Enhancing Livestock Sector Development Coordination in Africa through the Livestock Investment Coordination System (LICS)

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 and liaise with the Regional Economic Communities.

Specific Tasks for The Consultancy

The indicative tasks to be undertaken for this consultancy include:

1. Develop and circulate structured surveys to all Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to collect detailed information on existing national livestock development plans.
2. Gather basic production data for all representative livestock production systems in different regions via the survey, for use in the LIRA tool.
3. Work with the LICS team leader to select at least three priority countries (each from a different REC) for targeted support, regardless of whether they already have a livestock development plan.
4. Seek government authorization to consult national livestock development plans and publish them on the AU-IBAR/LICS website when possible.
5. Work with the LICS data analysts to design databases and analysis of collected data in collaboration with the LICS team.
6. Work with the LICs team to select specific livestock systems within priority countries for detailed analysis, focusing on those with the greatest potential for improvement.
7. Work with the LICs team to conduct thorough reviews of production systems, value chains, market dynamics, and socio-economic factors to inform interventions.
8. Work with the LICs team to use survey data to determine the major constraints affecting livestock productivity in targeted areas.
9. Work with the senior epidemiologist to assess the costs and returns of implementing biosecurity good practices (e.g., vaccination) within the livestock sector.
10. 10. Analyze the practicality and potential impact of implementing biosecurity, feeding, and husbandry practices using LIRA.
11. Provide guidelines to help countries adjust investment priorities and allocate resources for maximum impact.
12. Work with the project team to conduct training sessions for at least two people from two different RECs and one AU-IBAR staff member on LIRA utilization.
13. Write a final report of the LoA and present final findings at a regional seminar involving all RECs and partners.

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 bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. Experience in carrying out research, communications, public relations, or international relations will be an added advantage.

Experience

General experience

1. The candidate must have at least 3 years of proven practical experience in animal health/ one  health, and must have worked for at least one (1) year in an international organization.
2. Experience in working with diverse groups is also crucial. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities, are essential for effectively building and maintaining relationships.
    

Specific experience

1. A strong understanding of animal health, diseases, and animal production. 
2. The ability collect data, analyze information, evaluate evidence, and make sound judgments based on scientific data. 
3. Demonstrated ability to conduct research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. 
    

Skills & Competencies

1. Diplomacy and good interactive skills 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
4. Proven ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
5. Demonstrated experience in forging relationships between partners

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The outputs and deliverables will be as outlined below:

1.  Structured surveys to all Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to collect detailed information on existing national livestock development plans develop and circulated.
2. Basic production data for all representative livestock production systems in different regions via the survey, for use in the LIRA tool, gathered.
3. At least three priority countries (each from a different REC) for targeted support, regardless of whether they already have a livestock development plan identified.
4. Government authorization for publishing national livestock development plans on the AU-IBAR/LICS website sought.
5. Database and Data Analysis Supported.
6. Identify Systems for In-Depth Assessment identified.
7. Thorough reviews of production systems, value chains, market dynamics, and socio-economic factors done to inform interventions.
8. The major constraints affecting livestock productivity in targeted areas determined using survey data.
9. The costs and returns of implementing biosecurity good practices (e.g., vaccination) within the livestock sector assessed.
10. The practicality and potential impact of implementing biosecurity, feeding, and husbandry practices using LIRA analyzed.
11. Guidelines to help countries adjust investment priorities and allocate resources for maximum impact developed.
12. Training sessions for at least two people from two different RECs and one AU-IBAR staff member on LIRA utilization conducted.
13. Final findings presented in a report and at a regional seminar involving all RECs and partners.

Gender Mainstreaming

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

Duty Stations

The consultant will be stationed at the AU-IBAR offices in Nairobi, Kenya with travel on specific assignments agreed with the AU-IBAR Management.

Duration

The effective duration of this assignment is seven (7) 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.

Renumeration

The monthly remuneration for this Consultancy as per the AU Salary Grade at P1 Step 5. 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/s 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 via email to: procurement@au-ibar.org with a copy to Millicent.Ng’ayo@au-ibar.org and should include the title “Liaison Officer” 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. Proposed methodology and approach for the assignment (work plan). 
4.  Declaration on exclusion criteria (see format attached). 
5.  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 25th August 2025 at 23:45hrs Nairobi Local Time.