Purpose of Job
The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), a specialized technical office of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) of the African Union Commission, is mandated to support and coordinate the utilization of livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and wildlife as resources for both human wellbeing and economic development in the Member States of the African Union. The Vision of the AU-IBAR Strategic Plan 2024-2028 is an Africa in which animal resources contribute significantly to integration, prosperity and peace. Within the framework of the African Union Agenda 2063, the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA)environed an inclusive and sustainable livestock economy that significantly contributes to Africa’s transformation and growth.

Small ruminants constitute an important part of the African livestock and represent a key element in food and nutrition security on the continent. Small ruminants are well adapted to the different agro-ecological zones and production systems in which they are reared. Farming small ruminants provide a safety net for women and youth who are vulnerable to socio-economic shocks and disturbances.

Production, productivity, circulation, trade and marketing of sheep and goats in Sub-Saharan Africa are constrained by the presence of high impact transboundary animal diseases. Among those, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) a viral disease affecting only small ruminants and their wild relatives, is the most sensitive one because of its contagiousness and the fatality rate observed.

Main Functions

• Under the direct supervision of the Senior Animal Health Officer and the overall oversight of the Director of AU-IBAR. He/she shall perform the following tasks:
• Provide strong guidance on the communication activities associated with the PPR including coordination, advocacy and communication strategies, planning and implementation.
• Work closely with the knowledge management officer, information system officer, the Webmaster and Projects and Programmes Unit (PPU) to develop and/or update and monitor implementation of the institution and individual project communication strategies , based on the AU-IBAR strategic plan and project plans, respectively.
• Provide advocacy, communication and social mobilization support to AU-IBAR programme and PPR programme activities.
• Promote information sharing and communication and assure maximum visibility of AU-IBAR 
• Work with project coordinators to package information that promotes AU-IBAR achievements and meets stakeholder needs through the PPR Programme.
• Guide programme activities needing communication support and proactively seek out achievement and disseminate such in the best communication approach.
• Establish strong linkages with relevant Media/News/Communication outlets, organizations and institutions to enhance AU-IBAR Communication activities and promote learning.

Specific Responsibilities

•  Oversee the PPR communication program and provide advice and guidance on communication and change plans for projects;
• Prepare media briefings and engagements, manage AU-IBAR’s communication with various target audiences, handle social media platforms and liaise with print, electronic and online media.
• Develop and roll-out mechanisms for the broad dissemination of  AU-IBAR achievements and outputs.
• Contribute to content curation and update of the Animal Resources Online Repository and Knowledge Sharing platform, and PPR Programme Microsite. 
• Contribute to promoting collaborative tools that facilitate sharing of ideas, information and knowledge such as the the media online platform on the AU-IBAR Knowledge Sharing platform.  
• Develop and maintain Media relationships between AU-IBAR and relevant media organizations, journalists and science communicators at continental, regional and national levels,
• Draft materials, social media posts and newsletters for publication; and liaise with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective communication for project activities; particularly animal disease control programmes such as PPR and other TADs.Facilitate the usage of communication platforms and tools through regular monitoring of use and conducting training activities for various internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with Senior Knowledge Management Officer to capture and document information and knowledge on animal resources in Africa, such as the reporting of lessons learned and best practices and success stories,
• Develop communication materials, newsletters, and key messages and manage their dissemination widely among AU-IBAR’S target groups through a wide array of online platforms, social media channels, multimedia productions, knowledge fairs and exhibitions, radio, television and media networks.
• Work closely with the Webmaster and the Senior Knowledge Management Officer  to maintain and improve the various information and communication portals and tools. 
• Support AU Member States in advancing good communication practices  to enhance the visibility of animal resources development activities across the continent.
• Prepare and distribute content for the promotion of AU-IBAR products, brand or activities.
• Promote the visibility of project donors and implementing partners on various communication outputs and platforms by working closely with the graphics designer.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience
The incumbent should have a

• Bachelor’s degree in Development or Mass Communication, or other related field.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in areas of communication preferably within a regional,  continental and/or International organization; of which 2 years to be at supervisory level
• Or
• A Master’s degree in in communications or associated qualification with 2 years’ progressive experience within an International or continental organization; of which 2 years to be at supervisory level

Required Skills

• Experience in Development communication activities, media relation, advocacy management, organization of focus groups, public communication and social mobilization.
• Familiarity with development Communication and change management programmes.
• Experience in developing and delivering Communication programmes and packages with and for different stakeholders and partner organisations
• Proficiency in using digital communication tools and platforms, including social media management, content creation, and scheduling tools.
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and website maintenance to enhance visibility and accessibility of information.
• Experience in the animal resources sector would be an added advantage
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages is required, fluency in another AU language and or English in particular is an added advantage.