Vacancies at African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources

Objectives

Therefore, AU-IBAR seeks the services of an independent technical leader to coordinate a team of experts to undertake a technical assessment of the existing African Union Animal resources Seed Centres of Excellences (AU-ARS-CoE) and continental back-up facility and develop a governance framework for the above-mentioned centres.

The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:

1. Evaluate/interrogate/assess the AU-ARS-CoE against the technical, administrative and infrastructure indicators of the assessment criteria.
2. Review and assess existing gene banking models/strategies at Member States or regional level for adoption and/or adaptation
3. Analyse and present a synthetic report on the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework for the movement of animal genetic material within the five regions
4. Develop a continental strategy incorporating the gene banking models incorporating digitalization, Access and Benefit Sharing, training communication action plan and governance frameworks
5. An accompanying implementation framework for operationalization of the AU-ARSCoE
6. Facilitate the validation of the consultancy outputs by Member States

Expected Outputs of the Consultancy

Working closely with the Live2Africa Technology, Innovations and Skill development expert and building on the above, the expected outputs of the consultancy will be:

1. A well detailed Inception Report encompassing; introduction, methodology, and proposed workplan.
2. The following reports
3. Detailed Assessment report of the existing ARS-CoE technical, administrative and infrastructure status
4. a Draft Continental Strategy on gene banking including communication framework, governance structures, training
5. A report on potential obstacles to the effective movement of AnGR between the MS and the AU-ARS-CoE, and propose solutions
6. Final validated reports

Qualifications

A minimum post-graduate degree in Animal Science, Animal production, Genomics or related field is required. A PhD is an added advantage.

1. Experience: Minimum ten (10) years’ work experience, of which at least five years’ experience in AnGR conservation and management in Africa
2. Proficient in development of gene banking strategies and cryoconservation
3. Proficient in the development of governance frameworks for gene banks at national, regional or international level
4. Experience in training on conservation, cryoconservation and sustainable utilization
5. Experience in the development, adaptation and application of technologies and innovations for cryoconservation, characterization and biobanking
6. Experience in working with African stakeholders in conservation and sustainable utilization of Animal genetic resources

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Institutional framework and sustainability

The successful Centres are expected to meet the following institutional framework and sustainability criteria. The Centres should be aligned with and serve as a platform for the Policy Research Network for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PRNFAA) and the Africa Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM).

The Centre of Excellence should:

1. conduct training, research in disciplines of aquatic ecology and biodiversity conservation; or management of aquatic ecosystems
2. be either within or affiliated with a university/research institution(s) and be available to closely work with or support AU-IBAR or any AU institution in the identified disciplines;
3. be existing relevant accredited public institutions;
4. possess evidence of a sustainable self-financing mechanism; and,
5. have proven networking and collaborative/cooperation arrangements with international, regional and national existing institutions in order to share lessons and best practices.

Criteria for Eligibility

The institutions to be selected as Centres for Excellence should meet the following minimum requirements:

1. The institution should be located in Africa;
2. For a particular discipline, the institutions for consideration should foremost have evidence of the required modules, staff and competence in the discipline;
3. The institution should have at least 10 years of established history of education, research and training;
4. The institution should have a track record of attracting students/trainees of diverse background and nationalities in the chosen discipline;
5. The institution should preferably be of regional relevance;
6. Adequate infrastructure and amenities; and,
7. Evidence of Official Recognition by the National Government.