Production and Marketing Officer/SAFGRAD Office- African Union

The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa's rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a New Partnership worldwide. Its Headquarters is located at Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia.

In seeking to achieve this objective, the African Union operates through its specialized technical and regional offices to implement policies and programs in various aspects of socio-economic development.

The Semi-Arid Food Grains Research and Development (SAFGRAD) is one of the specialized technical offices of the Commission of the African Union under its Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture. SAFGRAD’s mandate is to facilitate the advancement of agricultural research, technology transfer and dissemination for the development of livelihoods in semi-arid zones of Africa.

The Commission of the African Union invites applicants who are citizens of Member States for a position of Production and Marketing Officer/SAFGRAD Office in the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture.

Post title: Production and Marketing Officer
Post level: P3
Duty Station: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Immediate Supervisor: Coordinator, AU/SAFGRAD

Major duties and responsibilities:

• Coordinate and conduct studies in related to agricultural production and marketing in SAFGRAD mandates areas;
• Analyze agriculture production and marketing activities in SAFGRAD mandate areas;
• Analyze the structure, conduct and performance of input and output markets serving smallholder farmers in the semi-arid region;
• Analyze the policy and institutional strategies to promote technology adoption and small holder farmers’ participation in markets and regional trade;
• Conceptualization of new programs in his area of expertise that will lead to the development of proposals to enable SAFGRAD contribute to AU goals of poverty alleviation; he will assist in identifying partners and funding opportunities;
• Participate in the preparation of SAFGRAD annual program budget;
• Participate in the implementation of SAFGRAD strategic plan;
• Organize and service workshops, seminars and meetings;
• Produce and submit periodic reports of activities and specific missions;
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Educational Qualifications: Candidates must have a Master Degree or equivalent degree in agricultural economics, economics with specialization in production economics or marketing, or closely related discipline. A Ph.D. Degree is an added advantage.

Work experience requirement: Candidates must have at least 7 years of appropriate experience of which at least 3 years should be in Senior Management position.

Other relevant skills

• Good analytical skills involving the use of statistics and econometrics;
• Understanding of crop-livestock systems;
• Board awareness of the NARS, regional programs in agriculture and IARCs;
• Working knowledge of policy analysis and development;
• Management experience, excellent interpersonal skills and ability to organize and motivate others and to work in a multi-cultural environment;
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills;
• Good communication and negotiating skills;
• Good planning and organisational skills ;
• Commitment to personal performance and self-development ;
• Leading and managing change with integrity, trustworthiness and confidence;
• Strong computer skills.

Language requirement: Proficiency in one of the AU working languages. Knowledge of one or several other working languages would be an added advantage.

Age requirement: Candidates must preferably be between 30 and 45 years old.

Tenure of Appointment: The appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance.

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

Application: To apply, please submit the following:

• A letter stating reasons for seeking employment with the AU Commission;
• A detailed and updated CV, indicating your nationality, age and gender;
• Names and contact details (including e-mail address) of three references;
• Certified copies of degrees and diplomas.

Remuneration: Indicative basic salary of US$ 33,619.00 per annum plus other related entitlements -e.g. post adjustment (55% of basic salary), housing allowance (US$ 17,222.40), education allowance (75% of tuition and other education related expenses up to a maximum of US$ 7,800.00 per child per annum), etc in accordance with the Rules and Regulations Governing the employment of International Civil Servants of the African Union Commission.

The applications must be received not later than 21 May 2010, and should be addressed to:

AU Commission
Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
P.O. Box 3243
Fax: +251-11-5525840/5510430
E-mail: au-recruits @ africa-union.org

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