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SELECTION OF AN INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT TECHNICAL EXPERT IN ANIMAL HEALTH FOR COMPONENT 1.2 OF THE REGIONAL PROJECT TO SUPPORT PASTORALISM IN THE SAHEL II (PRAPS II)

Date de publication :
Friday, 20 October 2023
Submission deadline:

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) of 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 seeks to recruit a qualified and experienced technical expert in animal health to support the project coordinator in covering 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 program, the project technical expert in animal health will ensure the implementation of specific activities of component 1.2 at the Regional Animal Health Center (RAHC) in close collaboration with other staff of the RAHC, and key partners of the program, notably the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), under the supervision of the project coordinator, in order to achieve the key results of the PRAPS II program.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the authority of the Executive Director of the RAHC, and the direct supervision of the Senior Project Coordinator for the RAHC, the Animal Health Technical Expert will be responsible for the implementation of specific activities of Component 1.2 in close collaboration with the Project Coordinator and other members of the RAHC team, in order to ensure the smooth running and successful implementation of the project activities in line with the PRAPS II programme. The technical expert will be positioned in the veterinary governance unit of the RAHC.

In general, he/she will ensure that :

  • Support the formulation and monitoring of the implementation of the annual activity plans and budgets of the project, in accordance with the basic documents of the project (notably the Subsidiary Agreement between CILSS and ECOWAS, the Project Implementation Manual - PIM -, COSTAB);
  • Support the implementation, monitoring and reporting on the budgeted annual work plan of the regional component 1.2.

More specifically, the technical expert will :

  • Support the activities of the regional and sub-regional networks, RESEPI and RESOLAB;
  • Support the regional integration of animal health and welfare regulations and zoo sanitary rules between the beneficiary Member States ;
  • To support the strategic commitment to the quality of veterinary medicines and the fight against antimicrobial resistance among the beneficiary Member States;
  • Support the geo-referencing of veterinary infrastructure, equipment and facilities;
  • Support disease risk assessment and mitigation, and promote quality results and timely submission of project technical reports, as well as monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual technical reports ;
  • Support the preparation of National Strategic Plans (NSP) for the eradication of RPP and the control of CBPP in the sub-region, in phase with the NSPs already developed in PRAPS-1 beneficiary countries;
  • Support human capital development activities in animal health ;
  • Support the communication of the project and the establishment/strengthening of communication and technical exchanges between the veterinary services of the beneficiary Member States.
  • Support the evaluation of project component 1.2 on the basis of cost and timeliness, and in line with the PRAPS II key result areas;
  • Support the strengthening of collaboration with project partners, and ensure relevant documentation;
  • Carry out any other official responsibilities assigned by the Executive Director of the AHRB, relevant to the objectives of this mission.

 

Qualifications and experience

The desired candidate must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a doctorate in veterinary medicine (DVM), a postgraduate diploma in veterinary epidemiology or veterinary public health from a recognised academic institution;
  • At least ten (10) years of relevant experience in the prevention and control of animal diseases, at least five (5) of which must have been at a senior level;
  • Excellent knowledge of international and regional animal health policies and strategies;
  • Demonstrated experience, knowledge and technical skills in the implementation of international donor funded projects/programs; experience with the World Bank would be an advantage;

 

Skills

  • Ability to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
  • Ability to work in a team with respect and openness to complete tasks in a timely manner.
  • Ability 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 on technical matters in French.

 

Working conditions

The position is full time. This is a fixed-term contract position based at the RASC in Bamako, Mali, but will require travel in 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's technical expert in animal health is expected to refrain from any situation that could put him/her in conflict of interest in the context of the mission entrusted 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 will require the candidate to undertake missions to four 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 :

  • A letter of interest, including time availability;
  • A recent CV detailing professional experience and similar assignments;
  • Three professional references (first and last names, functions, e-mail and telephone contacts);
  • Copy of highest diploma(s) ;
  • Copies of work or service certificates listed in the resume.

NB: Any incomplete file will be rejected.

 

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.

 

How to Apply

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, Animal Health Expert FOR COMPONENT 1.2 (ANIMAL HEALTH) OF THE SAHEL REGIONAL PASTORALISM SUPPORT PROJECT II (PRAPS II)
  • Email : procurement.consultants@araa.org
  • Subject:"SELECTION OF AN INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT, EXPERT IN ANIMAL HEALTH FOR COMPONENT 1.2 (ANIMAL HEALTH) OF THE REGIONAL PROJECT FOR SUPPORT TO PASTORALISM IN SAHEL II (PRAPS II)".

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