Project officer - Apiculture Development

The African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) provides 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 to which animal resources make a significant contribution. AU-IBAR's mandate covers all aspects of animal resources including livestock, fisheries and wildlife across the entire African continent.

AU-IBAR and icipe are jointly implementing a European Union funded project "African Reference Laboratory for the Management of Pollinator Bee Diseases and Pests for Food Security." This initiative by AU-IBAR and icipe that focuses on research, development, advocacy, capacity building and strategic networking for honeybee diseases and pests in Africa, aims to create coordinated actions along the honey bee value chain. The project aims to improve production of honey and other hive products through enhancing environment and access to markets. The project promotes a greater understanding of the effect that pests and diseases could have on beehives in Africa and of the economic impact of pollination services provided by pollinator bees. Project support extends to refurbishment of laboratories and supply of equipment, capacity building and enhancing expertise in all aspects the bee value chain and health.

The project is piloting policy and best practice options that are generated by the research in order to scale up best practice and identify gaps for further research. Documentation and development of promotional materials provide an evidence base to support awareness raising and advocacy. It is expected that the project will inform development of country strategies and agricultural investment plans so that the potential for bee products and pollination services to contribute to rural livelihoods, economic growth and poverty reduction can be realized.

AU-IBAR is providing the leadership in delivering specific components under two areas i.e. Enhanced awareness on honey bee health and conducive environment for enhanced bee disease control, access to markets and consumer safety created; and Capacity of beekeepers/ farmer federations, REC and NARS on bee health management systems and policy options strengthened. This Project and components are implemented within the broader framework of AU-IBAR's Strategic Plan 2014-2017, specifically under Program 2: Animal Resource Production Systems and Ecosystem Management. To support the implementation of this project, the Commission of the African Union invites applicants who are citizens of Member States of the African Union for a position at theInterafrican Bureau for Animal Resources, Nairobi/Kenya.

Post

Post title: Project officer - Apiculture Development
Post level: P3-Step 5 (International)
Duty Station: AU-IBAR Nairobi, Kenya
Supervisor: Chief Animal Production Officer, AU-IBAR

* This position is subject to availability of funds.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Chief Animal Production Officer at AU-IBAR, the incumbent will provide support to the implementation of project activities at AU-IBAR. He/she shall report to the Chief Animal Production Officer at AU-IBAR for the day-to-day management tasks and perform the following:

• Assist the Chief Animal Production Officer to develop policy and regulatory frameworks and options for honey production, quality assurance, marketing, pollination services and bee health
• Provide support to and facilitate AU Member States for the development/ improvement of strategies, investment plans and multi-stakeholder partnerships for enhanced honey and hive production and marketing and provision of pollination services
• Provide technical backstopping to the AU Member States and RECs to promote enhanced data, information and knowledge systems for apiary and pollination services
• Initiate and provide technical support to the implementation of activities that contribute to sustainable ecosystems management and enhanced bee health
• Perform all other duties as requested by the Chief Animal Production Officer or the Director

Qualifications

Advanced university degree: (Msc) in animal science / animal production, natural resource management or a closely related field. PhD will be an added advantage.

Experience

• At least seven years proven working experience in livestock development or natural resources management sector with at least three years within an international organization
• At least three years in management of development projects
• Proven working experience on policy analysis and formulation, strategy development, and capacity building
• Experience working with a diversity of stakeholders including RECs, government officials, development partners, researchers, private sector and communities

Skills and Competencies

• Diplomacy and good negotiating skills necessary for dealing with senior officials in Government and donor/development organizations;
• Good networking skills and ability to maintain positive and constructive dialogue and relationships with key institutions operating on the continent;
• Strong writing, analytical and communication skills are necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strong leadership skills and foster team work is required.

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.

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.

Gender Mainstreaming

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

Remuneration

The lump-sum salary attached to this position is an annual lump-sum of USD 84,447.48 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website http://www.aucareers.org not later than 6th February 2015

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