Country: Kenya
Closing date: 14 Aug 2016
Introduction
Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) for food and agriculture are essential for Africa’s food security, and contribute to the livelihoods of millions of people within and without the continent. It is critical that these resources are effectively managed by ensuring a deeper understanding of their population dynamics, production systems and spatial distribution. Characterization, surveying and monitoring have remained key elements in the development of effective AnGR management plans and emphasis should be placed on certifying that these critical processes are well executed. Knowledge on population trends and genetic status of livestock populations informs breeding strategies, conservation programs and policy-making processes. This information is vital at local, national, regional and global levels.
Evidently, characterizing and taking inventory of Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) are integral components of the management of genetic resources. Compendious breed inventories, breed descriptions and information on breed population size and structure form a solid foundation for development of effective management strategies. For exhaustive characterization of AnGR to be achieved, it is pertinent to collect detailed phenotypic, genetic or historical information. Robust characterization, inventory and monitoring tools ensure collation of diverse breed information including population sizes, population structure, population trends, breed spatial distribution, indigenous knowledge, breed production systems, cultural knowledge amongst others. In particular, monitoring tools complement AnGR inventories and are extremely useful in the monitoring of breed trends and associated risks. The information attained contributes directly towards raising public awareness, priority setting for conservation programmes of endangered breeds and development of strategic plans for sustainable utilization.
With support from the European Union, AU-IBAR is currently implementing a project "Strengthening the Capacity of African Countries to Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of African Animal Genetic Resources" which is aiming at strengthening the capacity of African countries and Regional Economic Communities to sustainably use and conserve animal genetic resources (AnGR) through institutionalizing national and regional policy, legal and technical instruments and implementing actions that will result in judicious exploitation of AnGR in Africa. One of its key activities, Result 1- Activity 1 “Develop harmonized tools/protocols for characterization and inventory of AnGR” aims at assist countries and RECs in the production of inventories and characterization of AnGR, so as to ensure homogeneity of data and easier compilation through harmonization of standard tools (guidelines, protocols, templates for data collection etc.). These harmonized tools will be produced and validated before dissemination to Member States.
To achieve this key activity, the project has undertaken various activities geared towards the realization of the above mentioned activity. One of the primary outcomes is the development of revised AnGR characterization, inventory and monitoring (CIM) tools’ guidelines that have been digitalized on the open data kit (ODK) software. Currently, 16 member states are piloting the revised AnGR-CIM tools to test their efficiency and adaptability within the African context. Four member states have finalized their piloting activity and successfully submitted their completed forms to the ODK aggregate hosted in the AU-IBAR server, while submissions continue to be received from the remaining countries.
In the above regard, AU-IBAR through due diligence is seeking to identify and engage the services of a consultant to undertake data extraction, cleaning and analysis of the available data and revision.
Objectives of the Assignment
The objective is of this consultancy is to access the informativeness and effectiveness of the applied tool (CIM) for AnGR through robust data analysis and review.
Other specific objectives are;
More specifically the consultant will:
- Extract and clean the submitted data from the ODK aggregate hosted in the AU-IBAR server
- Undertake detailed data analysis on the cleaned data
- Develop a data analysis and visualization system
- Revise the ODK tool as per the recommendations of the piloting Member States
Expected Outputs
Working closely with the project team and building on the above, the expected outputs of the consultancy will be:
- A well detailed inception report encompassing; introduction, methodology, data analysis results and interpretation, recommendations etc.
- Development of data visualization and analysis system
- An improved version of the digital CIM tool
The Consultants are required to prepare the following technical reports in English/French:
Inception Report (IcTR)
An Inception Report (IcTR) within 5 days of commencing duty. The IcTR of not more than 10 pages should include the proposed methodology, the timeline/calendar and programme of activities and an outline of the contents of the Final Technical Report.
Interim Technical Report (InTR)
The interim Technical Report is perceived to be the First Draft of the Final Technical Report (FTR), before a final clean copy of the FTR is formally and officially submitted to and for acceptance by AU-IBAR.
Final Technical Report (FTR)
The Final Technical Report (FTR) should take into account contributions and comments from the relevant stakeholders and AU-IBAR. The draft final report must be submitted at the end of the period of implementation of the tasks. The duration of the consultancy will be not more than 1 calendar month from the day of signature of the contract.
Submission & Approval of Reports
Three copies of the progress reports referred to above must be submitted to AU-IBAR. The progress reports must be written in English. AU-IBAR is responsible for approving the progress reports.
Requirements
Qualification
The position requires an expert in data analysis and systems design. A Bachelor’s degree in data Science/analytics, computer science or any relevant fields will be required. An advanced degree in the relevant study areas will be an added advantage.
Previous experience with ODK software and its use in collection of data for Animal genetic resources will be an added advantage.
Experience
General experience
The consultant should have:
At least 7 years’ experience in data analysis, systems development and data repositories management. Experience with animal genetic resources or the livestock sector data will be an added advantage.
Requirements
Minimum 5 years working experience in areas associated with this consultancy, such:
- Proficiency in the use of statistical packages ( preferably R)
- Proven ability in data analytics (visualization and interpretation)
- Sound knowledge in script writing for the extraction of data from ODK based questionnaires
- Conversant with various databases - MySQL, MsSQL, Access, PostgreSql, Oracle
- Knowledgeable in system design and development
- Ability to work efficiently and independently under pressure, handle multi-tasking situations with strong delivery orientation
- Proficient in English/French language, spoken and written
Remuneration
The consultant will be paid a daily rate of USD 300 per day for the 30 days. The consultancy fees will be paid upon satisfactory completion and delivery of the expected outputs.
Supervision
The consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Chief Animal Production Officer, supervised by the Data Management Expert.
How to apply:
Please submit your CV including three references and a cover letter, including the proposed methodology to the email applications@au-ibar.org and a copy to hro@au-ibar.org, clearly indicating in the subject line “Analysis of the characterization, inventory and monitoring (CIM) tool’s data”. The deadline for applications will be 14 August 2016. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.
Full documentation on AU-IBAR website.