Legal and Contracts Execution Officer Job in Nairobi Kenya - African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR)

May 17, 2012

The African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) aims to provide leadership in the development of animal resources for Africa.

By supporting and empowering the African Union member states and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs). AU-IBAR's vision is of an Africa free from hunger and poverty in which animal resources make a significant contribution within the global arena.

Founded in 1951 to study the epidemiological situation and fight rinderpest in Africa, AU-IBAR's mandate covers all aspects of animal resources, including livestock, fisheries and wildlife, across the entire African continent, but fills a unique and strategic niche by working at continental and regional levels, with the RECs being key partners.

AU/IBAR seeks the services of a Legal and Contracts Execution Officer to assist in the implementation of the programmes and projects.

1. Post

Post title: Legal and Contracts Execution Officer
Post level: P3 Step 5
Duty station: AU-IBAR, Nairobi, Kenya

This position is subjected to availability of funds.

2. Major duties and responsibilities

The position will be based within the headquarters of AU-IBAR with possible travel to headquarters of RECs and member states.

Under the overall supervision of the Director of AU-IBAR and direct supervision of the Head of the Programmes and Projects Unit:

To provide preliminary assistance and advice to AU-IBAR management and staff on all legal matters;
To provide legal opinions relating to the interpretation of all Partnership and donor Agreements, Procurement Procedures and Rules, as well as, other legal instruments in consultation with the Legal Counsel;
To assess the legal implications of the activities and decisions of all issues relating to or arising Agreements entered into by the AU-IBAR and to advise on these issues in consultation with the Legal Counsel;
To assist AU-IBAR management and staff in drafting contracts, agreements, cooperation agreements related to institutional and staff matters and monitor their execution, particularly by RECs and Member States;
Resolve and follow-up on financial, legal, and other issues concerning the implementation of Donor and Implementing Partners Agreements;
To ensure that the legal interaction between the AU-IBAR, Member States, RECs, other Organisations, including individuals and other legal entities, are regulated in such a manner that the interests of the AU are safeguarded;
To undertake investigations and prepare reports on special legal problems in consultation with the Legal Counsel;
Assist in improvement of systems to increase efficiency, effectiveness and control to achieve the organization's objectives both in project management and contract/administrative management
Participate in identification, preparation, appraisal and/or M&E missions with project teams
To ensure overall management of the Legal and Contracts Office including the preparation of programmes, budgets and reports;
Liaise and negotiate with implementing and other partners on contractual and financial matters.
To perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Director or the Head of the Programmes and Projects Unit.

3. Educational qualifications

A Master's degree in law.
A post graduate management studies and international law are an important added advantage.
Specific and relevant training in the fields of contract-, financial- or project management will be an added advantage.

4. Work experience

Candidates must have at least seven years experience in preparing contract and or providing legal advice to development organizations with 3 years at international level;
Proven experience in donor funded projects environment with specific knowledge of financial and administrative regulations and project management approaches is an advantage;
Experience in contract preparation and management.

5. Other relevant skills

a) Advanced knowledge of contractual rules and regulations according to international standards;

b) Excellent communication skills; High level of integrity and reliability;

Strong analytical skills;

c) Good negotiation skills and ability to communicate effectively both written and oral;

d) Ability to work independently with a high level of performance under pressure and execute multiple tasks within tight deadlines.

6. Language requirement

Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages is a requirement. Knowledge of one or more of the other AU working languages would be an added advantage.

7. Age requirement

Must be preferably between the age of 30 and 45 years.

8. Tenure of Appointment

The initial appointment will be for 11 months including a 3 months probation period. Contract extension will be subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

9. Gender Mainstreaming

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

10. Remuneration

The lump-sum salary attached to this position is an annual lump-sum of USD 81,397.62 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and USD 67,533.59 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff.

Applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website www.aucareers.org not later than 28th May 2012

Directorate of Administration and Human Resource Management

African Union Commission

Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)