Communication Officer , African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources

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 peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a new partnership worldwide. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia.

In seeking to achieve this objective, the African Union intends to strengthen its capacity to deliver through, among others, the implementation of a new organizational structure and the filling of the vacant project position ofCommunication Officer in the Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) in Nairobi, Kenya. The Inter-African Bureau for Animal Health Resources (AU-IBAR) is a specialized technical office of the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) of the African Union Commission (AUC). AU-IBAR’s mandate is to support and coordinate the utilization of livestock, fisheries and wildlife as resources for both human wellbeing and economic development in the Member States of the African Union (AU).

The Commission of the African Union invites citizens of Member States to apply for the below specified position at the Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources in Nairobi, Kenya.

Post

Job Title: Communication Officer
Grade: P3, Step 5
Operational Supervisor: Information Systems Manager, AU-IBAR
Duty Station: AU-IBAR: Nairobi, Kenya
Department: Rural Economy and Agriculture

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the incumbent shall include the following:

1. Provide strategic guidance on the communication activities of AU-IBAR including coordination, advocacy and communication strategies, planning and implementation.
2. Work closely with the knowledge management officer, information systems officer, the webmaster and Projects and Programmes Unit (PPU) to develop and/or update the information, communication and knowledge management strategy based on AU-IBAR's strategic plan.
3. Provide advocacy, communication and social mobilization support to AU-IBAR projects and activities to promote Information sharing and Communication through:
   1. Working with Project coordinators to bring out, package and promote AU-IBAR achievements;
   2. Guide programme activities needing communication support and proactively seek out achievements and disseminate such in the best communication approach;
   3. Establish strong linkages with relevant Media/News/Communication outlets, organisations and Institutions to enhance AU-IBAR Communication activities;
   4. Develop and roll-out mechanisms for wide sharing of outputs of AU-IBAR achievements;
   5. Contribute to the development and management of the Animal Resources Knowledge Portal;
   6. Contribute to the promotion of collaborative tools that facilitate sharing of ideas, information and knowledge such as the Intranet, outlook etc.
4. Establish a viable media relationship between AU-IBAR and relevant media organisations at continental, regional and national levels;
5. Facilitate the sharing of experiences and knowledge on development and communication in general as well as learning through nurturing and training activities.
6. Help to capture and document information and knowledge on animal resources in Africa such as the documenting of lessons learnt and best practices and success stories.
7. Work closely with Project Coordinators to document outputs and provide content for publishing of bulletins, policy papers and scholarly articles for wide dissemination
8. Disseminate information widely among AU-IBAR's target groups through publications, knowledge fairs and exhibitions; organization of Radio and TV programmes; Development of Communication materials etc.
9. Work closely with the Webmaster and the Communication Expert to maintain and improve the AU-IBAR news and information dissemination facilities including the website.
10. Support AU Member States in advancing good communication practices to enhance visibility of animal resource development activities across the continent.

Educational Qualification Required

Candidates must have a master’s degree in Mass Communication, English language or other related field. A PhD degree preferably in knowledge management and/or development Communication will be an advantage. Knowledge of relevant computer applications including Communication IT tools is mandatory.

Work Experience Required

Experience in Development communication activities, media relation, advocacy management, organization of focus groups, public communication and social mobilization;

1. Familiarity with developing and delivering development Communication and knowledge management programmes;
2. Experience in developing and delivering Communication programmes and packages with and for different stakeholders and partner organisations;
3. Experience in the animal sciences sector would be an added advantage;
4. At least five years of progressive experience in areas of communication preferably within an International or continental organization

Other Relevant Skills

• Professionalism: Demonstrated technical knowledge and analytical skills related to communication management.
• Leadership: Ability to influence a team of professionals from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Planning and organizing: Ability to plan and organize work within a project and ability to make timely decisions.
• Communication: Effective written, oral and presentation skills, particularly the ability to present information in a concise yet accurate manner; ability to develop consensus among people with varying points of view.
• Teamwork: excellent interpersonal skills and ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity.
• Computer literacy: Working knowledge of data analysis; SAP ERP System, etc.

Language Requirement

Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages is a must. Knowledge of one or several other working languages is an added advantage.

Tenure of Appointment

The appointment will be made on a short term contract for a period of eleven (11) months, of which the first three months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be renewed subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

Gender Mainstreaming

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

Remuneration

The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$84,477.46 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$70,613.43 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff.

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

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website http://www.aucareers.org not later than 01 April 2016.