In-depth Assessment and Analytics of Animal Health Data Within the Animal Resources Information System (ARIS) at African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources

Objectives of the Consultancy

• Undertake in-depth data analytics on animal health data aimed at better informing intervention areas for improved data sharing, data integration, data harmonization and evidence-based policy formulation.

The specific objectives of the consultancy are:

• Review existing ARIS animal health data records from 2015 - 2023 and undertake quality check and assurance
• Undertake comprehensive data analytics and in-depth analysis interpretation to inform the overall disease and vaccination status in Africa based on ARIS animal health with the generation of various graphical outputs
• Identity target areas to improve One Health data collection and analytics that will subsequently contribute towards improved One Health data management and governance at national, regional and continental levels
• Draft recommendations and guidelines for improved data quality and management procedures, Real-time data access and analytics in ARIS.
• Develop a One Health Feedback prototype to support dissemination of user-friendly data outputs and targeted information
• Propose intervention strategies (short, medium and long term) for the sustainability and improvement of One Health governance and management (Key focus on Sharing, integration, standardization and harmonization of data)

Expected Outputs/deliverables of the Consultancy

It is expected that the following will be achieved under this assignment:

• Complete quality assured Animal health data available for the above stipulated period
• Comprehensive animal health data analytics including data visualization outputs available
• Draft One Health Feedback tool prototype available
• Technical report including all data analytics outputs and recommendations for improved data collection, compilation, analytics and feedback especially on One Health

Submission & Approval of Reports

• Copies of the approved technical report referred must be submitted to AU-IBAR. AU-IBAR is responsible for approving the progress reports

Methodology

• In summary, the consultant will utilize the existing ARIS Animal Health data which includes monthly disease and vaccination inventories from 55-member states collected from 2015 -2023.

Time Frame and Location

• The assignment will be conducted for a period of 30 working days within a period of 2 months.
• The assignment will start immediately after signature of the contract by both parties.
• The Selected candidate will be based at the AU-IBAR offices as required and agreed with the supervisor.

Competences and Experience

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in data Science/analytics, computer science or any relevant fields will be required. An advanced degree in the relevant study areas will be an added advantage.

General Experience

The consultant should have:

• At least five years’ experience in data science with working knowledge on One health domains, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine or any related area. Experience with animal genetic resources or the livestock sector data will be an added advantage.

The consultant should have:

• Proficient in at least one data-focused programming language (preferably R)
• Proven ability in data analytics (visualization and interpretation)
• Experienced in data collection and management of National and/or Regional data systems
• Experience in large data repositories management
• Ability to interpret complex data and disseminate information for non-scientific audiences’ consumption and use at national, regional and continental level to inform evidence-based decision making
• Proficiency in English and any other AU working languages
• Excellent writing and reporting skills
• Efficient communication skills and demonstrated experience in working with multi- disciplinary, multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral actors across the African continent