Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Expert at African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources

Objective

The objective of this consultancy is to hire an AMR Expert to provide technical support to the implementation and coordination of the project “Containing the Emergence and Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance in Africa (CES-AMR Africa) Project”

Main Functions

1. Have responsibility for implementation of the CES-AMR Africa Project, under direct guidance of the Primary Program Contact at AU-IBAR
2. Support implementation of the AU Framework for AMR control
3. Provide policy advisory services on AMR and recommendations for related policy improvements
4. Provide technical assistance and guidance to member states and RECs in developing science-based AMR prevention and mitigation measures

Tasks

The AMR Expert will undertake the following tasks

1. Coordinate the establishment of the Africa AMR Surveillance Network (AMRSNET)
2. Convene fora of the Africa AMR Surveillance Network (AMRSNET)
3. Collaborate with relevant technical partners, laboratory standards organizations and other partners, in order to harmonize susceptibility testing and interpretation in Africa.
4. Develop a database of AMR reference laboratories in Africa to provide specialty testing, training and capacity building in national laboratories, including through twinning approaches.
5. Support the delivery of trainings aimed at building laboratories capacities to undertake AMR surveillance through south-south and north-south cooperation
6. Coordinate AMR surveillance activities in priority regional value chains
7. Contribute to the review and or development of AMR policies, strategies or National Action Plans at the national, regional or continental levels
8. Support AU Task Force on AMR to coordinate, monitor and report trends on AMR and AMU in Africa to relevant AU accountability mechanisms
9. Support the development of relevant advocacy, policy briefs and communication materials to advance AMR work in Africa
10. Support regular project management meeting between AU-IBAR, USDA-FAS and other relevant partners.
11. Prepare technical reports on progress in project implementation and achievements
12. Support the implementation of other AMR related projects and programmes at the African Union Commission
13. Any other duty as may be assigned by the Director of AU-IBAR

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

1. Africa AMR Surveillance Network (AMRSNET) established
2. Forum of Africa AMR Surveillance Network (AMRSNET) convened at least annually
3. Trainings conducted to build laboratories capacities to undertake AMR surveillance
4. AMR surveillance undertaken in priority regional animal resources value chains
5. Member States and RECs supported on needs bases to review and or develop their AMR policies, strategies or National Action Plans
6. Report on trends on AMR and AMU and progress in combatting AMR in Africa produced and shared with relevant AU accountability mechanisms and Partners
7. Advocacy, policy briefs and communication materials to advance AMR work in Africa developed and disseminated to relevant stakeholders
8. Regular project management meetings between AU-IBAR, USDA-FAS and other relevant partners organized
9. Reports on progress in project implementation and achievements
10. Implementation of other AMR related projects and programmes at the African Union Commission supported

Academic Qualification

1. At least an advanced University Degree in veterinary medicine, microbiology, veterinary public health, public health, pharmacy, epidemiology or relevant field related to surveillance of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance. A PhD degree will be an added advantage.

General Experience

1. At least 10 years working experience in the animal health and animal production in either the livestock, fisheries and aquaculture sectors at national, regional or continental levels
2. At least 5 years demonstrated working experience in the field of One Health with emphasis on AMR and disease prevention and control
3. At least 5 years relevant experience in project management and

Specific Experience

1. Proven working experience in diagnostic testing; use of standardized protocols and laboratory quality assurance; collection and testing of specimens for AMR surveillance
2. Evidence of providing training and capacity building of AU Member States’ national AMR
3. Demonstrated knowledge in antimicrobial resistance, biosecurity, and infection prevention and control.
4. Working experience in coordinating and managing laboratory networks at national, regional or continental levels
5. Demonstrated working experience in developing policies, strategies, legislations and National Action Plans on AMR
6. Proven record of familiarization with and participation in policy processes for adoption of instruments, initiatives and development of recommendations by AU Policy Organs

Skills and Competencies

1. Diplomacy and good interactive skills necessary for dealing with senior officials in Government, Regional Organizations, and donor/development organizations;
2. Working knowledge of internationally recognized AMR surveillance systems such as the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS), Assessment Tool for Laboratories and AMR Surveillance Systems (ATLASS) etc.
3. Experience in the use of data for decision making, including AMR surveillance, outbreak investigation and demonstrated writing-skills through peer-reviewed AMR-related