Consultancy Service: One Health Policy and Governance Expert

Introduction

The African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) will be leading the implementation of the regional Project “Strengthening Integrated One Health Capacities for Enhanced Pandemic Preparedness and Response in the Lake Chad Basin” funded by the Pandemic fund. The SCOPE project will be implemented across five Lake Chad Basin (LCB) member states namely Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic (CAR) and Chad.  The afore-mentioned project overall goal is to strengthen cross-border capacities for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response through an integrated and inclusive One Health approach in the Lake Chad Basin. The SCOPE Project will be implemented through three result areas; Result Area 1: By 2029, Enhance capacity for cross-border One Health prevention, detection, notification and response for pandemics in the Lake Chad Basin; Result Area 2: By 2029, strengthen the cross-border governance and coordination mechanisms for inclusive and equitable One Health Systems; Result Area 3: By 2029, foster sustainable innovative financial flows, strategic partnerships and stewardship for PPR in the Lake Chad Basin. AU-IBAR will be working in close partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). 
The scope of work will be undertaken in the fragile and conflict setting zones and the need for strong governance and co-ordination structures is critical, National and regional policy harmonization, coherence and enforcement will be critical to further strengthen the pandemic prevention, preparedness and response governance mechanisms. To support implementation of these activities, AU-IBAR seeks to recruit One Health Policy Specialist to provide strategic leadership and technical oversight throughout the project lifecycle.

Purpose of Job

The One Health policy and governance Expert will provide technical leadership for the development, implementation, and strengthening of One Health governance systems and coordination mechanisms between OH multistakeholders, Memberstates, regional economic communities amongst others. The Expert will support regional and national efforts to institutionalize One Health approaches and strengthen multisectoral collaboration. The role promotes harmonization of policies, strategies, and frameworks, facilitates cross-border coordination, and enhances stakeholder engagement across the Lake Chad Basin. Working closely with Member States and regional institutions, the incumbent promotes country ownership, sustainability, and alignment with regional and continental One Health priorities.

Main Functions

1. Strengthen institutional coordination and governance mechanisms to support sustainable implementation of One Health approaches.
2. Support the development, review, harmonization, and implementation of One Health policies, legal frameworks, strategies, and technical guidelines.
3. Support assessment and mainstreaming PVS and Veterinary Legislation Support Mission recommendations.
4. Support monitoring on implementation of One Health governance frameworks and provide strategic policy advice to Member States and regional institutions.
5. Promote knowledge management, learning, and evidence-informed decision-making to strengthen One Health implementation and policy development.

Specific Responsibilities

1.1 Governance and Institutional Strengthening

1. Strengthen and institutionalize One Health governance systems, policies, and regulatory frameworks at national and regional levels.
2. Support the establishment, strengthening, and operationalization of national and regional One Health governance structures and coordination mechanisms.
3. Promote institutionalization of One Health approaches within government policies, programmes, planning processes, and institutional structures.
4. Support Member States in developing governance frameworks, coordination mechanisms, terms of reference, and operational guidelines for National One Health Platforms.
5. Strengthen collaboration between human, animal, environmental, and other relevant sectors to improve coordinated implementation of One Health initiatives.
6. Promote multisectoral coordination, cross-border collaboration, and implementation of national/subnational One Health platforms, Joint Outbreak Response Teams, etc. 

1.2 Policy and Regulatory Frameworks

1. Support the review, development, harmonization, and implementation of policies, legislation, regulations, standards, and strategic frameworks relevant to One Health.
2. Facilitate alignment of national policies and strategies with regional, continental, and global One Health frameworks and international standards.
3. Support development/revision of national veterinary policies, legislation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) aligned with international standards (WOAH/OIE PVS Pathway, Codex Alimentarius, etc.).
4. Provide technical guidance to Member States on policy implementation and institutional reforms that strengthen One Health governance.
5. Develop policy briefs, technical guidance documents, and governance tools to support evidence-informed decision-making.

1.3 Regional Coordination and Cross-Border mechanisms

1. Strengthen regional coordination platforms, technical working groups, and multisectoral coordination mechanisms.
2. Support cross-border health–security liaison platforms to coordinate surveillance and response, with security actors, animal–public health agencies, and local leaders.
3. Facilitate cross-border cooperation and joint planning among Member States to address transboundary animal diseases, zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, and other shared health threats.
4. Support implementation and monitoring of regional agreements, declarations, and action plans related to One Health.
5. Promote harmonized implementation of regional policies, standards, and operational frameworks.
6. Monitor emerging policy and partnership opportunities and provide strategic recommendations to strengthen governance, coordination, and sustainability of One Health initiatives.

1.4 Institutional Support and Technical Advisory Services

1. Provide technical advice to Member States and regional institutions on governance, policy implementation, and institutional strengthening.
2. Support integration of One Health approaches into national development plans, sector strategies, and preparedness frameworks.
3. Identify policy gaps and recommend strategies to strengthen governance and institutional performance.
4. Support development of implementation roadmaps for regional and national One Health initiatives

Duty Station

AU-IBAR office based in Nairobi, Kenya with regular travel to participating countries within the Lake Chad Basin region

Criteria for Scoring

Criteria	Scores (%)
Qualifications	20
General Experience	25
Specific Experience	40
Other skills	10
Proficiency in language	5
Total	100

Academic Requirements

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Veterinary Public Health, One Health, Governance, Public Policy, International Relations, Development Studies, Health Systems, or related discipline.
2. Master's degree in above fields is an added advantage
   General Experience.
3. At least ten (5) years of experience in governance, coordination, policy development, partnership management on One Health programmes.
4. Atleast 3 years’ experience in development, review, harmonization, and implementation of One Health policies, legal frameworks, strategies, and technical guidelines.
5. Proficient in providing technical advice to Member States and regional institutions on governance, policy implementation, and institutional strengthening.
6. Experience with data analytics, knowledge generation for formulation of, and evidence-informed decision making.

Specific Experience

1. Experience with regional coordination mechanisms, cross-border collaboration, and multisectoral implementation of One Health initiatives.
2. Experience in implementation and monitoring of regional agreements, declarations, and action plans related to One Health.
3.  Experience supporting regional and multinational programmes. 
4. Experience in policy development and institutional strengthening. 
5. Experience in stakeholder engagement and resource mobilization.
6. Experience working with governments, RECs, and development partners

Competencies

1. One Health governance framework. 
2. Public policy and regulatory processes. 
3. Institutional development and organizational strengthening. 
4. Partnership development and stakeholder engagement. 
5. Resource mobilization and sustainability planning. 
6. Regional integration and cross-border cooperation.

Required Skills 

1. Diplomacy and good interactive skills necessary for dealing with senior officials in Government, Regional Organizations, and donor/development organizations in Africa.
2. Good networking skills and ability to maintain positive and constructive dialogue and relationships with key institutions or stakeholders operating in the regions.
3. Very strong writing, analytical and communication, computer skills are necessary.
4. Proficiency in at least any of AU official languages.

Duration

The project life-span is for three (3) years but the duration of this consultancy is 6 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. 
The selected candidate should be available to undertake this assignment as soon as the contract is signed.

Remuneration

The monthly remuneration for this Consultancy is P2 step 5. Expenses for missions will be covered separately in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission rules and regulations.  

Supervision and reporting

The consultant will be under the Direct Supervision of the Project Co-ordinator – SCOPE project with overall supervision of the Director of AU-IBAR.

Gender Mainstreaming

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

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit Applications should include the following:

i.    Detailed curriculum vitae;
ii.    Copies of academic and professional qualifications;
iii.    Completed declaration on exclusion criteria in the format attached; and,
iv.    Copies of identification documents.

to the email procurement@au-ibar.org and a copy to albert.obiero@au-ibar.org clearly indicating in the subject line “One Health policy and governance Expert” The deadline for applications will be 06th November 2026 at 23:45 Nairobi Local Time.