Investment and Marketing Expert at African Union (AU)

Recently, AU-IBAR led a cross section of stakeholders in the livestock sector on the African continent to formulate the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA), a 20 year framework for the collective and coordinated development of the livestock on the continent. The strategy was approved by the AU Heads of States and Governments of the AU in January 2015. To initiate the implementation of the LiDeSA, the European Union has made available funds to assist AU-IBAR implement the Sustainable Development of Livestock for Livelihoods in Africa (Live2Africa) project, which will initiate the implementation of the LiDeSA.

AU-IBAR intends to apply part of the funds for employing experts in various disciplines to spearhead the implementation of the Live2Africa. In this regard, AU-IBAR seeks the services of an Investment and Marketing Expert, who will be responsible for leading the formulation and implementation of projects to increase investment in livestock value chains, enhance access to inputs, services and markets and increase value addition to livestock commodities.

Post level: P3 Step 5
Duty station: AU-IBAR, Nairobi, Kenya

Job Purpose

Under the management supervision of the project officer and the overall supervision of the project coordinator, the Investment and Marketing Expert will be responsible for the overall operations relating to increased investments in livestock value chains, enhancing access to inputs, services and markets and value addition to livestock commodities.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Liaise with the Senior Policy Officer, Economics, Trade and Marketing on technical matters relating to AU-IBAR initiatives relating to investments and trade and marketing of livestock and livestock products.
• Lead the formulation of project proposals to mobilize resources in areas related to catalyzing public and private sector investments in the livestock sector and enhancing the trade and marketing of livestock commodities within Africa and with other regions of the world.
• Develop a system for the efficient monitoring of public and private sector investments in the livestock sector by African Union Member States and RECs
• Refine and implement a methodological framework to enable AU-IBAR to collect, consolidate and analyse data at continental level for assessing the contribution of the livestock sector to the National and agricultural GDPs in AU Member States within the framework of the Monitoring of investments under CAADP.
• To identify needs and formulate appropriate training programmes to build capacity of staff from AU Member States and RECs to facilitate the application of methodologies for monitoring investments and performance in the livestock sector at the national and regional levels.
• Contribute to the collection, analysis and dissemination of global and African livestock resources economic, trade and marketing data and information.
• Assist the Senior Policy Officer, Economics, trade and Marketing to conduct studies on issues of interest and trends in African livestock development with a specific aim of formulating evidence based recommendations for better addressing policies and strategies aimed at improving the livestock sub-sector in Africa, as well as promoting intra-regional livestock trade.
• Prepare policy papers and technical reports on investments in animal livestock, trade and marketing in livestock animal in Africa;
• Provide technical assistance to Members States, RECs and development partners in the design, appraisal and implementation of support programmes in the fields of investments in livestock and the trade and marketing of livestock commodities within the context of the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA).
• Provide technical backstopping and assist, advise, and participate as required, in the formulation, and monitoring of development/emergency projects supporting national and regional livestock development policies and strategies.
• Undertake technical backstopping missions for AU-IBAR to support regional/national personnel in delivery of projects and programmes in livestock investments, trade and marketing.
• Organize workshops, in line with AU-IBAR’s annual work programme.
• Participate in AU-IBAR’ regular monitoring and evaluation exercises and reports, and contribute to the preparation of AU-IBAR’s annual work programme.
• Provide support and technical back-stopping in other areas of AU-IBAR’s work and undertake other activities as may be required by the Director.

• University Master's Degree in Economics or Agricultural Economics, preferably in Animal Resources Economics or Livestock Trade, from a recognized University, with 7 years of experience in specific area of livestock/agricultural economics and trade, and/or livestock development, including project design, implementation and monitoring with, preferably, three (3) years of international experience. Candidates should have a track record of publications.

• A Ph.D. in relevant field is an added advantage.

• University Bachelor Degree in Economics or Agricultural Economics, preferably in Animal Resources Economics or Livestock Trade or investments, from a recognized University with 10 years of experience in specific area of livestock/agricultural economics and trade, and/or livestock development, including project design, implementation and monitoring with, preferably, five (5) years of international experience. Candidates should have a track record of publications.

• Professionalism - Proven knowledge of livestock development in Africa; skills in policy formulation and advocacy related to livestock and sustainable development; demonstrated in-depth technical knowledge, proven analytical skills on issues related to livestock investments, livestock trade and marketing and sustainable livestock development; proven relevant computer skills.
• Planning and organizing - Proven ability to plan and organize 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 organizational 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 maximize productivity and achieve institution’s goals.
• Self-motivated and able to work under pressure.

Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages (Arabic, English, French and Portuguese) is required. Knowledge of one or more of the other AU working languages would be an added advantage.

Tenure of appointment

The appointment shall be for an initial period of one (1) year, the first three (3) months of which shall be on probation. It shall be renewable subject to performance and availability of funds.

Equal opportunities

The African Union Commission is an equal opportunities employer. Qualified women are encouraged to apply.

Remuneration

The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$ 96,921.34 (P3 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 78,461.08 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.