Job Summary

The Chief Information & Forecasting Officer serves as the principal assistant to the Director in organizing, directing and executing the Desert Locust and other mandated migratory pests Survey, Control and Forecasting operations in the Region.

Specific Responsibilities

• Responsible for coordination and monitoring of migratory pest developments and aerial control operations in the Member Countries.
• Supervises and coordinates the Divisions’ work program and activities, and is expected to use his/her skills for better outcome of the Migratory Pests Management System, mainly focusing on preventive control strategies.
• Delivers policy and technical advisory support to contracting Member Countries on the Management of Migratory Pests.
• Manages day-to-day work of the Division based on the annual work programme and the allocated budget.
• Coordinates and follow‐ups implementation and monitors the execution of programs to improve National and Regional Migratory Pest Management.
• Informs the Director on procedures and timeframes to execute annual and emergency programs.
• Coordinates and implements Project activities including emergency and manage the use of the funds relevant to the Division in collaboration with other Divisions of the Organization and partners/donors.
• Prepares and dispatches monthly, emergency, and annual Migratory Pest Situation Reports and presents the annual work programme and budget proposal for the Division to the Executive Committee and Council Sessions.
• Maintains regular contact with Operations, Research, Air Operation Divisions, and Anti‐Locust (and other migratory pests) bodies regionally and internationally to obtain data concerning potential outbreaks of Desert Locusts and other migratory pests, and keeps a vigilant eye on their developments in an endeavor to project accurate forecasts and plans timely strategic control operations.
• Establishes and maintains network exchange reports on the Desert Locust Situation and prevailing weather conditions with the regional and international anti‐locust bodies and meteorological services in order to maintain up‐to‐date records on the Desert Locust situation, leading to the establishment of a Database Management System.
• Maintains and operates an operational room fitted with the appropriate mapping and documentation facilities and equipment to facilitate the proper management and follow‐up of the day‐to‐day locust and other migratory pests’ situation and the planning of day‐to‐day control strategies during outbreak seasons.
• Contribute to the organizations Resource Mobilization initiatives through preparation of Project concept papers/proposals for donor funding.
• Develop, plan, and implement an information technology (IT) strategy that meets the Organization’s needs.
• Ensure that IT and network infrastructure adequately support the organization’s computing, data processing, and communication needs.
• Implements any other tasks assigned to him by the Director

Job Requirement

• Master’s Degree in Agricultural Science/Entomology from a recognized university, with at least 8 years of post-qualification experience in Desert Locust and other migratory pest monitoring, control and Management. PhD in entomology or related field is an added advantage.
• Additional qualification (Diploma/Certificate) in Remote Sensing or Bio-meteorology with long-proven experience and training in the field of Pest Management.
• At least 5 years’ experience in the administration of information systems and technology (including website management) with an increasing level of responsibility.
• Ability to work in harmony with people of different national and cultural background is highly desirable.
• Age 40-55 years.

Salary and Benefits

Salary and benefits package according to the Organization’ salary structure as per Service Regulations. Benefits include: housing allowance, cost of living allowance; education allowance for 4 children, home leave travel, annual leave of 36 working days, indemnity fund entitlements (10% of salary) and health insurance.

Duty Station: Headquarters – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia