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LABORATORY TECHNICIAN (Au- Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN (Au- Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre)

The Pan African Veterinary Centre of the African Union (AU-PANVAC) is one of the specialized technical offices of the Commission of the African Union under its Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture. It was established to contribute to improved livestock health in Africa by using good quality vaccines and biological reagents for animal disease control and surveillance. Its Headquarters is located in Debre-Zeit (Ethiopia).

For the implementation of its activities on production, standardization and distribution of biological reagents for animal disease diagnosis, AU-PANVAC seeks the services of a Laboratory Technician.

AU/PANVAC invites application from citizens of African Union Member States for the position of Laboratory Technician.

1. Post
Post title: Laboratory Technician
Post level: P2
Duty Station: Debre Zeit, Ethiopia
Immediate Supervisor: Senior Animal Diseases Reagents Officer

2. Major Duties and Responsibilities
The Laboratory Technician will assist the Senior Animal Diseases Reagents Officer in the following tasks:
• Performance of molecular biology techniques (monoclonal antibodies production, recombinant proteins expression, SDS-PAGE, Western blot…)
• Production and distribution of biological reagents
• Evaluation and validation of Animal disease diagnostic tests.
• Procurement and maintenance of laboratory consumables ;
• Implementation of quality assurance

In addition the laboratory technician will perform of any other duties as may be requested by the supervisor.

3. Educational Qualifications
Candidates must have at least a Post-Graduate (Masters) degree in Biology or a related field and a certified training in the field of molecular biology.

4. Work Experience Requirement
At least five years of working experience in a laboratory, with a minimum of three years in the field of molecular biology. Experience in monoclonal antibodies production and recombinant protein expression.

5. Other Relevant Skills
a) Good skills in running a modern laboratory automats and managing laboratory needs.
b) Excellent skills in quality assurance and control in biological reagent production.
c) Practical experience in laboratory information management system.
d) Good organizing skills: Ability to prioritize work assignments, organize own work schedule.
e) Computer skills: Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office 2003 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
f) Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

6. Language Requirement
Proficiency in one of the AU working languages is required. Knowledge of one or several other working languages would be an added advantage.

7. Age Requirement
Candidates must preferably be between 25 and 35 years old.

8. Tenure of Appointment
The Appointment will be for ten (10) months including a 3 months probationary period. Contract extension will be subject to 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. Application
To apply, please submit the following:
a) A letter stating reasons for seeking employment with the AU
b) A detailed and updated CV, indicating your nationality, age and gender
c) Names and contact details (including e-mail address) of three references;
d) Certified copies of degrees and diplomas.

11. Remuneration:
The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$ 69,392.86 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 57,789.27 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the Commission.

The Applications must be received not later than 31st March 2011 and should be addressed to:

Director of Administration & Human Resource Development
African Union Commission
P.O.BOX 3243
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
FAX: +251-11-5525840/5510430
E-mail: au-recruits@africa-union.org