Consultant for Network on the promotion of sustainable agricultural farming systems in the Semi Arid Zone of Africa

The African Union Commission’s specialized technical office for the promotion of agricultural research for development in semi-arid Africa (SAFGRAD) has been re-institutionalized in 2003 as one of the technical offices under the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture of the AUC. It is based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Its mission is to advance agricultural and rural development within the semi-arid zones of Africa. It has the mandate of facilitating the advancement of agricultural research, technology transfer and dissemination for the development of livelihoods in semi-arid zones of Africa. It designs and implements programmes and projects in accordance with this mandate.

The Commission of the African Union invites applicants who are citizens of Member States for Consultancy service/SAFGRAD Office in the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture for the following position.


1. Post
Post title: Consultant for Network on the promotion of sustainable agricultural
farming systems in the Semi Arid Zone of Africa
Post level: P3 step 5
Duty Station: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Immediate Supervisor: Coordinator, AU/SAFGRAD

2. Major duties and responsibilities :

The United Nations General Assembly established the UNCCD in order to effectively address the threat of land degradation at global level. In 2002, the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) recognized the UNCCD as the international instrument for sustainable development and the United Nations General Assembly declared 2006 the International Year of Deserts and Desertification (IYDD) to further help prevent the exacerbation of desertification around the globe.

The main operational instruments of the CCD are: the national, sub- regional and regional action programmes to combat desertification (NAPs, SRAPs and RAPs). The RAP is focused on 6 thematic areas:

• Integrated management of International River, lake and hydro-geological basins;
• Promotion of agroforestry and soil conservation, rational use of rangelands and promotion of fodder crops development;
• Ecological monitoring, natural resources mapping, remote sensing and early warning systems;

• Rational use of rangelands and promotion of fodder crops development;
• Promotion of new and renewable energy sources and technologies;
• Promotion of sustainable agricultural farming systems

For each thematic area a network of leading African institutions and agencies involving all key actors at regional, sub-regional and national level has been created in order to facilitate the exchange of information and development of concrete and innovative activities in their respective fields. To coordinate and stimulate their activities, Institutional Focal Points (IFP) has been designated for each TPN. AU/SAFGRAD has been designated as a focal point for TPN6: Network on the promotion of sustainable agricultural farming systems in the Semi Arid Zones of Africa.


2.a.Tasks

i- Identify institutions and agencies willing to be active members of the network ensuring equitable geographical representation.

ii- Create and maintain a database of all the members of the network with detailed contacts and identify one or more focal person per institution for the network.
iii- Animate discussions and exchanges between the members of the network that will lead to the identification and development of at least one concrete project

iv- Create the most appropriate mechanism (web page, virtual discussion groups, news letters…) where the members of the network could exchange opinions and information and ensure such mechanism is dynamic.

v- prepare a networking manual.


2.b. Deliverables

i- Available database of all members of the network with relevant contacts details. ii- Effective and dynamic forum for members of the network to communicate,
exchange ideas and information.

iii- At least one project document foreseeing concrete activities pertaining to the subject of the network developed with the participation of all members.
iv- Networking manual.



3. Educational Qualifications: Candidates must have a Master Degree or equivalent degree in agriculture, Economics, International Relations, Computer Science or closely related discipline. A Ph.D. Degree will be an added advantage.

4. Work experience requirement: At least three years of experience in creating networks ideally at the international level. Work experience within the theme of the network is highly desirable.

5. Other relevant skills

• Understanding of crop-livestock systems;

• Board awareness of the NARS, regional programs in agriculture and IARCs;
• Working knowledge of policy analysis and development;
• Management experience, excellent interpersonal skills and ability to organize and motivate others and to work in a multi-cultural environment;
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills ;
• Good communication and negotiating skills;
• Good planning and organizational skills ;
• Commitment to personal performance and self-development ;
• Leading and managing change with integrity, trustworthiness and confidence;
• Computer literacy.

6. Language requirement: Proficiency in one of the AU working languages. Knowledge of one other working languages would be an added advantage.

7. Age requirement: Candidates must preferably be not less than 35 years old.

8. Tenure of Appointment: The appointment will be made for a period of three (3) months,
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:

• A letter stating reasons 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 address) of three references;
• Certified copies of degrees and diplomas.
• Indication of the methodology he/she intends to use

11. Remuneration: The consultant will get a lump sum of US$ 7,253.03 per month all inclusive.

The applications must be received not later than 15 August 2011, and should be addressed to:

Director of Administration and Human Resource Management

AU Commission
Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
P.O. Box 3243
Fax: +251-1-5525840/5510430
E-mail: au-recruits@africa-union.org