Senior Veterinary Epidemiologist – Economist

Background

The LICs project aims to support improved coordination of livestock sector investments and enhance decision-making through herd-level impact estimations. The project aims to strengthen African Union-Inter – African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) capacities in evidence-based livestock policy advocacy, leveraging tools like PAID and LIRA.

Objective of The Consultancy

The consultant will support related activities of the LICs project, working together with the rest of the FAO and AU-IBAR team.

Specific Tasks for The Consultancy

The indicative tasks to be undertaken for this consultancy include:

1.  Liaise with LICs team for full details and mechanism for implementation of this consultancy
2. Support training of the Liaison Officer on the analysis using LIRA
3. Use and further develop LIRA if necessary to analyze all major livestock production systems for cattle and small ruminants in Africa.
4. Refine or establish investment plans by identifying the production parameters that most affect herd/flock productivity through sensitivity analyses for each targeted system.
5. Compile findings from baseline and sensitivity analyses into concise, accessible reports highlighting key production parameters for productivity improvement.
6. Working with the LICS team to integrate reporting capacity into the online LIRA tool.
    

Criteria for Scoring 

The applications will be evaluated on the basis of the relevant technical qualifications, experience and competence of the candidates. 
 

Criteria for Scoring

The applications will be evaluated on the basis of the relevant technical qualifications, experience and competence of the candidates.

Criteria	Scores(%)
Qualifications	15
General experience	25
Specific experience	50
Other skills	5
Language	5
TOTAL	100

Academic Requirements

At least a Doctoral degree in Veterinary epidemiology and economics, and a degree in Veterinary Medicine

Experience

General experience

1. The candidate must have at least 10 years of proven practical experience in veterinary epidemiology, with experience in field investigations, data collection, analysis and interpretation. He/she must have worked for at least five (5) years in an international organization.
2. The ability to clearly and effectively interpret and disseminate findings, as well as collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
3. The capacity to develop and recommend for implementation, effective solutions to improve animal health and prevent disease outbreaks.
4. Working effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including veterinarians, researchers, and public health officials.
5. The ability to work in a multicultural environment and to work in diverse environments.
6. Adherence to ethical principles in research and practice, including data integrity.
7. Practical understanding of the operations of the FAO/AU and its relations with MSs and RECs.

Specific experience

1.  A strong understanding of animal health, diseases, and their impact on populations is crucial.
2. The ability to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and make sound judgments based on scientific data.
3. Demonstrated advanced knowledge of disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, risk assessment, and disease prevention and control strategies.
4. Proven proficiency in using biodynamic models like LIRA and statistical software (e.g., SAS, R, SPSS) and interpreting data to identify patterns and trends is essential.
5. Demonstrated the ability to conduct related research, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. 
    

Skills & Competencies

1.  Diplomacy and good interactive skills are necessary for dealing with senior officials in government, regional organizations, and donor/development organizations as well as partners.
2. Excellent oral and written communication and analytical skills are necessary.
3. Proven Proficiency in at least two official AU languages.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The outputs and deliverables will be as outlined below:

1. All major livestock production systems for cattle and small ruminants in Africa were analyzed using LIRA, and well documented.
2. Investment plans are defined/refined by identifying the production parameters that most affect herd/flock productivity through sensitivity analyses for each targeted system.
3. Findings from baseline and sensitivity analyses compiled into concise, accessible reports, highlighting key production parameters for productivity improvement.
4. Reporting capacity integrated into the online LIRA tool.

Gender Mainstreaming

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

Duty Stations

The consultancy will be home–based with the assignment being delivered through a hybrid model with some in-person and virtual activities at FAO/ AU-IBAR, RECs, and select Member States.

Duration

The effective duration of this assignment is months (6) months. The contract would be renewable depending on availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The selected candidate should be available to undertake this assignment as soon as the contract is signed.

Remuneration

The monthly remuneration for this Consultancy as per the AU Salary Grade at P1 Step 7 (International) and AU Salary Grade at P2 Step 10 (Local). Expenses for missions will be covered separately in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission rules and regulations.

Supervision and Reporting

The candidate will work closely with the Senior Epidemiologist and will be under immediate supervision of the AU-IBAR Senior Programs and Projects Officer, and the Senior Animal Health Officer, with oversight supervision by the Director of AU-IBAR. The Immediate supervisors at AU-IBAR shall have the responsibility of approval of performance reports.

Medical and Travel Cover for Consultant/S

The consultant will be responsible for their medical and travel insurance cover/s during the duration of the consultancy.

Disclaimer

All data, information and reports generated from the consultancy is intellectual property of AU-IBAR.

Submission Of Applications

Applications should be submitted through email to: procurement@au-ibar.org with a copy to millicent.ng’ayo@au-ibar.org and should include the title “Senior Veterinary Epidemiologist – Economist” in the subject of the email.

Applications Should Include the Following:

1. Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) and brief cover letter.
2. Copies of academic and professional certification documents.
3. Declaration on exclusion criteria (see format attached).
4. Identification documents.

A Personal Data Protection and Privacy Statement is attached as information for the applicants. 

Application Deadline

Applications should be submitted to the address given above by 5^th September 2025 at 23:45hrs Nairobi Local Time.