African Union/Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU/IBAR)
The African Union’s Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU/IBAR) is a specialized technical office reporting to the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture of the AU Commission. The institution is mandated to support and coordinate the improvement of livestock as a resource for human wellbeing in the Member States of the African Union and contribute to economic development, particularly in rural areas. AU/IBAR approaches livestock development from three strategic angles: animal health, animal production and trade and marketing of animals and animal products.
Closing date: 07 Aug 2009 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Kenya - Nairobi
The African Union’s Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU/IBAR) is a specialized technical office reporting to the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture of the AU Commission. The institution is mandated to support and coordinate the improvement of livestock as a resource for human wellbeing in the Member States of the African Union and contribute to economic development, particularly in rural areas. AU/IBAR approaches livestock development from three strategic angles: animal health, animal production and trade and marketing of animals and animal products.
Vaccines for the Control of Neglected Animal Diseases in Africa (VACNADA)
The project aims at reducing consequences of the food crisis through improved Livestock health with regard to four neglected diseases, (RVF, CBPP PPR and Newcastle disease) by supplying the related vaccines, and strengthening the production capacity of African laboratories to produce quality vaccines that meet the needs of the continent.
Vacancy Announcement
CONTRACT OFFICER VACNADA
AU/IBAR is seeking the services of an experienced Contract Officer to strengthen its capacity in contract preparation and management and management of relationships under the VACNADA programme funded by the European Commission.
POST LEVEL: P2 Step 5 (USD 4,633.10—5,595.88 pm)
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Director
TYPE: Short term contract
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 7 August 2009
DATE OF ISSUANCE: 7 July 2009
DUTY STATION: Nairobi/Kenya
The initial appointment will be for 12 months including a 3 months probation period. Contract extension will be subject to performance and availability of funding.
Major duties and responsibilities
- Draft and negotiate legal agreements e.g. Project Financing Proposals and Agreements, Grant Agreements, contracts for execution of projects with implementing partners.
- Manage changes to project agreements or contracts to ensure compliance with project needs and requirements or regulations of funding partners.
- Assisting in preparation and reviewing of project proposals/agreements in accordance with identified development needs and funding regulations.
- Advise and assist where required IBAR staff on procurement processes.
- Liaise with the African Union Commissions Legal Council.
- Day to day advice to IBAR staff, i.e. project teams on legal and contractual requirements of various contractual and financial instruments.
- Advice IBAR hierarchy and staff on donor financial and implementation regulations.
- Organise and advice on extensions, closures, reallocations and other amendments to legal agreements/contracts in line with donor requirements.
- Participate in identification, preparation, appraisal and/or supervision missions with project teams.
- Assist in improvement of systems to increase efficiency, effectiveness and control to achieve the organization’s objectives both in project management and contract/administrative management.
- Liaise and negotiate with implementing and other partners on contractual and financial issues.
- Liaise and negotiate with existing and potential donors on contractual and financial management issues.
- Assist the relevant AU/IBAR staff with the preparation and management of evaluation and audit processes.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisors.
Qualifications
At least Bachelor’s degree in law from a reputable university, or a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience. A Masters Degree or Post graduate management studies will be an added advantage.
Experience
- Specific and relevant training in the fields of contract, financial or project management will be an added advantage.
- Substantial experience in providing legal services in an international organisation. Experience of providing legal advice to international donor organisations is an important advantage.
- At least 5 years experience in management of donor funded projects with specific knowledge of financial and administrative regulations and project management approaches.
- Experience in contract preparation and management
- Experience in training and capacity building
- Advanced knowledge of contractual rules and regulations according to international standards.
- Experience in Project Cycle Management
- Experience in management of auditors and audit requirements in the context of international organizations.
Competencies
- Professionalism - Proven expertise in international development practices and methodologies, especially in relation to legal and regulatory aspects of development cooperation.
- Planning and organising - Proven ability to plan and organise 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 organisational 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 maximise productivity and achieve Unit’s goals.
Language Requirement
Proficiency in one of the African Union’s working languages. Knowledge of other working languages would be an added advantage.
Other Skills
- Well-developed computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet applications and use of the Internet are required.
- Ability to work independently with a high level of performance under pressure and execute multiple tasks within tight deadlines.
- Good negotiation skills and ability to communicate effectively both written and oral.
- Ability to operate in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic team.
Reference Code: RW_7TTA6E-99
