SENIOR FISHERIES 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.
African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is committed to the expeditious development of fisheries in Africa to contribute to economic empowerment and improved livelihoods of African people. This is translated by the importance given to sustanaible fisheries and aquaculture development in its strategic plan 2010-2012. To implement this commitment AU-IBAR seeks for the services of a senior fisheries officer.

1. Post
* Post title: Senior Fisheries 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:
* Develop programs and projects aimed at optimizing production from Africa's aquatic resources in an environmentally sustainable and socially acceptable way to improve the livelihoods of the fishing-earning communities through better income, nutrition and resource use;
* Plan programs that support the following activities: fisheries information; fisheries resources management; aquaculture development; fisheries resources exploitation and utilization; and fisheries policy;
* Assist African countries in identifying resource management constraints and formulating management measures that will ensure conservation and management;
* Assist African countries addressing the critical issues of food security and poverty reduction within the context of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries;
* Collect, process and analyze reliable statistical data establishing a database on essential sector information;
* Assist countries in assessing their fisheries resources by providing baseline information that can be used for monitoring production, fishing capacity and planning sustainable development of fisheries for food security;
* Develop and promote appropriate fish farming and farmer organization techniques in the region to address escalating populations and the increase in the demand for fishery products;
* Explore potential approaches to increasing fish farm productivity in improved water management schemes in rice irrigation;
* Encourage African countries to adapt and implement the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and insert its relevant sections in national fisheries policies and plans;
* Develop techniques on assessing losses on processed fish and fishery products;
* Formulate technical advice on reducing post-harvest losses through improvements in fish handling and processing techniques;
* Assist countries to improve local processing fish and fishery products for exports programs;
* Develop programs aimed at strengthening the capacity building of local administration, and design and implement training and technology transfer programmes;
* Promote partnership between administrations and the stakeholders in developing fisheries and aquaculture in a participatory way, training, empowerment of local fishing communities, and assistance in transferring responsible management of the essential water resources to the stakeholders;
* Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisors.

3. Educational qualifications:
Masters Degree in Biology, Fishery Science or closely relate discipline. A PhD will be an added advantage.

4. Work experience:
* At least, 7 years of progressive experience in research, government institutions dealing with fishing, or related private sector.
* A minimum of 3 years in senior management position. Experience in an international work environment is desirable.

5. Other relevant skills:
* 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;
* Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to operate effectively across organisational boundaries;
* Good judgement/Decision-making 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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