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 at the AU Commission. Established in 1951 to study the epidemiological situation and fight rinderpest in Africa, the institution is today mandated to support and coordinate the improvement of livestock as a resource for human wellbeing in the Member States of the African Union and to contribute to economic development, particularly in rural areas. From its offices in Nairobi AU/IBAR approaches livestock development at three strategic angles: animal health, animal produc-tion and trade and marketing of animal products.

Job Description

POST LEVEL: G-6
DATE OF ISSUANCE: 9 July 2008
DUTY STATION: Nairobi

AU/IBAR seeks to fill the position of a research assistant to compile and prepare key information for utilization on au-ibar.org, primarily in the thematic area of avian influenza (AI). The initial appointment will be for 11 months. Any extension will be subject to continued availability of funding. The director reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than advertised. Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and bene-fits package is offered.

Responsibilities

The post is located in Communications under the direct supervision of the communications advisor/knowledge manager. The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:- Assist to initiate and sustain professional relationships with African and international constituencies in the field of AI- Source, identify and compile various types of AI-related information, including an initial comprehen-sive stock take of existing activity and material- Prepare documents and draft information structures- Draft brief e-newsletter on new information available- Liaise with IT services to create document repository database, in various technical product formats- In liaison with the web-editor promote participation in and use of the AI-webpage, taking into ac-count user feedback and technical development and the needs of IBAR?s current AI projects- Support the coordinators of AI projects with the moderation of AI discussion groups and listservs- Propose to the communications advisor new applications and solutions for content management analyzing the requirements of content providers and information users- Work closely with the webeditor and the IT Service facilitate implementation- Analyse the usage statistics of the AI webpage and draft monthly reports and recommendations- Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism
- Good understanding of approaches related to information gathering and compiling

Communication
- Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to obtain information from clients, friendly but compelling

Technological Awareness
- Understanding of information architecture

Client Orientation
- Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with clients; to identify clients\' needs and match them to appropriate solutions

Education
- Advanced university degree in communications, information management or other related field of work, or a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience.

Work Experience:
- Professional experience in an environment related to information gathering such as scientific or market research. Experience in an international work environment is desirable. Languages English and French are working languages of the African Union. For this position, a good command of written and spoken English is necessary and basic knowledge of French is desirable.

Other Skills
- Strong understanding of information architecture and content organization Knowledge of MS-Access.

IMPROVING HUMAN WELLBEING THROUGH ENHANCED ANIMAL HEALTH, PRODUCTION, TRADE AND MARKETING
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply via email as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated. Applications will not be acknowledged and only short-listed candidates notified. In the first stage of the application process, please submit only a brief CV and a motivation letter. The African Union/IBAR will place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality.
Email: applications@au-ibar.org

Source: Reliefweb