ICPALD Animal Health Project Officer

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a Regional Economic Community and building block of the African Union, has a mandate to lead and coordinate the implementation of the Drought Resilience and Sustainability Initiative. The IGAD Secretariat has received some assistance from several development partners in support of the development and implementation of the Drought Disaster Resilience and Sustainability Initiative. As part of its plan to enhance the coordination of the initiative, the IGAD Secretariat will apply part of the funds towards strengthening its specialized institutions including ICPAC, CEWARN, ICPALD, ISSP and IRAPP to ensure that the requisite skills are acquired and appropriate support structures are in place.

On its part IGAD Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development (ICPALD), which is a specialized institution of IGAD that promotes livestock and dryland development including the facilitating and supporting IGAD member states to develop supportive legal and policy frameworks, facilitate investment in sustainable eco-and bio-enterprises and promotion of alternative livelihoods including value addition along the NWFPs and livestock value chains and sustainable exploitation of artisanal mineral in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). ICPALD In collaboration with AU-IBAR and EAC, IGAD and IGAD specialized institution (ICPALD and ICPAC) are supporting IGAD member states improve livestock production, health and marketing while facilitating and promoting conflict and environment sensitive water harvesting and dryaland farming. ICPALD intends to apply part of the proceeds from projects funded by USAID, EU, AfDB and ISAP Partners to support some key positions to enable it meet its mandate.

The purpose of this announcement is to invite individuals from the IGAD member states who have the necessary academic qualifications, experience, skills and competences to submit their applications for any of the positions shown below. It is

JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: ICPALD Animal Health Project Officer 
Duty Station: ICPALD Office, Nairobi, Kenya
Accountable to: Coordinator, ICPALD
Level at entry: P4 (IGAD Position Grade)
Division/Department: Livestock Program, IGAD Center for Pastoral Area and Livestock Development (ICPALD)

Job Summary:

The Animal Health Officer will be a key member of the team implementing the EU funded project entitled “improving Animal Disease Surveillance in support of trade in IGAD member states (MS)”, the main outcome of which is the strengthening of the capacity of IGAD MS to protect livestock assets, enhance resilience and promote livestock trade through improved disease surveillance, animal identification and traceability as well as health certification systems. The officer will participate and support in other ICPALD and MS’s disease control and livestock development programs. The specific duties and responsibilities are indicated below:-
Descriptions of the Post:

•    In collaboration with AU-IBAR, MS and development partners, implement specific activities at national and regional level in the support of the project related to surveillance systems, disease control, animal identification, traceability and certification among others.
•    Ensure the complementarity and synergy of  the project activities with related MS and regional frameworks and initiatives
•    Prepare and /or  revise the workplan, budget and submit timely  the quarter and annual reports
•    Monitor and supervise the project activities as per the work plan 
•    Assist in the documentation and knowledge management of project outputs and other livestock programs of ICPALD
•    Assist in the collection, collation and dissemination of relevant information and distribute this information through the ICPALD and  IGAD websites and other media
•    Support ICPALD and member states in the formulation of livestock and dryland projects/programs, harmonization of policies and strategies
•    Organize relevant meetings and collaborate with other programs of ICPALD/IGAD in  capacity developemnt programs
•    Undertake any tasks, within his/her field of activity

Qualification and Experience/Minimum requirements

•    Post graduate  Degree in Animal Health /Veterinary Science
•    PhD will be a definite advantage
•    Ten years of working experience in national and regional or international organizations in the IGAD region

Core Competencies

•    Knowledge and skill in disease surveillance and  disease control   of the major Trans-boundary diseases in the region
•    A good knowledge of computer applications
•    Training, mentoring and communication skill and team work
•    Ability to prepare concise, timely  and informative reports
•    Experience with rural development or agricultural farming systems in at least two of the IGAD member states,
•    Project management skills,
•    Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and provide leadership and direction to others;
•    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;
•    Ability to interact and collaborate with professionals at all levels within and external to the organization and Senior government officials;

Language requirements: Fluency in English and working knowledge of the French    
Tenure: The initial appointment will be for twelve calendar months renewable subject to performance and availability of funds.

Procedures for submission of applications:

1. Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals from the IGAD region.  Interested persons should submit their applications, with copies of their updated CVs and scanned certificates by close of business on the 21st May 2013 to the following address:

Director Administration and Finance
BP 2653 Djibouti
Email: " hr@igad.int and
ICPALD - rose.tsuma@igad.int,
with copies to the Coordinator ICPALD
e-mail muchina.munyua@igad.int

2. In the Subject line, please write:  Ref: HR1230 ICPALD Animal Health Project Officer