Laboratory /Animal Health Assistant at the African Union (AU)

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 these objectives, the African Union intends to strengthen its capacity to deliver, by amongst others, the implementation of new organization structure and the filling of all vacant posts.

The Commission of the African Union invites applicants who are citizens of Member States to apply for the short term position within the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture based in Debrezeit, Ethiopia:

Job Title: Laboratory /Animal Health Assistant

Location: Debrezeit, Ethiopia
Grade level: GSA3 Step 5
Supervisor: Senior Veterinary Vaccine Officer
Department: Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture, AU-PANVAC (Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre of African Union)
Slot: 3
Contract Type: Regular (Long Duration)
Employment Fraction: Full-time

Job Purpose

• To provide laboratory support to the FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease) Projects between PANVAC and Pirbright Institute and ensure that laboratory facilities, animal and experiments are properly taken care of.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Perform FMD vaccine quality control tests
• Participate in the implementation and monitoring of the AU-PANVAC/ Pirbright Project based on Good Laboratory Practice.
• Maintain good husbandry practices for laboratory animal management,
• Participate in the implementation safety studies for FMD vaccines quality control testing according to international standards,
• Support laboratory activities for the production of FMD biologicals and reagents of animal base,
• Assist in the preparation of Instruction manuals, Standard Operating Procedures and other technical manuals for management of laboratory animals,
• Participate in network laboratories external quality assessment and accreditation, and
• Perform any other related duties as required by the Director of PANVAC.

Requirements
Educational qualifications:

• Candidates must hold at least a BSC in Laboratory Science, Microbiology, Animal Science or related fields. A DVM will be a preferred advantage.

Work experience:

• The incumbent should have a minimum of 2 years of laboratory work experience in the field of: – Diagnostic/ research laboratory (knowledge of vaccine quality control and production would be an added advantage) – Animal husbandry – Laboratory Animal Management.

Language requirement:

• Proficiency in at least one of the African Union working languages (among English, French, Arabic, Portuguese and Spanish). Knowledge of one or more of the AU working languages will be an advantage.

Competencies and Skills:

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;
• Ability to work in a team; and
• Ability to work under work pressure and deliver on time.
• Excellent drafting and reporting skills
• Good communication and negotiating skills
• Good planning and organizational skills

Language Requirement:

• Applicants must be proficient in English or French. Advanced Knowledge of one more or several other working languages of the AU (Arabic, Portuguese or Spanish) would be an added advantage.

Tenure of Appointment:

• The Appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of 12 (twelve) months renewable once based on availability of funds and performance.

Gender Mainstreaming:

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

Remuneration
The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$ 15,296.15 (GSA3 Step5) inclusive of all Requirements allowances for locally recruited staff.

Application Closing Date
25th January, 2021.