African Union (AU) Job Vacancy Application Details

Purpose of Job

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), a specialized technical office of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) of the African Union Commission, is mandated to support and coordinate the utilization of livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and wildlife as resources for both human wellbeing and economic development in the Member States of the African Union. The Vision of the AU-IBAR Strategic Plan 2018-2023 is an Africa in which animal resources contribute significantly to integration, prosperity and peace. Within the framework of the African Union 2063, the Africa Blue Economy Strategy environed an inclusive and sustainable blue economy that significantly contributes to Africa’s transformation and growth.

The first continent-wide intervention in the African fisheries and aquaculture was framed to address the following challenges:  poor coordination among actors, lack of coherence in governance instruments and approaches, increasing incidences of IUU fishing due to weak capacity in the AU member states, weak evidence to foster reform, generally weak capacity and poor infrastructure, and lack of inclusive governance.

Towards the implementation of the Policy framework and reform strategy for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa (PFRS), the African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) implemented the EU funded Project ‘Strengthening institutional capacity to enhance governance of the fisheries sector in Africa, commonly called Fisheries Governance Project (FishGov 1)’ between 2014 to 2018. The FishGOV 1 facilitated development of synergies and coherence in fisheries management and aquaculture practices by aligning national and regional polices with PFRS; enhanced the profile of the sector as well as fostered coordination in the governance of the sector, among other achievements.

As a follow up of First phase of Fisheries Governance project (FISHGOV1), the second phase, also with EU support, “Enhancing sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development in Africa: A programme for accelerated reform of the sector (FISHGOV2)’ is aimed at enhancing the contribution of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to the achievement of the AU Agenda 2063’s objectives, notably in terms of food security, livelihoods and wealth creation.

The specific objectives are as follows: i. African Union decisions on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture policies are evidence based; ii. Fisheries and aquaculture policies in Africa are coherent with the PFRS and other AU priorities and coordinated at continental, regional and national levels and iii. Africa is adequately represented and effectively participates in international fisheries and aquaculture fora and ably domesticates relevant global instruments. For the implementation of this second phase, AU-IBAR seeks the services of a Fisheries and Aquaculture Trade and Investment Officer to assist in the implementation of the activities of the project, mainly related to trade, marketing and investment activities.

Main Functions

1. Provide support in the following up on the activities of the project, including monitoring and evaluating progress made in line with a predefined strategic plan
2. Contribute in conducting analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner
3. Participate in the organisation of relevant meetings, congresses and conferences with stakeholders.
4. Engage with relevant mid-level stakeholders and develop working relationships.
5. Assist in setting the overall research direction, and in executing studies on a relevant policy area.

 Specific Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Team Leader (Senior Fisheries Officer) at AU-IBAR, and overall oversight of the Senior Animal Production Officer, the incumbent will provide general technical support to the Project.  He/ she shall perform the following tasks:

1. Assist in the implementation of trade, market and investment related activities of the project
2. Create awareness among relevant non-fisheries and aquaculture decision makers to stimulate in-country investments in fisheries and aquaculture and support mainstreaming of fisheries and aquaculture in NAIPs and RAIPs
3. Facilitate identification of strategic regional value chains for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture and support RECs and AU Member States in reviewing their trade and SPS policies to facilitate fish trade along strategic regional value chains;
4. Develop programmes  to empower and strengthen  capacity of fisheries and aquaculture traders (with due consideration for small scale traders and women engaged in fish trade and processing) along fisheries and aquaculture the value chain
5. Support to enhancing effective participation of AU member states in related regional and global fora of  standard setting organizations
6. Support initiatives to facilitate intra and inter regional fish trade development in line with the regional integration trade agenda and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area
7. Support harmonization of fisheries trade policies, regulations, traceability and certification mechanisms
8. Develop mechanisms for  the establishment of regional reference laboratories and diagnostic networks for fish and fish products
9. Support the operationalization of aquatic animal health networks, women and youth trade and market organizations
10. Assist in building capacity of competent authorities for accredited certification and compliance with regional and international fish import requirements
11. Perform all other duties as requested by the supervisors

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

The incumbent should have:

1. Bachelor university degree in Marketing and Trade in Agriculture Products (Preferably with specialization in fish and fisheries products) or Economics (preferably in Natural Sciences). Qualification(s) in related Natural Sciences would be an added advantage.
2. A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in marketing and trade of agricultural products in Africa. Experience at supervisory level will be an added advantage.

OR

1. A Post-graduate University degree (Master’s degree) in Marketing and Trade in Agriculture Products (Preferably with specialization in fish and fisheries products) or Economics (preferably in Natural Sciences). Qualification(s) in related Natural Sciences would be an added advantage
2. A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in marketing and trade of agricultural products in Africa. Experience at supervisory level will be an added advantage.

The incumbent should also have:

1. Record of familiarization of African fisheries and aquaculture sector;
2. Sound knowledge on challenges and trade issues in fisheries and aquaculture of Africa;
3. Proven knowledge on international trade  and marketing issues in fish and fisheries products, including familiarization with standard setting organizations;
4. Experience in capacity building of stakeholders along value chains (with specific regards to post-harvest activities) in fisheries and aquaculture sector;
5. Knowledge of regional and international instruments, strategies, frameworks, guidelines, tools etc. for agricultural commodity trade facilitation etc.;
6. Sound knowledge on roles of regional organizations (RECs, RFBs etc.) in fisheries and aquaculture development.

Required Skills

1. Good networking skills and ability to maintain positive and constructive dialogue and relationships with key institutions;
2. Experience in dealing with senior government officials and international development partners;
3. Self-starter with the ability to plan own work with reference to defined strategies;
4. Very strong writing, analytical and communication skills are necessary.

Leadership Competencies

Change Management…

Managing Risk L2

Core Competencies

1. Teamwork and Collaboration L2
2. Accountability awareness and Compliance..
3. Learning Orientation L2
4. Communicating with Influence..

Functional Competencies

1. Analytical thinking and problem solving..
2. Job Knowledge and information sharing L1
3. Drive for Results L2
4. Continuous Improvement Focus L2

Tenure of appointment

The Appointment will be made on a fixed-term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract may be renewed for a similar period subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance and agreed deliverables.

Gender mainstreaming

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

Remuneration

The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$  78,600.96 (P2 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$  63,640.03   inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.