The ECOWAS region has experienced endemic animal diseases, as well as challenges related to emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases that negatively impact on livestock production in the region. The loss of income and decline in livelihoods of pastoralists and small-scale livestock keepers due to animal diseases that result in low productivity and animal deaths cannot be underestimated. The extensive livestock production systems in the ECOWAS region, characterized by transhumance and cross-border livestock movements, have implications for disease transmission, hence the need for regional approaches to the prevention and control of transboundary animal diseases (TADs). Transboundary animal diseases (TADs), including CBPP, RPP, foot and mouth disease, anthrax, and vector-borne zoonoses such as trypanosomiasis, remain a challenge in the ECOWAS region and have implications for animal and human health. Low productivity, high morbidity and mortality have unintended implications for food security and nutrition, income generation, improved livelihoods, employment generation and wealth creation.

The livestock sector in the ECOWAS region is of strategic importance and of considerable economic and social significance to a young and growing population, and contributes 35% of the gross domestic product (GDP) from agriculture. The contribution of livestock to GDP can be increased if cross-border animal diseases can be prevented and controlled, and if the contribution of working animals is taken into account. CAADP/ECOWAP remains central to the development and growth of agriculture in ECOWAS with the overall objective of contributing sustainably to the food and nutritional needs of citizens, and supporting social and economic development, as well as reducing poverty and inequality. Priority agricultural value chains for achieving this objective include livestock, meat and milk.

The World Bank is helping to support ECOWAS member states to achieve the CAADP/ECOWAP objective through the Regional Pastoralism Support Project in the Sahel (PRAPS). The first phase of the PRAPS programme (PRAPS I) was implemented from 2015 to 2021. The second phase of the programme (PRAPS II) came into effect in August 2021 at the regional level under the General Coordination of CILSS, and will end in December 2027. PRAPS (I and II) covers six Sahelian countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Mauritania and Chad. The actions of the programme aim at strengthening the contribution of pastoralism and cross-border transhumance to food and nutritional security, equitable socio-economic development and regional integration in the ECOWAS region through dialogue, governance and the creation of conditions for sustainable use of pastoral resources among ECOWAS member states.

PRAPS II will continue and intensify efforts to improve animal health systems, thereby protecting livestock and human populations from the negative impacts of animal diseases. PRAPS II will also support the commitment of countries to improve the quality and control of veterinary drugs and the control of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and related risks to animals and humans. At the regional level[1]the coordination of component 1 includes a sub-component 1.1 entitled: Targeted technical assistance to countries for programme implementation and a sub-component 1.2 entitled: Regional policy integration, regulatory harmonization and country coordination in animal health management. The implementation of this sub-component 1.2 will be ensured by the Regional Animal Health Centre (RAHC), Bamako-Mali. The RAHC was established by an Additional Act (A/SA.20/02/12) by the ECOWAS Heads of State Authority as the ECOWAS Regional Specialized Animal Health Centre.

The ECOWAS Commission is seeking to recruit a qualified and experienced project coordinator to cover the regional component 1.2 of PRAPS II.

Roles/ Responsibilities

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

To accomplish the implementation of the regional component 1.2 of the PRAPS II programme, the project coordinator will ensure the supervision and coordination of the implementation of the activities of component 1.2 at the Regional Animal Health Centre (RAHC) and their coordination with the project activities implemented by the other partners, notably the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), to achieve the key results of the PRAPS II programme The coordinator will be positioned in the veterinary governance unit of the RAHC

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the responsibility of the Executive Director of the ASRC, the direct supervision of the Head of the Veterinary Governance Unit, in coordination with the Regional Coordinator of PRAPS II of the Regional Coordination Unit of the project, based at CILSS, and in close collaboration with the project partners, The Project Coordinator at the ASRC will be responsible for the following key tasks, in accordance with the basic documents of the Project (notably the Subsidiary Agreement between CILSS and ECOWAS, the Project Implementation Manual - PIM -, and the COSTAB):

Under the animation/coordination component :

• Animation of regional and sub-regional networks, RESEPI and RESOLAB, and of the Regional Veterinary Committee,
• Coordination of joint cross-border vaccination campaigns,
• Preparation of National Strategic Plans for the eradication of PPR, and control of CBPP in the sub-region
• Improvement of communication and technical exchanges between the Veterinary Services of ECOWAS and WAEMU member countries;
• Support to regional integration actions in the field of animal health and welfare regulations, including sanitary rules for trade between ECOWAS member countries;
• Support for the strategic commitment on the quality of veterinary medicines and the fight against antibiotic resistance ;
• Contribution to the development of human capital and skills in animal health;
• Support for the geo-referencing of animal health infrastructures and equipment;
• Assume any other official responsibility delegated to him/her in relation to the objectives of this mission.

As part of the governance of the project:

• Represent the CRSA on the regional committee and regional technical subcommittee of the PRAPS-2 on animal health;
• Act as the interface between the RCU and the RAEA (reporting on fiduciary activities related to sub-component 1.2);
• To serve as the focal point for the RCU, OIE and the World Bank on the activities carried out under the project.

In planning and reporting :

• Facilitate, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the planned activities of the sub-component
• To elaborate annually the project of activities and the budget of the sub-component;
• Prepare periodic progress reports on the activities of the sub-component;
• Participate in the reporting of key indicators of monitoring and evaluation of the sub-component;
• Develop elements of the procurement plan for the sub-component in conjunction with the RAAA;
• Work closely with the OIE team involved in PRAPS II to coordinate the respective annual planning of the regional animal health component activities, as well as the agendas of the regional technical sub-committee on Animal Health;
• Support the RCU and CILSS with advice and analysis of documents and correspondence that require decision making.

Qualifications and experience

The desired candidate must meet the following criteria:

• Diploma of Veterinary Doctor;
• At least 15 years of experience with at least 8 years at senior levels in the preparation and/or implementation of animal health programmes;
• Successful experience in a senior position (minimum Director, preferably CVO) of a national veterinary authority in the region is highly desirable;
• Ability to synthesize, analyze and conceptualize;
• Proven ability to federate and coordinate networks related to animal health;
• Excellent knowledge of international and regional animal health policies and strategies;
• Proven experience in the implementation of livestock projects, particularly animal health projects financed by multilateral donors (experience with the World Bank would be an advantage);
• Very good knowledge and mastery of computer tools (especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Good physical condition with the ability to travel in the field

Excellent oral and written communication skills in French; fluency in English would be an asset

Skills

Analytical and critical thinking

• Ability to coordinate and supervise the tasks of a team by ensuring active participation of members, creating an atmosphere of respect and openness to support input into decision making for the timely completion of tasks;
• Ability to organize and lead a cross-divisional work group to develop creative solutions to problems;
• Ensure strict adherence to the hierarchy;
• Be able to use the Code of Ethics to manage oneself, others, information and resources;;
• Understand diverse cultural perspectives, particularly those of West Africans, and consider the differences between groups;
• Be able to challenge prejudice and practice tolerance and empathy;
• Be familiar with ECOWAS rules and procedures regarding assigned responsibilities and be able to explain them clearly to other actors;
• Ability to convey information in a clear, concise, succinct and organized manner, both in writing and orally;
• Ability to be creative and flexible in departing from traditional methods in developing new procedures, processes and tools, using technology to simplify methods and approaches wherever possible;
• Ability to re-evaluate current procedures and suggest improvements to ensure an efficient and streamlined process;
• Ability to gather and summarize information to anticipate stakeholder opinion on a new policy or program, and excellent analytical skills to assess external policies and trends when reviewing policy or program options and making recommendations;
• Ability to synthesize complex information from a variety of external and internal sources and disseminate it in a logical manner;
• Ability to apply appropriate methodology to uncover or identify policy issues and resource concerns.

Planning and implementation

• Knowledge of internal planning cycles and ability to contribute to community or institution-wide policy development and implementation by identifying target audience, building coalitions with appropriate population and monitoring progress.
• Ability to take into account external circumstances, factors and trends when organizing project activities to ensure best results;
• Ability to review process results, correspondence, reports and policy documents to develop feasible plans;
• Ability to conduct meetings with staff, stakeholders, colleagues and others to determine the program or project needs of the organization and adjust plans and activities accordingly;
• Ability to adapt plans based on staff and stakeholder feedback and/or ability to develop and implement guidelines, tools and templates to accommodate new or revised programs and services.
• Knowledge of logical framework methodology, results-based management and project cycle methodology.

Working conditions

• The position is full time;
• This is a fixed term contract position based at the RAHC in Bamako, Mali, but the candidate will be required to travel within the region. The duration of the contract is one (1) year subject to a probationary period of three (3) months. The contract may be renewed for the duration of the project depending on performance and availability of funds
• The Project Coordinator is called upon to refrain from any situation that could put him/her in a conflict of interest in the context of the mission assigned to him/her.

Language Requirements

• Oral and written French.
• Knowledge of English is considered an important asset.

Place, duration and start of the contract

This is a fixed term contract position at the Regional Animal Health Centre (RAHC) in Bamako-MALI, but the candidate will have to carry out missions in eight ECOWAS Member States where the project activities are located. The duration of the contract is one (1) year subject to a probationary period of three (3) months. The contract could be renewed for the duration of the project depending on performance and availability of funds.

Candidate's required application package

It will consist of :

• An expression of interest letter, including time availability;
• A recent CV detailing work experience and similar assignments;
• Three professional references (full names, positions, email and phone contacts);
• Copy of highest degree(s);
• Copies of work or service certificates listed in the resume.

NB: Any incomplete file will be rejected.

Submission of applications

Applications shall be received no later than December 21, 2021 at 17:00 GMT, by hand delivery or by e-mail to the following addresses

• Agence Régionale pour l'Agriculture et l'Alimentation (ARAA), 83, rue des Pâtures (Super Taco), 01 BP 4817 Lomé, Togo - Tel. +228 22 21 40 03 (in a closed envelope marked "Selection of an individual consultant, PROJECT COORDINATOR FOR COMPONENT 1.2 (ANIMAL HEALTH) OF THE REGIONAL PROJECT TO SUPPORT PASTORALISM IN THE SAHEL II (PRAPS II)
• Email : procurement.consultants@araa.org
• Subject: "SELECTION OF AN INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT, PROJECT COORDINATOR FOR COMPONENT 1.2 (ANIMAL HEALTH) OF THE REGIONAL PASTORAL SUPPORT PROJECT IN SAHEL II (PRAPS II)".

NB: Applications which do not bear the words "SELECTION OF AN INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT, PROJECT COORDINATOR FOR COMPONENT 1.2 (ANIMAL HEALTH) OF THE REGIONAL PROJECT TO SUPPORT PASTORALISM IN SAHEL II (PRAPS II)" will not be considered.

Selection method

The consultant will be selected according to the qualification-based selection method as defined in the ECOWAS Public Procurement Code.

An interview session will be held with a shortlist of candidates and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The ARAA reserves the right not to respond to this call for applications.