Economist (Livestock) – The African Union Vacancy Announcement

Economist (Livestock) – The African Union Vacancy Announcement

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 all vacant posts.
The Commission of the African Union invites applicants who are citizens of Member States for a position at the Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources, Nairobi/Kenya.

1. Post

Post title: Economist (livestock) 
Post level: P2

Duty Station: AU/IBAR Nairobi, Kenya
Supervisor: senior policy officer economics, trade and marketing

2. Major duties and responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the senior policy officer economics, trade and marketing, will provide technical advice; develop and prepare IBAR’s annual/periodic reports/publications; and, as a member or leader of multidisciplinary teams, contribute to the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of livestock development projects and programmes.

In particular he/she will:

• Formulate projects proposals and solicit fund in the area related to trade and marketing of animal resources and animal products;
• Develop a system for efficient exchange of economic, trade and marketing information between and among AU Member States and RECs.
• Assist in collecting and analyzing animal resources economic, trade and marketing data and information from AU Member States.
• Prepare, review and revise sections of the planned annual publication “The State of livestock in Africa” and its associated documents;
• Formulate, conduct and integrate analytical studies and assessments of issues and trends in African animal resources development with a specific aim of recommending policies and strategies for improvement of livestock production, marketing and support services in Africa, as well for promoting intra-regional livestock trade;
• Prepare policy papers and technical reports on sustainable animal resources development issues in Africa;
• Analyze livestock production systems; formulate development and livelihood options; and assess their likely impact and adoption;
• Provide technical assistance to members states, RECs and development partners in the design, appraisal and implementation support in the fields of animal resources development with particular focus on livestock trade and marketing within the context of IBAR’ strategic objectives;
• Establish and maintain contacts with other AUC departments and NPCA  international organizations, including the public, private sector and non-governmental organizations with the aim of fostering collaboration and exchange of information;
• Prepare, assist, advise, and participate as required, in the formulation, and monitoring of development/emergency projects supporting national livestock development strategies and provide technical backstopping;
• Undertake technical backstopping missions for IBAR’ emergency and development projects to support regional/national personnel in delivery of projects and programmes in the livestock sector;
• Plan and organise workshops and represent IBAR on issues related to livestock trade and development in Africa;
• Participate in IBAR’ regular monitoring and evaluation exercises and reports, and contribute to the preparation of IBAR’s annual work programme;
• Provide technical backstopping to IBAR’ different strategic programmes ,
• Provide support in other areas of IBAR’s work and undertake other activities as may be required by the Director

3. Educational Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a Master Degree in economics or agricultural economics. Ph.D. is an added advantage.

4. Work experience:

Candidates must have at least eight (8) years of professional experience in livestock development, including project design, implementation and monitoring with at least four (4) years of international experience.

5. Other relevant skills

• 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 organizing – Proven ability to plan and organize work within a project; ability to make timely decisions;
• Communication – 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.
• 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 institutional goals.
• Self motivated and able to work under pressure

6. Language requirement:

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

7. Age requirement: Candidates between the age of 30 and 45 years would be preferred

8. Tenure of Appointment: The appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance.

9. Gender Mainstreaming: The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

10. Application: To apply, please submit the following:

• A letter stating reasons for seeking employment with the AU Commission;
• A detailed and updated CV, indicating your nationality, age and gender;
• Names and contact details (including e-mail address) of three references;
• Certified copies of degrees and diplomas.

11. Remuneration: Indicative basic salary of US$27,892.00 per annum plus other related entitlements- e.g. Post adjustment (42% of basic salary), Housing allowance ($17,222.40 per annum), education allowance (75% of tuition and other education related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$7,800.00 per child per annum), etc for internationally recruited staff of the Commission.

Applications must be received not later than 01 October 2010 2010 and should be addressed to:

AU Commission
P.O. Box 3243
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: 00251-11-5525840/5510430

E-mail: au-recruits@africa-union.org

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