Regional Coordinator-PPR Eradication (SADC)

Introduction and Context

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 2024-2028 is an Africa in which animal resources contribute significantly to integration, prosperity and peace. Within the framework of the African Union Agenda 2063, the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA) environed an inclusive and sustainable livestock economy that significantly contributes to Africa’s transformation and growth.

Small ruminants constitute an important part of the African livestock and represent a key element in food and nutrition security on the continent. Small ruminants are well adapted to the different agro-ecological zones and production systems in which they are reared. Farming small ruminants provide a safety net for women and youth who are vulnerable to socio-economic shocks and disturbances.

Production, productivity, circulation, trade and marketing of sheep and goats in Sub-Saharan Africa are constrained by the presence of high impact transboundary animal diseases. Among those, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) a viral disease affecting only small ruminants and their wild relatives, is the most sensitive one because of its contagiousness and the fatality rate observed.

For many years, multiple partners and donors have been supporting various PPR control and eradication in different countries/regions. However, the efforts are still fragmented and inadequately coordinated, achieving limited short-term control of the disease and appear insufficient to hope for an eradication at continental level. Around ten years ago, Rinderpest, a viral disease very similar to PPR but affecting cattle and buffaloes, was successfully eradicated from Africa because of a strong continental coordination that was put in place with the support of the European Union. Now, PPR eradication has become a political objective for the African Union reaffirmed on several occasions. A plan of action and a global strategy has been put in place by the FAO/WOAH joint PPR Secretariat that coordinate the PPR Global Eradication Programme under the umbrella of the GF-TADs.

AU-IBAR and partners with support of the European Union have developed an Action that aims to define concretely the needs and support for strengthening the continental/ regional actors to respond to the threats of transboundary diseases of sheep and goats in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly PPR. The Action will also prepare the governance for coordinating the global PPR eradication in SSA and for coordination at continental level. Finally, the Action will prepare and organize the vaccination strategy needed to eradicate PPR based on the state of play of the various existing initiatives and capacities.

This Action should be considered as the first phase to initiate a larger approach to eradicate PPR in Africa in the years to come. It will be used to inform a harmonized continental strategy supported by a theory of change and a comprehensive Business Plan for eradication of PPR. Subsequent implementation phases will entail targeted evidence-based interventions for a time-bound eradication process.

Objectives

In seeking to achieve these objectives, the African Union Commission intends to strengthen its capacity and the Commission therefore, invites applicants for the position of Regional Coordinator-PPR eradication at the Southern African Development Community, SADC in Gaborone and working closely with the Pan African PPR Secretariat (PAPS) based at the InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (IBAR), located in Nairobi, Kenya.

Main Functions

The main tasks to be undertaken by the Regional Coordinator-PPR Eradication (SADC) shall be as follows:

1. Coordinate and Supervise the technical implementation of PPR eradication program at regional level;
2. Coordinate the development of project activity plans, oversee preparation of project budgets and expenses in accordance with approved budgets, and prepare interim and final activity reports.
3. Support REC member states in the implementation of continental PPR eradication strategy in Africa at regional level;
4. Strengthen capacities of REC member states to develop surveillance systems at regional and national level;
5. Strengthen capacities of REC member states to develop reference diagnostic laboratories at regional and national level;
6. Establish and strengthen a system of governance at regional and national level for the implementation of continental PPR eradication strategy in Africa, closely linked to global coordination initiatives ;
7. Support PPR vaccine production units at regional level;
8. Prepare, coordinate and organize the vaccination strategy in response to PPR at regional level,
9. Support REC member states eligible for official PPR freedom and their application to WOAH;
10. Strengthen collaboration with project partners, and ensure relevant documentation is in place;
11. Liaise with national Chief veterinary Officers and other relevant partners and stakeholders for the implementation of PPR activities as well as develop policies, strategies, knowledge products and advocacy material to prepare country livestock master plan.
12. Develop concept notes, project proposals, projects monitoring and evaluation frameworks that are quality assured following RECs Project Cycle/logical framework to attract extra-budgetary commitments as well as identify, appraise and formulate these extra-budgetary commitments.
13. Undertake any other official responsibilities as delegated.

Key Responsibilities

She/he will have the following specific duties and responsibilities.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Carry out an assessment of the status of implementation of recommendations of performance of veterinary services missions, gap analysis missions, veterinary legislation missions and support national veterinary services, develop and implement strategic plans
2. Support member states to develop and utilize TADs and zoonoses preparedness and response capacities
3. Generate based-evidences to inform capacity development and PPR risk management (epidemiological systems, regions risk mapping and risk management plan)
4. Promote data sharing and enhance scientific and technical networking at regional level;
5. Undertake mapping of PPR interventions within the region
6. Carry out mapping of animal health actors and their intervention areas at regional level
7. Support and enhance laboratories capacities in PPR diagnostic;
8. Support laboratory capacity to enhance surveillance systems for early warning of PPR outbreaks ;
9. Identify and support PPR vaccine production units at regional level;
10. Strengthen capacities of REC member states to develop realistic national strategic plans, policies and legislations aligned with the continental PPR eradication strategy in Africa relevant global instruments;
11. Prepare, coordinate and organize the vaccination strategy in response to PPR at regional level;
12. Backstop the ARIS manager in the analysis of member states animal health reports and the drafting of the Regional Animal Health Yearbook
13. Contribute to the monitoring and analysis of the state of animal health in Africa and the generation of annual policy briefs
14. Provide advocacy, communication strategies, planning and implementation and social mobilization support to PPR eradication strategy at regional level.

Duration and Location

The duration of this consultancy is six (6) months, which may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The successful consultant will be based at the Southern African Development Community, SADC in Gaborone.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this Consultancy shall be an all-inclusive monthly fee equivalent to P3 Step 5 on the AUC Salary Scale.

The consultant will be responsible for his/her medical and travel insurance cover for the duration of the consultancy. Expenses for travel on official missions will be covered separately by AU-IBAR in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission rules and regulations.

Supervision

The Regional Coordinator-PPR Eradication (SADC) will be under the direct supervision of the Director Food Agriculture and Natural Resources at SADC and the Coordinator of Animal Health Unit/Team Leader PPR Eradication AU-IBAR and the overall oversight of the Director of AU-IBAR.

Requirements

Qualifications

The successful applicant should have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Public Health, Veterinary Epidemiology or Animal Health Economics and Planning from a recognized academic institution; and/or
• Postgraduate University degree (master’s degree) in Veterinary Public Health, Veterinary Epidemiology or Animal Health Economics and Planning from a recognized academic institution.
• A PhD qualification in the relevant disciplines will be an added advantage.
• Certification in project management is desirable.

Experience

1. A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in the public or private sector, in animal disease prevention, surveillance and control for International Organizations, Government or Donors funded Projects relating to Animal Health, TADs control, surveillance and management with in particular PPR control program or research program development or related fields, of which at least 3 years should be at managerial level.
2. Demonstrable experience i.e. with evidence, of having executed at least two (2) similar assignments (large nationals projects) organized and successfully executed in ECOWAS/ECCAS/SADC/IGAD Member States with International Organizations or Donors funded Projects
3. Record of experience and knowledge on African Union policy processes and relevant sector AU instruments and implementation frameworks
4. Knowledge of functions of regional institutions with mandates in Animal Health and proven evidence of experience in promoting coordination mechanisms and regional cooperation on Animal health sector in Africa
5. Experience in capacity development in policy formulation to promote coherence in the governance of Animal health sector in Africa
6. Proven record of capacity building and publications on field related to PPR, TADs and Animal health studies
7. Record of implementing and/or managing time bound projects, especially donor funded projects related to animal health research, development and management or related disciplines with particular reference to EU funded projects
8. Sound knowledge of relevant regional and international SPS instruments relevant to Africa Animal health and supporting Africa’s effective role in these regional and international regimes
9. Extensive knowledge on issues of Africa Animal health and knowledge on ongoing African Union initiatives and interventions in the sector

Other Essential Skills and Experience

1. Diplomacy and good interpersonal skills necessary for dealing with senior officials in Government, Regional Organizations, and donor/development organizations;
2. Good networking skills and ability to maintain positive and constructive dialogue and relationships with key institutions operating in the regions;
3. Self-starter with the ability to strategically plan own work and follow-up on implementation;
4. Sector related project development, management and implementation skills at national, and regional levels;
5. Very strong writing, analytical and communication skills are necessary;
6. Demonstrated ability to provide strong leadership and foster team environment is required;
7. Strong IT (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) / Computerized Project Management Systems (MS Project) or any other relevant Accounting Software
8. Proficiency in at least one AU language required. Knowledge of another language will be an added advantage.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the requirements and the evaluation grid below:

Criteria Max Score

Qualification 30

Relevant Experience 50

Other Skills 20

Total 100

Applicants who meet the technical requirements may be invited for an interview (virtual or in person as is appropriate).

Gender & Age Mainstreaming

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants between 35 and 45 years of age are also encouraged to apply.