WILDLIFE 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.
For the implementation of the Integrated Regional Coordination Mechanism for the Prevention and Control of Trans-boundary Animal Diseases and Zoonoses initiative, AU/IBAR seeks the services of a Wildlife 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.

1. Post

* Post title: Wildlife Expert
* Post level: P3 Step 5

* Duty station: AU-IBAR, Nairobi, Kenya

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 purpose of the assignment is to provide technical support in the field of wildlife health within the frame of IRCM plans and activities implemented by AU-IBAR in partnership with RECs and their Member States, AUC/DSA and international technical organizations (FAO, OIE and WHO) with regard to the preparedness, prevention and control of TADs and zoonoses at regional, inter-regional and continental levels.

His/her main duties are as follows:

* Provide technical advice in the field of wildlife health in the framework of IRCM;
* Determine the areas, with regard to capacity on wildlife health, that need to be strengthened to enable the region respond effectively to TADs and zoonoses and propose activities to be undertaken to strengthen regional capacity to address wildlife health matters;
* Provide technical assistance in the development of inter-sectoral collaboration between domestic animals, wildlife and humans;
* Identify areas of possible improvement with regard to wildlife health in the coordination and implementation of preparedness, prevention and control plans and strategies for TADs and zoonoses;
* On the basis of an assessment of capacities and priorities of the Member States and RECs to undertake disease surveillance in wildlife and performance of regional networks provide technical support to strengthen wildlife surveillance systems;
* Participate in regional and inter-regional events and coordination as necessary;
* Perform any other duties assigned by supervisors.

3. Educational qualifications:
A Postgraduate Degree (Msc) in veterinary medicine with a specialization in wildlife health or ecology. 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 wildlife health sector of which five years in wildlife disease surveillance
* Experience in dealing with senior government, regional and international organization officials

5. Other relevant skills:
* Demonstrated in-depth understanding of TADs and Zoonoses prevention and control systems;
* Good knowledge of African Union governance structures, processes and mechanisms for regional integration;
* 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.

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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