Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS)/ Animal Health Certification Officer

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.

AU-IBAR is implementing a project for Enhancing Somali Livestock Trade (ESOLT) in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. 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 the Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources, Nairobi/Kenya.

Post

Post title: Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS)/ Animal Health Certification Officer
Post level: P3 – Step 5
Duty Station: AU-IBAR Nairobi, Kenya
Supervisor: Senior Policy Officer, Economics, Trade and Marketing, AU-IBAR

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the ESOLT Project Coordinator, the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards/Animal Health Certification Officer shall:
Be responsible for the day to day coordination of the project field activities.

1. Guide the planning, implementation and monitoring of all the activities related to compliance to market requirements for trade in livestock commodities including the identification of local and external consultants to address specific issues for which the core project team lacks the requisite skills.
2. Provide specific guidance and technical back-stopping for field staff of the Somali institutions in SPS and animal health certification related activities of the project
3. Lead the planning and convening of training sessions in all other aspects of the project led by AU-IBAR.
4. Liaise with the Somali line Ministries, FAO-Somalia and other partners implementing related projects at the field level to ensure cohesion, synergy and complementarity of the activities of the Project with other interventions.
5. Assist the project coordinator in the establishment of coordination mechanisms of Somali institutions and counterparts in the major livestock import trading partners
6. Assist the AU-IBAR Project Coordinator 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.
7. Assist the Project coordinator in the compilation of the interim progress and final reports of the Project
8. Perform any other duties as requested by the Senior Policy Officer, Economics, Trade and Marketing or the Director, AU-IBAR

Educational Qualifications

Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in veterinary Medicine and a postgraduate degree in a relevant field. A PhD will be an added advantage.

Work Experience

At least ten (10) years of proven working experience in animal health and livestock trade and marketing in Africa, particularly in the Greater Horn of Africa (GHoA) region with at least three (3) years in an international organisation. Previous experience in Somalia will be an added advantage. Proven experience in development projects with a strong background in project management and coordination in the livestock sector is highly desirable. Applicants should also have:

• Proven working experience in animal health certification or related areas development in countries with special needs
• Proven experience in rehabilitation and development interventions in post conflict areas
• Familiarity with pastoral areas of the Horn of Africa Region and Somalia in particular
• Conversant with international animal health standards related to surveillance and control of transboundary animal diseases (TADs) and animal welfare

Skills and Competencies

• Self-starter with the ability to strategically plan own work
• Excellent communication skills with Effective written and oral presentation skills, particularly ability to present information in a concise and accurate manner; ability to develop consensus among people with varying points of view
• Proven Leadership capacities
• Diplomacy and the ability to deal with senior officials in Government and donor organisations
• Good networker with the ability to maintain a positive and fruitful dialogue and relationship with the main institutions operating in the livestock sector in Somalia and the GHoA region

Other Relevant Skills

• Relevant computer skills
• 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

Language Requirement

Proficiency in English. 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 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 may be renewed for 11 months, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funds.

Gender Mainstreaming

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer 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)