The Desert Locust Control Organization for Eastern Africa (DLCO-EA) is a Regional Organization established in 1962 by an International Convention signed by the Governments of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Its mandate is to control Migratory Pests and Vectors in the Region namely; Desert locusts, Quelea birds, Armyworms and Tsetse flies.
Job Title: Information and Forecasting Officer
Job classification: Professional staff
Terms of Appointment: 3 years Contract (Renewable)
Duty Station: Headquarters – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Report to: Director
Job Summary
The Information & Forecasting Officer/Locust Officer serves as the principal assistant to the Chief Information and Forecasting Officer in organizing, directing and executing the Desert Locust and other migratory pests Survey, Control and Forecasting operations in the Region. Specific areas of responsibilities are outlined below, however, he may be required to perform other duties which may be delegated to him by the Director.
Specific Responsibilities
- Maintains regular contact with the DLCO-EA Operation and Scientific Research Division and anti-locust bodies regionally and internationally to obtain scientific data concerning potential outbreaks of the Desert Locust and other migratory pests and keeps a vigilant eye on the regional pest situation in an endeavor to project accurate forecasts and to plan timely strategic control operations.
- Establishes and maintains a network of exchange reports on the migratory pest situation and prevailing weather with Regional and International anti-locust bodies and meteorological services in order to maintain up-to-date records on the desert locust and other migratory pest situation, leading to the establishment of a Database Management System (DBMS).
- 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 the day-to-day control strategies during the outbreak seasons.
- Projects the periodical Desert Locust forecasts, initiates aerial and ground survey operations and assists the Director in planning and executing the control strategy.
- Participates in the survey and control operations of the Desert Locust and other migratory pests as an Officer in command as and when necessary, responsible for training the operational staff on the job.
- Prepares the periodic situation reports (SITREPS), e.g. the half-monthly or monthly situation reports, the quarterly general operational plans and the Annual Reports on the Desert Locust and other mandated posts.
- Coordinates with the relevant Officers in mobilization of equipment and resources for the Desert Locust and other migratory pest Operations which should have priority over other operational activities.
- Contribute to the organizations Resource Mobilization initiatives through preparation of Project concept papers/proposals for donor funding.
- Handles the day-to-day Locust/Armyworm/Quelea/Tsetse fly operational work and follows up the routine problems concerning the operations with the relevant Divisions and Sections especially Procurement, Stores and Motor Transport.
- Expected to up-date him/herself on current and advance technologies in locust and migratory pest operations and to initiate the establishment of such developments, including management of the Situation Room at the Headquarters.
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.
Qualifications Required
- MSc in Entomology/agricultural sciences with at least 5 years of post-qualification experience in Desert Locust/migratory pest monitoring and control work.
- Remote Sensing or Bio-meteorology with long proven experience and training in the field of migratory Pest Management is required.
- Ability to work in harmony with people of different national and cultural background is highly desirable.
How to Apply
To apply, download the Application Form on www.dlco-ea.org/careers/ and submit electronically the filled application forms together with a cover letter, detailed CV, copies of Certificates and Testimonials to the email addresses provided below by August 5, 2024.
Email to: careers@dlco-ea.org
Copy to: director@dlco-ea.org and berhane.asgedom@dlco-ea.org
