Introduction and Context
The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), a specialized technical office of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) of the African Union Commission, is mandated to support and coordinate the utilization of livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and wildlife as resources for both human wellbeing and economic development in the Member States of the African Union. The Vision of the AU-IBAR Strategic Plan 2024-2028 is an Africa in which animal resources contribute significantly to integration, prosperity and peace. Within the framework of the African Union Agenda 2063, the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA) environed an inclusive and sustainable livestock economy that significantly contributes to Africa’s transformation and growth.
Small ruminants constitute an important part of the African livestock and represent a key element in food and nutrition security on the continent. Small ruminants are well adapted to the different agro-ecological zones and production systems in which they are reared. Farming small ruminants provide a safety net for women and youth who are vulnerable to socio-economic shocks and disturbances.
Production, productivity, circulation, trade and marketing of sheep and goats in Sub-Saharan Africa are constrained by the presence of high impact transboundary animal diseases. Among those, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) a viral disease affecting only small ruminants and their wild relatives, is the most sensitive one because of its contagiousness and the fatality rate observed.
For many years, multiple partners and donors have been supporting various PPR control and eradication in different countries/regions. However, the efforts are still fragmented and inadequately coordinated, achieving limited short-term control of the disease and appear insufficient to hope for an eradication at continental level. Around ten years ago, Rinderpest, a viral disease very similar to PPR but affecting cattle and buffaloes, was successfully eradicated from Africa because of a strong continental coordination that was put in place with the support of the European Union. Now, PPR eradication has become a political objective for the African Union reaffirmed on several occasions. A plan of action and a global strategy has been put in place by the FAO/WOAH joint PPR Secretariat that coordinate the PPR Global Eradication Programme under the umbrella of the GF-TADs.
AU-IBAR and partners with support of the European Union have developed an Action that aims to define concretely the needs and support for strengthening the continental/ regional actors to respond to the threats of transboundary diseases of sheep and goats in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly PPR. The Action will also prepare the governance for coordinating the global PPR eradication in SSA and for coordination at continental level. Finally, the Action will prepare and organize the vaccination strategy needed to eradicate PPR based on the state of play of the various existing initiatives and capacities.
This Action should be considered as the first phase to initiate a larger approach to eradicate PPR in Africa in the years to come. It will be used to inform a harmonized continental strategy supported by a theory of change and a comprehensive Business Plan for eradication of PPR. Subsequent implementation phases will entail targeted evidence-based interventions for a time-bound eradication process.
Objectives
In seeking to achieve these objectives, the African Union Commission intends to strengthen its capacity and the Commission therefore, invites applicants for the position of Programme Expert – Disease Control and Management at the Pan African PPR Secretariat (PAPS) based at the InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (IBAR), located in Nairobi, Kenya.
Main Functions
The Programme Expert – Disease Control and Management shall be as follows:
- Lead, coordinate, supervise and monitoring the technical implementation and management of continental PPR eradication strategy in Africa;
- Strengthen capacities of RECs and AU member states to develop surveillance systems
- Establish and strengthen a system of governance for coordinating the continental PPR eradication strategy in Africa among RECs, closely linked to global coordination initiatives ;
- Support the RECs in the implementation of the regional PPR eradication strategy ;
- Develop and support PPR vaccine production and vaccination strategy at continental level ;
- Support member states eligible for recognition for official PPR free-status and their application to WOAH.
Key Responsibilities
She/he will have the following specific duties and responsibilities.
Specific Responsibilities
- Ensure and promote functional implementation and management of continental PPR eradication strategy in Africa;
- Coordinate the implementation of the project activity plans, preparation of project budget forecast and expense in accordance with approved budgets and prepare quarterly and annual progress reports, and the final technical report.
- Strengthen collaboration with project partners, and ensure timely implementation, monitoring and documentation;
- Develop evidence-base- for PPR (epidemiological systems, regions risk mapping and risk management plan) and Enhance scientific and technical networking in different regions of Africa ;
- Support epidemiological and laboratory capacity to enhance surveillance systems for early detection of PPR outbreaks ;
- Strengthen capacities of AU member states and RECs to develop realistic national and regional strategic plans, policies and legislations aligned with the continental PPR eradication strategy and relevant global instruments ;
- Support the RECs in the implementation of the regional PPR eradication strategy ;
- Identify, establish and support regional reference laboratory for PPR diagnostics
- Identify and support regional PPR vaccine units to increase quality vaccine production and provide vaccines to AU member states;
- Develop effective mechanisms for a solid reporting system on the implementation of the continental PPR eradication strategy in Africa,
- Develop mechanisms for enhancing strategic partnerships among stakeholders for PPR eradication strategy in Africa with PPR Global Eradication Programme under the umbrella of the GF-TADs ;
- Assess project risks and mitigation methods, and promote the achievement of quality results and the timely submission of project technical reports, and the presentation of monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual technical reports as per the AUC and development partner requirements.
- Perform any other duties as requested by the Director of AU-IBAR.
Duration and Location
The duration of this consultancy is six (6) months, which may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The successful consultant will be based in AU-IBAR offices in Nairobi, Kenya and will be required to maintain the AUC office hours.
Remuneration
The remuneration for this Consultancy shall be an all-inclusive monthly fee equivalent to P3 Step 5 on the AUC Salary Scale.
The consultant will be responsible for his/her medical and travel insurance cover for the duration of the consultancy. Expenses for travel on official missions will be covered separately by AU-IBAR in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission rules and regulations.
Supervision
The Programme Expert – Disease Control and Management under the direct technical supervision of the Senior Animal Health Officer and the overall oversight of the Director of AU-IBAR.
Requirements
Qualifications
The successful applicant should have:
- Bachelor university degree in Veterinary Sciences
- Postgraduate University degree (Master’s degree) in Veterinary Epidemiology or Animal Health.
- A PhD qualification in the relevant disciplines will be an added advantage.
Experience
- A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in the public sector at regional or international level, relevant knowledge-based institutions relating to Animal Health, TADs within a particular PPR control program or research program development or related fields, of which at least 3 years should be at managerial level.
- Record of experience and knowledge on African Union policy processes and relevant sector AU instruments and implementation frameworks
- Knowledge of functions of regional institutions with mandates in Animal Health and proven evidence of experience in promoting coordination mechanisms and regional cooperation on Animal health sector in Africa
- Experience in capacity development in policy formulation to promote coherence in the governance of Animal health sector in Africa
- Proven record of capacity building and publications in fields related to PPR, TADs and Animal health studies
- Record of implementing and/or managing time bound projects, especially donor funded projects related to animal health research, development and management or related disciplines with particular reference to EU funded projects
- Sound knowledge of relevant regional and international SPS instruments relevant to Africa Animal health and supporting Africa’s effective role in these regional and international regimes
- Extensive knowledge on issues of Africa Animal health and knowledge on ongoing African Union initiatives and interventions in the sector
Other Essential Skills and Experience
- Diplomacy and good interactive skills necessary for dealing with senior officials in Government, Regional Organizations, and donor/development organizations;
- Good networking skills and ability to maintain positive and constructive dialogue and relationships with key institutions operating in the regions;
- Self-starter with the ability to strategically plan own work and follow-up on implementation;
- Sector related project development, management and implementation skills at national, regional and continental levels;
- Strong skills in using computer software (outlook, MS teams, word, excel, Power point), and project management and monitoring background.
- Very strong writing, analytical and communication skills are necessary;
- Demonstrated ability to provide strong leadership and foster a team-oriented environment is required.
- Proficiency in at least one AU language required. Knowledge of another language will be an added advantage.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the requirements and the evaluation grid below:
Criteria Max Score
Qualification 25
Relevant Experience 45
Other Skills 30
Total 100
Applicants who meet the technical requirements may be invited for an interview (virtual or in person as is appropriate).
Gender & Age Mainstreaming
The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants between 35 and 45 years of age are also encouraged to apply.
Submission of Applications
Applications are open to individuals of eligible nationalities. If your career aspirations, qualifications, and experience match the above requirements, please email your application stating “Programme Expert – Disease Control and Management” in the subject of the email.
Applications should be submitted via email to [email protected].
The deadline for submission of applications is Friday 27th December 2024 at midnight Nairobi local time.
Applications should include the following:
- Detailed curriculum vitae;
- Copies of academic and professional qualifications
- Completed declaration on exclusion criteria in the format attached; and,
- Copies of identification documents.
A Personal Data Protection and Privacy Statement is attached as information for the applicants.
More Information
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