to the operationalization of the one health concept at IBAR, REC and member states levels;Participate in regional and inter-regional events and coordination as necessary;Perform any other duties assigned by supervisors.A Postgraduate Degree (Msc) in veterinary epidemiology or related disciplines with good understanding of TADs and zoonoses prevention and control systems; the “One Health” approach.
A first level university degree with a relevant combination experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.Seven years proven working experience in the veterinary services at regional or international level of which 5 years proven experience in surveillance systems;Experience in dealing with senior government, regional and international organization officials;In-depth understanding of the operations and processes of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and national veterinary services are essential;Track record of good performance in similar posts.Demonstrated in-depth understanding of TADs and Zoonoses prevention and control systems;Practical knowledge of epidemiology, and laboratory operations and the role of RECs in the control of TADs and zoonoses;Self-starter with the ability to strategically plan own work;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.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.Age requirement:

Must be preferably between the age of 35 and 50 years.

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.Gender Mainstreaming:

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

Application:

To apply, please submit the following:

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

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

Applications must be received not later than 24 January 2011 and should be addressed to:

Director of AU-IBAR
P.O.Box30786
Nairobi, Kenya

Fax: +254-20-367-4143
E-mail: applications@au-ibar.org, office@au-ibar.org

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