Field Technical Officer for the Project for Reinforcing Animal Health Services in Somalia

The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa's rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the people of Africa and African States as well as developing a new partnership worldwide. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia.

The African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is a specialized technical office of the African Union under the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission. AU-IBAR is mandated to support and coordinate the utilization of animals (livestock, fisheries and wildlife) as a resource for human well-being in the Member States of the African Union and to contribute to economic development, particularly in rural areas. More information on AU-IBAR can be obtained from its web site: www.au-ibar.org

AU-IBAR is implementing a project for Reinforcing Animal Health Services in Somalia (RAHS) in partnership with two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) namely, Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI) and Terra Nuova with financial support from the European Union (EU). To support the implementation of this project, the Commission of the African Union invites applicants who are Somali nationals for a position at the Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources, Nairobi/Kenya.

Post

Post title: Field Technical Officer, Reinforcing Animal Health Services in Somalia Project
Post level: P1
Duty Station: Multiple (Mogadishu, Garowe and Hargeisa) with frequent travel to project field locations
Supervisor: Coordinator, Reinforcing Animal Health Services in Somalia Project

Major duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the RAHS Project Coordinator, the Field technical officer shall:

1. Be responsible for the day to day coordination of the project field activities.
2. Provide guidance, training and technical back-stopping for field staff of the Somali institutions.
3. Provide technical support to field staff of the NGO implementing partners in the implementation of field activities.
4. Liaise with the line ministries and the NGO Implementing partners at the field level to ensure cohesion and synergy of the different activities of the Project.
5. Provide technical support for the preparation and submission of project progress and technical reports of field activities by the NGO Implementing partners working in close collaboration with the line Ministries.
6. Support the Project coordinator in the compilation of the interim progress and final reports of the Project.
7. Support the NGO implementing partners to organise meetings and consultations for sensitization of the Somali Veterinary Authorities, local authorities, and representatives of the private sector and other key Somali Livestock sector stakeholders on the objectives, expected results and modalities for implementation of the project.
8. Assure effective communication to all stakeholders on the programme on wider technical issues prior to the start of field activities.
9. Perform any other duties as requested by the Chief Animal Health Officer or the Director.

Educational Qualifications

Applicants must have a degree in Veterinary Medicine from a recognised University. A postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline is or additional training or proven experience in animal health services delivery, the development and enforcement of rules and regulations to improve performance of the livestock sector and the training of animal health personnel will be an added advantage.

Work experience

• At least 3 years of proven working experience in the Somali animal health sector with, preferably, at least 1 year in an international organisation. A strong background in coordination and technical back-stopping of field activities for the surveillance diagnosis and control of animal diseases in Somalia will be a distinct advantage.
• Must have at least three years' experience in in a senior advisory role in an international multidisciplinary and multi-cultural project environment in Somalia and in the implementation of country-wide animal health projects in Somalia.
• Conversant with international animal health standards related to surveillance, prevention and control of transboundary animal diseases (TADs).

Skills and competencies

• Applicants must be Somali Nationals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to brief and debrief staff and stakeholders in Somali and to write technical and administrative progress reports in English and Somali. Knowledge of other official African Union languages is an advantage.
• Ability to network and maintain positive and fruitful relationships with pastoral communities, Government Ministries, public and private sector service providers and other key livestock sector stakeholders in all regions of Somalia.
• Ability to anticipate, prevent and resolve conflicts between different livestock sector stakeholders that may impact negatively on implementation of Project field activities.
• Ability to build and motivate teams.
• Self-starter with the ability to strategically plan own work and to work with minimum supervision and withstand stress under different field conditions including high insecurity.

Other relevant skills

• Computer literacy with a good knowledge of manual and electronic data entry and word processing packages.
• Planning and organizing - Proven ability to plan and organize work within an institutional setting and ability to make timely decisions.
• Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to operate effectively across organisational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity.
• Judgement/Decision-making - Good judgement, initiative, resourcefulness, energy and tact with ability to ensure an effective work structure to maximise productivity and achieve institutional goals.
• Self-motivated and able to work under pressure.
• Good knowledge of Somali language and Somali culture and socio-political context an advantage.
• Diplomacy and the ability to deal with senior officials in Government and donor organisations.

Language requirement

Proficiency in English and Somali. Knowledge of one or more of the other African Union working languages would be an added advantage.

Tenure of Appointment

The appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of two (2) years, of which the first 3 months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years, subject to satisfactory performance.

Gender Mainstreaming

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

Remuneration

Indicative basic salary of US$33,030.00 per annum plus other related entitlements- e.g. Post adjustment, Housing allowance,and Pension15% of gross salary.

Applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website http://www.aucareers.org not later than 20^th January 2014.

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