Team Leader Vacancy Announcement: African Union’s Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU/IBAR)

The African Union’s Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU/IBAR) is a specialized technical office reporting to the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture of the AU Commission.

The institution is mandated to support and coordinate the improvement of livestock as a resource for human wellbeing in the Member States of the African Union and contribute to economic development, particularly in rural areas.

AU/IBAR approaches livestock development from three strategic angles: animal health, animal production and trade and marketing of animals and animal products.

Livestock for Livelihoods: Strengthening Climate Change Adaptation Strategies through Improved Management at the Livestock-Wildlife-Environment Interface (LIVESTOCK FOR LIVELIHOODS)

The project aims at strengthening livestock-based livelihoods and improving food and environmental securities in Arid and Semi Arid lands through improved Natural Resources and livestock management practices in response to increased risks and vulnerability from Climate Change.

Vacancy Announcement: Team Leader Livestock for Livelihoods

AU/IBAR is seeking the services of a Team Leader to manage the activities of the project Livestock for Livelihoods project to be implemented in 12 countries in West, Central and East Africa and funded by the European Commission.

Post Level: P3 Step 5 (USD 5,472.98—6,435.76 pm)

Immediate Supervisor: Chief Animal Health Officer

Type: Short term contract

Deadline for Applications: 7 August 2009

Duty Station: Nairobi/Kenya

The initial appointment will be for 12 months including a 3 months probation period.

Contract extension will be subject to performance and availability of funding.

Major duties and responsibilities

The Livestock for Livelihoods Project Officer (Team Leader) will be responsible for the overall direction and day-to-day management of the project and in this process will:

• Assist the Head of the Natural Resources Thrust to plan activities and develop working procedures with the implementing partners, RECs, line ministries, and NGOs.
• Assist the Head of the Natural Resources Thrust to assure effective use of the project’s human, financial and technical resources
• Assist, coordinate and guide project’s partners in planning, implementing and monitoring work plans
• Monitor execution of the programme and follow up activities implemented by the implementing partners, RECs, line ministries, and NGOs
• Brand the project and liase with implementing partners, IBAR, steering committee, and all other identified stakeholders during the execution of the project;
• Assure effective communication to all stakeholders on the programme on wider technical issues
• Identify technical or functional problems and implement corrective measures as required
• Propose amendments to assure that project objectives can be met
• Prepare reports according to agreed formats and standards to IBAR, steering committee and donors
• Assist in organizing steering committee meetings and other technical and coordination meetings
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisors.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in animal or natural sciences or related fields with an emphasis on natural resources management.
  
• A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
  
• A PhD is an added advantage.

Experience

• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in livestock sector and sustainable development in the context of Africa. This experience should include a minimum of 3 years relevant experience at the international level in development projects

Competencies

• Professionalism - Proven expertise in animal production science, policy formulation and advocacy related to animal production and sustainable development; demonstrated in-depth technical knowledge and proven analytical skills on issues related to animal production and sustainable development;
• Planning and organising - Proven ability to plan and organise work within a project; ability to make timely decisions;
• Communication - Effective written, oral and presentation skills, particularly ability to present information in a concise and accurate manner; ability to develop consensus among people with varying points of view.
• 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 and initiative, imagination and resourcefulness, energy and tact, ability to ensure an effective work structure to maximise productivity and achieve Unit’s goals.

Language Requirement

• Proficiency in one of the African Union’s working languages.
  
• Knowledge of other working languages would be an added advantage.

Other Skills

• Well-developed computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet applications and use of the Internet are required.
• Record of relevant publications is highly desirable.

How to apply

Submit your CV including three references and a motivation letter to the Director at applications @ au-ibar.org clearly indicating in the subject line the position you are applying for.

Certified copies of relevant qualifications will be requested at later stage and only short-listed candidates will be notified.

For more information on AU/IBAR and the position visit www.au-ibar.org

AU/IBAR is an equal opportunity employer.