AU-IBAR Veterinary Epidemiologist

AFRICAN UNION

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

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 ‘Standard Methods and Procedures in Animal Health (SMP-AH) Project’, AU-IBAR and IGAD seeks the services of a Veterinary Epidemiologist.

The project aims to standardize procedures for detection of and response to specified trade-significant Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) by developing an umbrella programme, coordinated at the IGAD level, and subscribed by all participating countries to provide regional uniformity in order to promote intra-regional and inter-regional trade in livestock and livestock products in the region.

Position Title: Veterinary Epidemiologist

Post level: P3, step 5

Unit: Animal Health

Immediate Supervisor: Chief Animal Health Officer (CAHO), AU-IBAR and coordinator of ICPALD.

Duty Station: ICPALD, IGAD Liaison Office, Nairobi, Kenya

*The initial appointment will be for eleven months. Contract extension will be subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

1. Job Summary

The purpose of the assignment is to provide technical support to SMP-AH participating countries for the collaboration, coordination and harmonisation of surveillance, prevention and control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) within the framework of the SMP-AH.

Under the overall supervision of the CAHO at AU-IBAR and coordinator of IGAD Centre of Pastoral areas And Livestock Development (ICPALD) at IGAD Secretariat, the position holder will develop, implement, follow-up and monitor the portfolio of capacities and activities related to TADs prevention, control and related training. S/he Will provide support to the participating countries to design and implement coordinated and harmonised disease surveillance , prevention and control of TADs as per the OIE standards. The incumbent will lead and manage a team responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving systems, reporting mechanisms, and data infrastructure to support ICPALD’s advancement and its initiatives and operations as they relate to the control of TADs. The holder of the position will create an organizational culture and develop a technological infrastructure that encourages the sharing of knowledge, information and/or data. S/he will be responsible for promoting and utilizing

IGAD’S knowledge assets, assess how information will be disseminated in a smooth and systematized process. The holder will participate in regional and inter-regional events and coordination meetings and perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisors.

2. Major duties and responsibilities

The overall duties and responsibilities of the position holder will be to develop, implement, follow up and monitor the portfolio of activities related to TADs prevention, control and related training programs included in the projects implemented by ICPALD. Specifically, he will undertake the following roles:-
• Contribute in the development of regional strategies for epidemiological related support to the projects in the region,
• Contribute in the elaboration of regional strategy for the control of TADs,
• Assist in the preparation and formulation of concept notes, proposals and technical policy briefs on TADs,
• Contribute in the development of guidelines for mitigation of livelihoods shocks due to the presence of TADs or due to the measures taken to control and prevent new outbreaks,
• Contribute in the lobbying and interaction to strengthen the ICPALD including prospection for new projects,
• Contribute in the implementation of the ``Enhancing prevention and control of Rift Valley Fever and other vector-borne diseases in the region ,
• Provide technical advice and assistance to member states, regional organizations and implementing partners as required,
• Contribute in the preparation of regular reports on the progress of the projects implemented by ICPALD and others in the pipeline,
• Perform any related duties as required.

2. Qualifications

The incumbent should have MSc in epidemiology with a strong socioeconomic background. PhD will be an added advantage.

3. Experience:

a. Essential requirement
• The applicant should be a national of the IGAD region,
• At least 10 years experience in designing disease surveillance, epidemiological studies and control programs,
• Be well versed with regional and national development issues in IGAD region, especially the situation for women and youth in animal agriculture,
• Experience in the veterinary services at regional or international level,
• Proven knowledge in surveillance systems, prevention and control,
• Experience dealing with Government officials,
• A thorough undertanding of the operations and process of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) National Veterinary Services,
• Applicant must be between age 35-50 years

b. Desirable requirement
• Experience with rural development or agricultural farming systems in at least two of the IGAD member states,
• Experience in training and mentoring,
• Project management skills,
• Knowledge of institutional development,
• Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, implement and review complex systems and applications,
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and provide leadership and direction to others,
• Ability to analyze and review operational procedures, identify problem areas and optimize performance through procedural changes,
• Strong communication, relationship and people management skills,
• Professionalism, personal initiative and good judgment,
• High level organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and meet targets,
• Ability to work under pressure, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality is crucial,
• Demonstrated ability to make recommendations and use independent judgment,
• Ability to interact and collaborate with professionals at all levels within and external to the organization and Senior government officials,
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including the ability to communicate and generate reports,
• Proficiency in English and knowledge of French is an added advantage

4. Skills and competencies

Self-starter with the ability to strategically plan own work; Very strong writing, analytical and communication skills are necessary. Demonstrated ability to provide strong leadership and foster team environment is required.

5. 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.

6. Age Requirement

The candidate should be preferably between the age of 35 and 50 years.

7. Tenure of Appointment

The initial appointment will be for 11 months including a 3-month probation period. Contract extension will be subject to performance and availability of funding.

8. Gender Mainstreaming

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

9. Remuneration

The lump-sum salary attached to this position is an annual lump-sum of USD 81,397.62 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and USD 67,533.59 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff.

Applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website http://www.aucareers.org not later than 15th March 2013.

Directorate of Administration and Human Resource Management
African Union Commission
Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)