Job : Animal Health Officer (AU-IBAR)

Organization: African Union (AU)
Directorate: DARBE – Division: AU-IBAR
Reports to: Senior Animal Health Officer
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Grade: P2
Contract Type: Regular (3 years, renewable)
Number of Positions: 1
Reference ID: –
Posting Date: June 24, 2025
Closing Date: July 25, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EAT

Dear Candidates

Thank you for your interest in the African Union.
Please complete your profile using the African Union CV template.
The use of the AU CV template is MANDATORY.
Download the English CV template here
Download the French CV template here

About the African Union & AU-IBAR

The African Union (AU) is the Pan-African continental body dedicated to accelerating Africa’s integration and sustainable development. AU-IBAR (Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources), based in Nairobi, is the specialized technical office of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) of the AU Commission (AUC).
AU-IBAR’s mandate is to support and coordinate the utilization of livestock, fisheries, and wildlife resources for the well-being and economic development of AU Member States, especially for poverty alleviation in the livestock sector.

AU Core Values

Respect for Diversity and Team Work
Think Africa Above All
Transparency and Accountability
Integrity and Impartiality
Efficiency and Professionalism
Information and Knowledge Sharing

Purpose of the Job

As Animal Health Officer, you will play a key role in the strategic leadership of AU-IBAR in the domain of animal health. You will provide technical and strategic guidance to member states and regional economic communities, coordinate disease control programmes across Africa, and build partnerships with international organizations to advance animal health and welfare.

Main Functions

Contribute to the institution’s strategic leadership in animal health.
Provide strategic and technical guidance to Member States and RECs on animal health and disease control.
Coordinate animal disease control programmes in Africa; support RECs and Member States.
Maintain, strengthen, and diversify partnerships with international organizations and technical partners in animal health.

Specific Responsibilities

Assist with coordination of animal health and welfare activities (epizootic control, One Health approach) in AU Member States.
Assist in controlling and eradicating transboundary diseases in Member States.
Support the ARIS system to collect, collate, and disseminate animal health information in Africa.
Liaise with authorities, regional groups, IGOs, and international organizations on animal health issues.
Monitor and adapt to changes/requirements in the International Animal Health Code.
Facilitate collaboration frameworks (e.g., with WOAH, FAO, GF-TADs Africa, other strategic partners).
Contribute to planning and decision-making for IBAR’s response to major disease outbreaks.
Assist with management and networking of animal health programmes and projects within IBAR.
Support monitoring of sectoral issues, strategy development, and reporting on animal health.
Maintain a continental platform of public/private actors in animal health, support RECs and Member States in tackling TADs, zoonoses, and veterinary education/service quality.
Support epidemiology, laboratory, and veterinary public health networks to address priority/emerging diseases and food safety issues.
Support risk analysis in regional/continental priority livestock value chains.
Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the Supervisor and Director.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science, Animal Health, Epidemiology, or related field, with at least five (5) years of progressive relevant experience in Veterinary and/or Animal Health, including a strong background in Veterinary Epidemiology.
OR
Master’s degree in the above or related field, with at least two (2) years of progressive relevant experience in Veterinary and/or Animal Health, with a strong background in Veterinary Epidemiology.
Supervisory experience is an added advantage.
Professional experience in identifying capacity gaps in animal health and implementing capacity-building strategies.
International work experience is highly desirable.
Proficiency in one of the AU working languages is mandatory; fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Required Skills

Sound project management and multitasking abilities.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills (from project kick-off to stakeholder meetings).
Strong negotiation and leadership skills.
Self-motivated, creative, reliable team player.
Ability to work in a multicultural setting.
IT proficiency to enhance assigned tasks.

Leadership and Core Competencies

Change Management
Managing Risk
Teamwork and Collaboration
Accountability awareness and Compliance
Learning Orientation
Communicating with Influence
Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
Job Knowledge and Information Sharing
Drive for Results
Continuous Improvement Focus

Tenure of Appointment

Regular term contract of three (3) years, with the first twelve months as probation. Renewable for two years, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming

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

Languages

Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, Spanish) is mandatory. Fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Remuneration

Indicative basic salary: USD 31,073.00 (P2 Step 1) per annum
Post adjustment: 42% of basic salary
Housing allowance: USD 18,585.00 per annum
Education allowance: 100% of tuition/expenses up to USD 10,000.00 per child/year (international) or USD 3,300 per child/year (local)
Other benefits according to AU rules

Application Instructions

Deadline: July 25, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EAT
Only candidates meeting all job requirements and selected for interviews will be contacted.
Only applications with a fully completed online application, AU CV, African passport, and required academic qualifications (Diplomas, Bachelor’s, Master’s degrees, relevant certificates) will be considered.
Female candidates and those from least represented countries are strongly encouraged to apply: Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Comoros, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Sahrawi D.R., Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Somalia.