African Union Recruitment 2022 Apply Here

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Reports to: Chairperson of the African Union Commission
Directorate/Department: Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI)
Number of Direct: Reports One (1) Director
Number of Directorates and Agencies: 1 Directorate, 4 Specialised Technical Offices and the Pan African University
Job Family: Elected Official
Job Grade: SP3
Level: Six (6)

AU Values

• Respect for Diversity and Teamwork
• Think Africa Above all
• Transparency and Accountability
• Integrity and Impartiality
• Efficiency and Professionalism
• Information and Knowledge Sharing

Context:

• Under the direct authority of the Chairperson of the Commission, this position is responsible for driving the implementation of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation policies, programs and strategies in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the associated medium-term plans and other key continental legal and policy frameworks. Leads engagement with the AU Member States and strategic partners in the delivery of the portfolio’s continental priorities.
• The Commissioner shall have a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.

Main Functions

• Sets the overall goals of the Education, Science, Technology and Innovation portfolio in line with the AU Agenda 2063;
• Sets annual performance targets for the Education, Science, Technology and Innovation portfolio and report on annual progress to Specialized Technical Committees and AU Policy Organs;
• Provides regular reports to the Chairperson of the Commission on portfolio delivery;
• Carries out effective regular engagement and collaboration with, and timely reporting to the PRC and respective subcommittees;
• Drives the implementation of the AU Institutional Reform Agenda as part of the senior leadership team;
• Provides leadership and guidance to Directors in the implementation of policies and programs within the portfolio;
• Engages with Member States in order to pursue the Commission’s work to promote domestication of AU Agenda 2063 at the national level by Member States;
• Leads partnership negotiations and resource mobilization with Strategic Partners to finance continental programmes and priorities;
• Co-ordinates Specialized Technical Committees to promote the achievement of the departmental mandate;
• Strengthens regional coordination, cooperation and integration initiatives and ensure an effective division of labour with Member States and Regional Economic Communities
• Ensures effective collaboration in programme development with the AU Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD);
• Collaborates with other members of the senior leadership team to ensure strategic coherence and overall synergy in the implementation of the Commission’s programme and the delivery of high impact results for the continent;
• Cultivates a knowledge management culture through promotion of research and publications that will ensure knowledge sharing and transfer within the department and with other departments across the Commission; and
• Supervises Directors and inspires high performance and delivery across the portfolio.

Specific Responsibilities

• Leads the implementation of AU Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) aimed at aligning Africa’s education and training systems to meet the knowledge, competencies, skills, innovation and creativity required to nurture African core values and promote sustainable development at the national, regional and continental levels;
• Drives the development of continental policy frameworks and programs that contribute towards revitalized, quality, relevant, and harmonized education systems responsive to the needs of Africa;
• Leads the implementation of enabling policies aimed at accelerating Africa’s transition to an innovative-led, knowledge-based economy to achieve food security, prevention and control of diseases, peace and harmony in the society and wealth creation in the continent;
• Leads the development of policies and strategies to address the challenges of education, technical and vocational training to support economic development, creation of national wealth and contribute to poverty reduction through youth entrepreneurship, innovation and employment;
• Spearheads the implementation of an African Virtual and E-University that aims to make use ICT based programmes to develop relevant and high quality Open, Distance and eLearning (ODeL) resources to offer students guaranteed access to the University from anywhere in the continent and the world;
• Leads continental advocacy for an inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all in the Member States;
• Leads engagements with Member States to secure the adoption of Pan-African University standards in all other universities within Member States to strengthen African higher education and research, address quality of education, promote intra-African collaboration, innovation and establish links with industry and social sector; and
• Drives the African Union’s education and scientific scholarships and awards initiative and oversee the work of specialist Africa Union institutions; and
• Drives strategic partnerships and resource mobilization for continental Research and Development;

Key Relationships
Internal Relationships:

• Executive Council of the African Union
• Permanent Representatives Committee
• Other AU organs
• Specialised Technical Committees
• AUDA-NEPAD
• Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
• Chairperson
• Deputy Chairperson
• Director-General
• Other Commissioners
• Other Directorates

External Relationships:

• AU Member States
• Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
• International development partners
• UN agencies and African Development Bank
• UN Security Organs;
• African private sector
• Civil Society Organisations
• Research Institutions and Policy Think Tanks

Academic Requirements

• Master’s degree in Education, Science and Technology, Social Sciences or closely related field from a recognized institution.
• A PhD in Education, Science and Technology, Social Sciences or closely related field from a recognized institution is an added advantage.

Relevant Experience:

• Have not less than eighteen (18) years of relevant professional experience with at least ten (10) years served in a senior leadership role preferably in an intergovernmental organisation or national government/public service, international or regional institution.

Language(s):

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages. Fluency in another AU working language is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership experience with strategic vision and proven skills in managing complex organizations at the national, regional or international level;
• Demonstrated record of setting clear standards for accountability, probity, value for money and risk management and zero tolerance to fraud and corruption; for ensuring sound and transparent financial management; and delivering continuous improvement, impact, efficiency and effectiveness;
• Demonstrated intellectual leadership, creativity and proven ability to propose new ideas and lead on new ways of working across silos in a complementary and synergistic way for a prosperous and peaceful Africa;
• Proven track record of change management and accomplishments at the regional, national or international level with strong resource mobilization, political and diplomatic skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural team and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization;
• Proven ability to inspire, encourage, build trust and confidence and build consensus, stimulate effective campaigns and drive collective action among a broad spectrum of people and organizations.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Focus: Determines and outlines the portfolio’s strategic priorities and connects the portfolio’s purpose to that of the broader organization vision and values. Inspires others and the organisation to achieve beyond expectations. Proactively identifies and prioritizes the key issues involved to facilitate executive decision-making and makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data is limited, or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions.
• Developing Organizational Capability: Promotes and catalyzes organizational learning and development to ensure that the portfolio is well-positioned to meet future leadership needs and mentors others to enhance their development.
• Change Leadership: Acts as a catalyst for organizational change. Influences others to translate vision into action and identifies change opportunities and champion organizational change initiatives – consistently looks for ways to improve the portfolio or organization. Understands multiple cultural frameworks, values, and norms. Demonstrates an ability to adapt style when faced with myriad dimensions of culture in order to be effective across cultural contexts. Able to resolve conflicts arising to competing objectives, limited resources, or differing perspectives and seeks amicable solutions.
• Strategic Risk Management: Manage the organisation’s and portfolio’s reputation by making risk-intelligent decisions and using sound judgement in highly complex situations based on an assessment of the risks and benefits, impacts, etc.

Core Competencies:

• Building Partnerships: Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals to foster organizational goals through proactive engagement with key stakeholders. Perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly.
• Drives Accountability Culture: Determines objectives, sets priorities and develops longer-term goals and proactively influences how resources, services, etc. are re-organized to achieve goals and offering recommendations on issues of accountability for improvement. Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
• Learning Agility and Resilience:  Engages in systematic and development activities aligned with the strategic needs of the organisation. Promotes ongoing learning and development across the organization, develops personal and professional goals and makes insightful career planning decisions to achieve (or alter) these goals. Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.
• Communicating with impact: Projects authority, credibility and influences external executive decision-makers to achieve substantive goals. Uses personal rather than positional power to influence and motivate others to achieve results and presents the key points of an argument persuasively. Negotiates and facilitates through cultural differences, conflicts, tensions, or misunderstandings.

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual Thinking: Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others to think through issues and/or resolve problems.
• Job Knowledge Sharing: Fosters and enables a knowledge and information-rich culture through engaging with thought leaders within and outside the organization.
• Drive for Results: Drives high performance standards from goal creation to continuous improvement. Commits significant resources and/or time (in the face of uncertainty) to improve performance, reach a challenging goal and implements innovative solutions.
• Fosters Innovation: – Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes for the overall performance of the organization and the portfolio.

Job Title: AU Youth Volunteer (AUYV) – 11 Cohort

Reference Code: AUYV 11 /2022/ 03
Location: Headquaters (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
Contract Type: Short Term
Employment Fraction: Full-time

Background Information

• The African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC), established in 2010, is a continental development program that promotes youth volunteerism in Africa. The program aims to deepen the status of young people as key actors in Africa’s development targets and goals, enhancing their participation in policy development as well as design and implementation of relevant interventions towards the Africa Union’s Agenda 2063, ‘The Africa we want’. It brings people together to share skills, knowledge, creativity and learning to build a more integrated, prosperous and peaceful Continent driven by its citizens. The volunteering opportunities are intended to build professionalism and a sense of responsibility among the participants, thus enhancing their employability.
• Young African professionals are recruited to serve for a period of 12 months as AU Volunteers in an AU Member State other than their own.

Job Description Summary

• As an African Union Youth Volunteer you wll be deployed to serve for a period of 12 months in your respective professional field. Through the AU-YVC program, the AUC ims to achieve the following objectives:
  • Empower African youth through leadership and professional experience.
  • Mainstream youth in Pan African Organizations.
  • Promote Pan Africanism and integration through exchange.
• As an AUYV you will play a catalytic role in supporting Africa’s Development Agenda (Agenda 2063) and bring in a youth lens in the various policies and programs you will be engaged in and play your role towards and integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its citizen – in particular its Youth. You will be deployed for a period of 12 months outside your own country which will expose you to new cultures, and societies where you will be required to adapt, learn and add value to your organization and your host community at large.

Tasks
Main Duties And Responsibilities:

• Once selected, you will be matched with existing vacancies based on your professional background and past experience. A detailed terms of reference will be provided to you by the host organization where you will be serving.

Requirements
Qualifications and Work Experiences Required:
In order to be considered for the program, you need to satisfy ALL of the following eligibility requirements: Applicants have to meet the following criteria:

• Citizen of an AU Member State living on the continent or the Diaspora;
• Aged between 18 – 35 years (must be under the age of 35 when completing 12 months service)
• Have a post-secondary certified qualification(s) (TVET, Bachelor’s, Master’s etc.)
• Available in 2022/21 to dedicate 12 (twelve) months for volunteer work;
• Willing to live and work in another AU Member State;
• Is proficient in at least one AU working language (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese);
• Have at least one-year verifiable volunteering experience and one-year professional work experience. The AU-YVC is looking for motivated young leaders who embody the following qualities:
  • Embodies the spirit of Pan-Africanism;
  • Committed to Africa’s shared values of an Integration, peace and development. Embodies the spirit of service & servant leadership;
  • High degree of professionalism
  • Solution-oriented & can demonstrate results;
  • Able to work and thrive in challenging, multi cultural settings including post-conflict environments;
  • Respectful towards cultural, intellectual, religious and linguistic diversities;
  • Strong interpersonal and organising skills;
  • Flexible, independent and self-motivated;

Language Requirement:

• Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages, proficiency of two or more in other of one or several other working language(s) would be an added value.

Tenure of Appointment

• The appointment will be made on a Short Term Contract for a period of One (1) Year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period.

Gender Mainstreaming:

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

Remuneration
For the successful candidates, the African Union Commission will cover the full costs of their pre-deployment training and deployment. African Union Youth Volunteers are entitled to the following:

• Economy return air ticket from home town to place of deployment.
• A modest monthly stipend.
• Health Insurance cover.
• AU Service Passport.
• Separation allowance on successful completion of twelve (12) Months service.

Job Title: Director Trade in Goods and Competition

Reference Code: AFCFTA/D1/04/003
Location: Accra, Ghana
Post level: D1
Employment Fraction: Full-time
Contract Type: Regular (Long Duration)
Organ / Department: The AfCFTA Secretariat
Reporting to: Secretary General – AfCFTA

The Organisation

• The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a New Partnership worldwide. The African Union Heads of State and Government decided through Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.394 (XVIII) of January 2015 to fast-track the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area. Negotiations were launched in 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa and all 55 African countries have been participating in the process. The Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was concluded on 21 March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda and came into force on 30 May 2019.
• Article 3 of the AfCFTA Agreement provides that the general objectives of the Agreement are to create a single market for goods and services facilitated by movement of persons to deepen economic integration of the African continent in accordance with the vision of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa” enshrined in Agenda 2063. The AfCFTA will deliver an integrated continental market of 1.3 billion consumers with aggregate GDP of USD 3.4 trillion. The specific objectives of the AfCFTA are outlined in Article 4 of the Agreement. The operational phase of the AfCFTA was launched on 07th July 2019 during the 12th Extraordinary Summit of AU Heads of State and Government in Niamey, Niger. During that same Summit, AU Heads of State and Government agreed that the headquarters of the AfCFTA shall be in Accra, Ghana and also set the date of 1 July 2022 as the start of trading under the AfCFTA. The Heads of State and Government also agreed that the Secretariat shall be established by March 2022.
• In view of the above background, the AfCFTA Secretariat through the African Union Commission invites qualified and competent applicants who are citizens of the Member States of the African Union with relevant skills, competencies and experiences to submit their applications for the position of the Director Trade in Goods and Competition based at its headquarters in Accra, Ghana.

Job Purpose

• Reporting to the Secretary-General, the Director: Trade in Goods and Competition shall be responsible for all matters related to Trade in Goods, Trade Facilitation and Competition of the AfCFTA to facilitate the implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement. Providing technical leadership and ensure efficient functioning of all Divisions and ensure overall management of directorate human resources, budget, performance, quality and training in conformity with relevant AU rules and regulations.

Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities
General management responsibilities:

• Determine and execute the directorate’s strategy and align to the AfCFTA Secretariat’s overall strategy;
• Prepare and oversee integrated programmes and related activities of the department;
• Provide support in the development of policies and oversee policy development guidelines;
• Build and maintain a strategic plan to form good working relations with other directorate / department;
• Build staff capacity and continually improve the cost-effectiveness in the delivery of the directorate’s mandate;
• Develop and maintain regular working relations with top-level stakeholders in appropriate agencies of the Member States and partners; and
• Prepare periodic financial, budget execution and programme delivery reports.

Specific Responsibilities
Trade-in Goods:

• Responsible for assisting state parties in implementing the Protocols on Trade in Goods and Competition, including their subsidiary instruments;
• Assist the state parties in enhancing cooperation in the areas of Customs Procedures, Trade Facilitation and Transit;
• Assist the state parties in enhancing cooperation in the areas of Technical Barriers to Trade, Non-Tariff Barriers and Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures;
• Act as a secretariat to the Committee on Trade in Goods and the Committee on Competition and their subsidiary bodies, to ensure their smooth functioning;
• Provide high-quality factual reports, technical advisory notes and other relevant information notes to enable the smooth functioning of the Committee on Trade in Goods, the Committee on Competition and their subsidiary bodies;
• Develop formats and working procedures for receipt of notifications and their circulation to state parties;
• Lead technical assistance and capacity building initiatives to enable state parties to implement the Protocols on Trade in Goods and Competition, including their subsidiary instruments;
• Design and maintain a comprehensive database of each state party’s tariff schedule, including the tariff schedules of customs unions;
• Conduct research and assist other directorates of the Secretariat on all matters related to the Protocols on Trade in Goods and Competition whenever expertise on these topics is required, for instance in the context of dispute settlement cases and of technical assistance activities;
• Lead collaboration and develop good working relations and partnerships with relevant organisations such as UN Economic Commission for Africa, the World Trade Organisation, the World Customs Organisation amongst others.

Competition:

• Oversee the implementation of the Competition Policy Protocol;
• Provide policy guidelines and facilitation of the implementation of continental competition policy;
• Establish and operationalise the African Competition Network of national and regional competition authorities to promote cooperation and harmonisation of competition regulation in the continent;
• Assist State Parties to develop competition policies and implement competition laws in conformity with the goals of the AfCFTA;
• Provide appropriate technical and other AfCFTA-related advice and required documentation to Member State representatives participating in meetings and ensure the timely production and dissemination of minutes of technical meetings;
• Coordinate and facilitate technical assistance programs, policy dialogue on competition policy, studies and advocacy to advance competition policy that addresses challenges in the continent;
• Ensure cooperation with regional bodies responsible for competition regulation;
• Identify competition policy challenges in Africa and propose activities or initiatives to address these; and
• Advance and place the competition policy agenda for Africa in international organisations such as the WTO and UNCTAD.

Required Qualifications and Work Experience
Education Qualification:

• A minimum of a Master’s Degree in the fields of International Trade, Economics, International Relations, International Development Policy, Law, Business Administration or other relevant disciplines.

Professional Work Experience:

• A minimum of 12-years working experience in a profession related to International Trade, Economics, International Relations, International Development Policy, Law, Business Administration or other relevant disciplines. This experience should include at least 7-years work at a managerial level position.
• Established record of implementation and monitoring of multilateral or regional or bilateral trade agreements, particularly SPS, NTBs, TBT, Customs Procedures and trade defense measures.
• Experience in leading the formulation and implementation of trade policies at national or regional levels, including proven ability to achieve a consensus of domestic or regional stakeholders;
• Experience in working with and advising governments at a senior management/executive level; Previous managerial experience in leading an organization and/or a team of professionals; and
• Experience in project management and leading change in an organization.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Competences
Functional:

• In-depth knowledge of and / or past involvement in relevant regional trade framework agreements and negotiations in the region;
• Strong leadership, managerial, analytical, people and team skills;
• Proven track record of working collaboratively with commercial drivers of trade and investment in Africa;
• A strong commitment to the values of impartiality, honesty, integrity and objectivity;
• International experience, with a personal reputation of the highest order among global and African trade professionals; and
• Experience in working in a multicultural environment.
• Conceptual Thinking: Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others and are not learned from previous education or experience, to think through issues and / or resolve problems.
• Job Knowledge Sharing: Fosters and enables knowledge and information-rich culture through engaging with thought leaders within and outside the organization.
• Drive for Result: Commits significant resources and/or time (in the face of uncertainty) to improve performance, reach a challenging goal and implements innovative solutions.
• Fosters Innovation: Encourages creativity on the part of others by highlighting the benefits of innovation and change on the overall performance of the organization and/or the performance department/ directorate.

Leadership Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic Focus: – Creates a compelling vision for the future state of the department / directorate and or organization. Establishes a comprehensive course of action to achieve the vision.
• Developing Organizational Capability: Promotes organizational learning and development to ensure that the department is well-positioned to meet future leadership needs and mentor others to enhance their development.
• Change Leadership: Leads and champions organizational change initiatives – consistently looks for ways to improve the Department / directorate or organization.
• Strategic Risk Management: Uses sound judgement to make risky decisions in highly complex situations based on an assessment of the risks and benefits, impacts, etc

Personal Abilities:

• Ability to use strong managerial delegation, political tact and supervisory skills to achieve documented objectives
• Evidence of ability to lead, motivate and guide a team of professionals;
• Ability to work effectively with people from various backgrounds and create an environment where diversity is respected
• Ability to identify key strategic opportunities and risks
• Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development
• Ability to initiate and cultivate strategic internal and external networking relationships, builds alliances and collaborates across boundaries to foster organizational goals through proactive engagement with key stakeholders.
• Develops longer-term goals and proactively influences how resources, services, etc. are re-organized to achieve goals and offering recommendations on issues of accountability for improvement.
• Promotes ongoing learning and development across the organization, develops personal and professional goals and makes insightful career planning decisions to achieve (or alter) these goals.
• Ability to communicate with impact, uses personal rather than positional power to influence and motivate others to achieve results.

Knowledge and Understanding:

• Demonstrable in-depth knowledge of the Agreement Establishing the AfCFTA, its Protocols and its subsidiary legal instruments;
• A good working knowledge of African countries capacity needs in terms of implementing trade agreements and policies;
• Detailed knowledge of regional trade relations between developed and developing countries and relevant WTO agreements.
• Demonstrable extensive knowledge of the functioning and decision making processes of the African regional trade and economic integration and/or multilateral trading system;
• Experience in public communication and dealing with the media.

Language Requirement:

• Applicants must be proficient in one of the following African Union working languages; Arabic, English, French or Portuguese. Knowledge of one more or several other working languages would be an added advantage.

Tenure of Appointment and Assumption of Duty:

• The appointment will be made on regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two-years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Least Representative Countries:

• Angola, Algeria, Cape Verde, Central African Rep., Egypt, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Guinea, Libya, Morocco, Namibia, Saharawi Arab D.R., Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa

Gender Mainstreaming:

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

Remuneration and Benefits

• Indicative basic salary of US$78,138 (D1 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (57% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 27,290.88.00 (per annum), education allowance (100% of tuition and other education related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10, 000.00 per child per annum), etc. for internationally recruited staff of the Commission.

Job Title: Director of Finance – AFCFTA Secretariat

Reference Code: AFCFTA/D1/03/003
Location: Accra, Ghana
Organ / Department: The AfCFTA Secretariat
Post level: D1
Reporting to: Secretary General – AfCFTA
Contract Type: Regular (Long Duration)
Employment Fraction: Full-time
Branch: The AfCFTA Secretariat

The Organization

• The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a New Partnership worldwide.
• The African Union Heads of State and Government decided through Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.394 (XVIII) of January 2015 to fast-track the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area. Negotiations were launched in 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa and all 55 African countries have been participating in the process. The Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was concluded on 21 March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda and came into force on 30 May 2019.
• Article 3 of the AfCFTA Agreement provides that the general objectives of the Agreement are to create a single market for goods and services facilitated by movement of persons to deepen economic integration of the African continent in accordance with the vision of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa” enshrined in Agenda 2063. The AfCFTA will deliver an integrated continental market of 1.3 billion consumers with aggregate GDP of USD 3.4 trillion. The specific objectives of the AfCFTA are outlined in Article 4 of the Agreement. The operational phase of the AfCFTA was launched on 07th July 2019 during the 12th Extraordinary Summit of AU Heads of State and Government in Niamey, Niger. During that same Summit, AU Heads of State and Government agreed that the headquarters of the AfCFTA shall be in Accra, Ghana and also set the date of 1 July 2022 as the start of trading under the AfCFTA. The Heads of State and Government also agreed that the Secretariat shall be established by March 2022.
• In view of the above background, the AfCFTA Secretariat through the African Union commission invites qualified and competent applicants who are citizens of Member States of the African Union with relevant skills, competencies and experiences to submit their applications for the position of the Director of Finance based at its headquarters in Accra, Ghana.

Job Purpose

• Reporting to the Secretary-General, the Director of Finance shall be responsible for all matters related to financial management, accounting planning and budgeting affairs of the AfCFTA to facilitate the implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement.
• Providing technical leadership in development and implementation of Financial Accounting Policies, Procedures, Rules and Regulations to ensure efficient functioning of the directorate, responsible for the overall management of directorate’s human resources, budget, performance, quality and training in conformity with relevant AU rules and regulations.

Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities
General management responsibilities:

• Determine and execute the directorate’s strategy and align to the AfCFTA Secretariat’s overall strategy;
• Promote sound financial management practices by ensuring adherence and compliance with International Public Sector accounting standards (IPSAS), the AU Financial Rules and Regulations, Systems and Procedures;
• Build staff capacity and continually improve the cost effectiveness in the delivery of the directorate’s mandate; – Develop and oversee policy development guidelines;
• Build and maintain a strategic plan to form good working relations with other directorate/department;
• Develop and maintain regular working relations with top level stakeholders in appropriate agencies of Member States and partners; and
• Prepare periodic financial and budget execution reports and annual financial statements and other reports.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Establish funding structures and mobilize funds from State Parties and partners in accordance with the African Union Regulations and Rules to support the implementation of the AfCFTA;
• Prepare the Annual Budget of the Secretariat for the approval of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Trade;
• Propose draft decisions relating to financial and budgetary matters for the AfCFTA Secretariat;
• Make representations to the States Parties with respect to the functioning of the budget;
• Coordinate and take lead on the annual audit processes both internal and external;
• Oversee the annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the senior management team, administer and review all financial plans and budgets, monitor progress and changes and regularly update the Secretary-General on the AfCFTA Secretariat’s financial status;
• Advise the Secretary-General on financial strategy matters and provide the Secretariat with financial policy, programming guidelines, accounting system, budgeting guidelines and assets safeguard systems;
• Ensure effective implementation and compliance with Financial Rules and Regulations;
• Ensure annual “bulk” approvals e.g. procurement plan, meetings and conference calendars for Secretariat’s Directorates are up to date and in line with approved budget;
• Develop processes for identifying intra-departmental overlaps and provide advice to the Secretary-General on handling of inter-departmental overlaps;
• Initiate and take necessary actions to collect funds of and for the AfCFTA Secretariat;
• Invest excess liquidity as authorized and guided by the Financial Rules and Regulations;
• Ensure safe custody of all liquid Assets of the AfCFTA Secretariat;
• Ensure prompt recovery of all receivables owed to the AfCFTA Secretariat;
• Produce periodic financial and budget execution reports and annual financial statements and other specific mission reports, in accordance with Financial Rules and Regulations;
• Responsible and accountable for managing the human resources component of the Directorate of Finance of the AfCFTA Secretariat;
• Propose training programmes relating to integrated budget-programme design, collaborative implementation, monitoring and reporting;
• Promote awareness of best practices in financial management and internal financial control systems; – Provide technical guidance and ensure efficient functioning of supervised Divisions;
• Build and maintain good working relations with other Directorates and Organs of the African Union including the AU Commission;
• Effectively Organize coordination meetings on programming and budgeting;
• Ensure overall management of the Directorate: personnel, budget, performance, quality, discipline and training in conformity with relevant rules and procedures in force;
• Perform any other related functions as may be determined from time to time by the Secretary-General.

Requirements
Required Qualifications And Experience – Applicants must have:

Education Qualification:

• A minimum of a Master’s university degree in the fields of Accounting; Finance or related discipline and membership of an internationally recognized professional accounting body (CA, CPA, ACCA, CIMA, Exper- Comptables and so on)

Professional Work Experience:

• A minimum of 12 years extensive and relevant work experience in positions dealing with financial planning, budgeting, accounting and management in an international organization; This experience should include at least 7-years work at managerial level position.

Required Skills, Knowledge And Competences
Functional:

• Strong leadership, managerial, analytical, people and team skills;
• Strong financial management, planning, budgeting, accounting and organizing skills;
• A strong commitment to the values of impartiality, honesty, integrity and objectivity;
• International experience, with a personal reputation of the highest order among global and/or African finance professionals;
• Experience in working in a multicultural environment;
• Conceptual Thinking: Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others and are not learned from previous education or experience, to think through issues and/or resolve problems.
• Job Knowledge Sharing: Fosters and enables knowledge and information-rich culture through engaging with thought leaders within and outside the organization.
• Drive for Result: Commits significant resources and/or time (in the face of uncertainty) to improve performance, reach a challenging goal and implements innovative solutions.
• Fosters Innovation: Encourages creativity on the part of others by highlighting the benefits of innovation and change on the overall performance of the organization and/or the performance department/ directorate.

Leadership and Personal Abilities:

• Strategic Focus: Creates a compelling vision for the future state of the department / directorate and or organization. Establishes a comprehensive course of action to achieve the vision;
• Developing Organizational Capability: – Promotes organizational learning and development to ensure that the department is well-positioned to meet future leadership needs and mentor others to enhance their development;
• Change Leadership: – Leads and champions organizational change initiatives – consistently looks for ways to improve the Department / directorate or organization;
• Strategic Risk Management: – Uses sound judgement to make risky decisions in highly complex situations based on an assessment of the risks and benefits, impacts, etc;
• Ability to use strong managerial delegation, political tact and supervisory skills to achieve documented objectives;
• Evidence of ability to lead, motivate and guide a team of professionals;
• Ability to work effectively with people from various backgrounds and create an environment where diversity is respected;
• Ability to identify key strategic opportunities and risks;
• Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development;
• Ability to initiate and cultivate strategic internal and external networking relationships, builds alliances and collaborates across boundaries to foster organizational goals through proactive engagement with key stakeholders;
• Develops longer-term goals and proactively influences how resources, services, etc. are re-organized to achieve goals and offering recommendations on issues of accountability for improvement;
• Promotes ongoing learning and development across the organization, develops personal and professional goals and makes insightful career planning decisions to achieve (or alter) these goals; and
• Ability to communicate with impact, uses personal rather than positional power to influence and motivate others to achieve results.

Knowledge and Understanding:

• Demonstrable in-depth knowledge of the Agreement Establishing the AfCFTA, its Protocols and its subsidiary legal instruments; and
• Demonstrable extensive knowledge of the functioning and decision making processes of the African regional trade and economic integration and/or multilateral trading system.

Language Requirement:

• Applicants must be proficient in one of the following African Union working languages; Arabic, English, French or Portuguese. Knowledge of one more or several other working languages would be an added advantage.

Tenure of Appointment And Assumption of Duty:

• The appointment will be made on regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two-years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Least Representative Countries:

• Angola, Algeria, Cape Verde, Central African Rep., Egypt, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Guinea, Libya, Morocco, Namibia, Saharawi Arab D.R. , Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa

Gender Mainstreaming:

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

Remuneration and Benefits

• Indicative basic salary of US$78,138 (D1 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (57% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 27,290.88.00 (per annum), education allowance (100% of tuition and other education related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10, 000.00 per child per annum), etc. for internationally recruited staff of the Commission.

Job Title: Director of Administration and Human Resources Management – AFCFTA Secretariat

Reference Code: AFCFTA/D1/02/003
Location: Accra, Ghana
Organization / Department: The AfCFTA Secretariat
Post Level: D1
Reporting to: Secretary General – AfCFTA
Contract Type: Regular (Long Duration)
Employment Fraction: Full-time

Organization

• The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a New Partnership worldwide.
• The African Union Heads of State and Government decided through Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.394 (XVIII) of January 2015 to fast-track the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area. Negotiations were launched in 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa and all 55 African countries have been participating in the process.
• The Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was concluded on 21 March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda and came into force on 30 May 2019. Article 3 of the AfCFTA Agreement provides that the general objectives of the Agreement are to create a single market for goods and services facilitated by movement of persons to deepen economic integration of the African continent in accordance with the vision of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa” enshrined in Agenda 2063.
• The AfCFTA will deliver an integrated continental market of 1.3 billion consumers with aggregate GDP of USD 3.4 trillion. The specific objectives of the AfCFTA are outlined in Article 4 of the Agreement. The operational phase of the AfCFTA was launched on 07th July 2019 during the 12th Extraordinary Summit of AU Heads of State and Government in Niamey, Niger. During that same Summit, AU Heads of State and Government agreed that the headquarters of the AfCFTA shall be in Accra, Ghana and also set the date of 1 July 2022 as the start of trading under the AfCFTA. The Heads of State and Government also agreed that the Secretariat shall be established by March 2022.
• In view of the above background, the AfCFTA Secretariat through the African Union commission invites qualified and competent applicants who are citizens of Member States of the African Union with relevant skills, competencies and experiences to submit their applications for the position of Director of Administration and Human Resources Management based at its headquarters in Accra, Ghana.

Job Purpose

• Reporting to the Secretary General, the Director of Administration and Human Resources Management shall be responsible for leading the development and implementation of effective, responsive and efficient administrative and human resource strategies, policies and management systems that are aligned to organizational needs and best practice and responsible for the overall management of directorate’s human resources, budget, performance, quality and training in conformity with relevant AU rules and regulations.

Tasks
Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities
General management responsibilities:

• Determine and execute the directorate’s strategy and align to the AfCFTA Secretariat’s overall strategy;
• Promote sound people and administrative management practices by ensuring adherence and compliance with the AU Staff Regulations and Rules, code of ethics and conduct as well as systems, policies and procedures;
• Build staff capacity and continually improve the cost effectiveness in the delivery of the directorate’s mandate;
• Develop and oversee policy development guidelines;
• Build and maintain a strategic plan to form good working relations with another directorate/department;
• Develop and maintain regular working relations with top level stakeholders in appropriate agencies of Member States and partners; and
• Prepare periodic financial, budget execution, staff and administrative related reports.

Specific Responsibilities
Human Resources Management:

• Oversee the overall strategic direction, planning, coordination, administration and evaluation of the human resources functions of the AfCFTA Secretariat;
• Ensure the effective development, implementation and review of plans, systems, policies and processes for human resources planning, talent acquisition, management and development, employee engagement, legalmcompliance, employee relations, compensation and benefits; and payroll;
• Monitor, revise, and lead in institutionalizing Human Resources policies, philosophy, values and practices that embrace and drive the Commission’s core values and objectives;
• Partner with the AfCFTA leadership team to develop, implement and evaluate a HR and Talent Management Strategies to ensure the AfCFTA is equipped with staff needed for the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement;
• Establish mechanisms to implement strategies that will enforce departmental accountabilities around recruitment and staffing, employment processing, compensation, health benefits, training and development, records management, employee relations and retention within the AfCFTA;
• Lead the effective and efficient administration of the performance management process, making sure that the organization’s managers are equipped to engage in constructive and continuous feedback and coaching, and encourage staff to actively participate in identifying and addressing performance gaps;
• Maintain current knowledge and application of the AU staff regulations and rules (SRR) and ensure AfCFTA compliance. This includes guiding and advising directors, managers and staff on legal matters and ensure alignment of HR initiatives and practices to SRR;
• Develop a comprehensive Human Resource planning system aligned with the program planning and budgeting cycles, and oversee the provision of support to other Departments’ Human Resource planning, resourcing and deployment;
• Conduct Human Resource risks analysis and make recommendations to the Secretary General and senior management team of the Secretariat;
• Lead and deliver a continuous successful change management process that responds to changing delivery expectations on the Secretariat;
• Manage relations with the staff representatives and promote good employee relations through dialogue, consultation and continuous staff engagement on Human Resources issues;
• Co-ordinate diagnostic surveys, Human Resource audits, stakeholder and employee surveys as needed in order to monitor and evaluate organizational culture and climate;
• Oversee and participate in recruitment of staff consistent with the diversity of the Secretariat’s membership, operational needs and priorities;
• Monitor, manage and explore ways of reducing the cost of recruitment, practices and procedures and identify areas for specific improvement;
• In collaboration with the Office of Legal Counsel, ensure that Human Resources policies and management is consistent with international administrative law requirements;
• Manage relations with partners and external Human Resource service providers, etc.
• Supervise HR line management responsibilities performed under his/her direct supervision.

Administration Services – Key Accountabilities

• Establish and continually review the Secretariat’s policies, procedures, practices, standards and tools that deliver services effectively, including on supply chain management and security of the Secretariat, etc.
• Formulate appropriate solutions to incorporate ICT and administrative service matters and ensure appropriate use of ICT to provide streamlined cost-effective business processes;
• Prepare and present timely and effective management reports and statutory reports to the Leadership, Management, and other governing bodies;
• Oversee the preparation and management of the annual budget of the Directorate and its execution while ensuring compliance with established Rules, Regulations, Procedures as well as AU Assembly Decisions;
• Provide leadership in the development and application of appropriate Safety & Security policies.
• Supervise Administrative line managers responsible for the various segments of the Directorate;
• Responsible for the overall administrative functions for the efficient and consistent operations of the AfCFTA Secretariat;
• Developing administrative policies and manage relationship with service providers; manage the AfCFTA premises and its facilities;
• Ensuring compliance with all agreements and contracts entered into by the AfCFTA secretariat; and
• Ensure that the Secretariat assets and staff have insurance coverage to meet the changing needs of the organization.
• Performs any other related duties as may be assigned.

Requirements
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Applicants must have:

Educations Qualification:

• A minimum of a master’s university degree in the fields of Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Corporate Management, Industrial Psychology, Law or other related Social Sciences.

Professional Work Experience:

• A minimum of 12 years extensive and relevant work experience in positions dealing with Human Resources Management functions and/or Administration in a national or an international organization; This experience should include at least 7-years work at a managerial level position.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Competences:
Functional:

• Strong leadership, managerial, analytical, people and team skills;
• A strong commitment to the values of impartiality, honesty, integrity and objectivity;
• International experience, with a personal reputation of the highest order among global and African trade professionals; and
• Experience in working in a multicultural environment.
• Conceptual Thinking: – Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others and are not learned from previous education or experience, to think through issues and/or resolve problems.
• Job Knowledge Sharing: – Fosters and enables knowledge and information-rich culture through engaging with thought leaders within and outside the organization.
• Drive for Result: – Commits significant resources and/or time (in the face of uncertainty) to improve performance, reach a challenging goal and implements innovative solutions.
• Fosters Innovation: – Encourages creativity on the part of others by highlighting the benefits of innovation and change on the overall performance of the organization and/or the performance department/ directorate.
• Utilizes strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Leadership Skills and personal abilities:

• Strategic Focus: – Creates a compelling vision for the future state of the department / directorate and or organization. Establishes a comprehensive course of action to achieve the vision.
• Developing Organizational Capability: – Promotes organizational learning and development to ensure that the department is well-positioned to meet future leadership needs and mentor others to enhance their development.
• Change Leadership: – Leads and champions organizational change initiatives – consistently looks for ways to improve the Department / directorate or organization.
• Strategic Risk Management: – Uses sound judgement to make risky decisions in highly complex situations based on an assessment of the risks and benefits, impacts, etc
• Ability to use strong managerial delegation, political tact and supervisory skills to achieve documented objectives
• Evidence of ability to lead, motivate and guide a team of professionals;
• Ability to work effectively with people from various backgrounds and create an environment where diversity is respected
• Ability to identify key strategic opportunities and risks
• Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development
• Ability to initiate and cultivate strategic internal and external networking relationships, builds alliances and collaborates across boundaries to foster organizational goals through proactive engagement with key stakeholders.
• Develops longer-term goals and proactively influences how resources, services, etc. are re-organized to achieve goals and offering recommendations on issues of accountability for improvement.
• Promotes ongoing learning and development across the organization, develops personal and professional goals and makes insightful career planning decisions to achieve (or alter) these goals.
• Ability to communicate with impact, uses personal rather than positional power to influence and motivate others to achieve results.

Knowledge and Understanding:

• Knowledge of the Agreement Establishing the AfCFTA, its Protocols and its subsidiary legal instruments
• Demonstrable extensive knowledge of the functioning and decision making processes of the African Union and African regional trade and economic integration and/or multilateral trading system;
• Experience in public communication and dealing with the media

Language Requirements:

• Applicants must be proficient in one of the following African Union working languages; Arabic, English, French or Portuguese. Knowledge of one more or several other working languages would be an added advantage.

Tenure of Appointment and Assumption Of Duty:

• The appointment will be made on regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two-years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Least Representative Countries:

• Angola, Algeria, Cape Verde, Central African Rep., Egypt, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Guinea, Libya, Morocco, Namibia, Saharawi Arab D.R., Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa.

Remuneration and Benefits

• Indicative basic salary of US$78,138 (D1 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (57% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 27, 290.88.00 (per annum), education allowance (100% of tuition and other education related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10, 000.00 per child per annum), etc. for internationally recruited staff of the Commission.

Job Title: Commissioner, Infrastructure and Energy (I & E)

Location: Headquaters (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
Reports to: Chairperson of the African Union Commission Directorate / Department Infrastructure and Energy (I&E)
Number of Direct Reports: One (1) Director
Number of Directorates and Agencies: 1 Directorate and 1
Specialized Technical Agency
Job Family: Elected Official
Job Grade: SP3
Level: Six (6)

Context

• Under the authority of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, this position is responsible for driving the implementation of Infrastructure and Energy policies, programs and strategies in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the associated medium-term plans and other key continental legal and policy frameworks
• Leads engagement with the AU Member States and strategic partners in the delivery of the portfolio’s continental priorities
• The Commissioner shall have a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.

Main Functions

• Sets the overall goals of the Infrastructure and Energy portfolio in line with the AU Agenda 2063;
• Sets annual performance targets for the Infrastructure and Energy portfolio and report on annual progress to Specialized Technical Committees and AU Policy Organs;
• Provides regular reports to the Chairperson of the Commission on portfolio delivery;
• Carries out effective regular engagement and collaboration with, and timely reporting to the PRC and respective subcommittees;
• Drives the implementation of the AU Institutional Reform Agenda as part of the senior leadership team;
• Provides leadership and guidance to Directors in the implementation of policies and programs within the portfolio;
• Engages with Member States in order to pursue the Commission’s work to promote domestication of AU Agenda 2063 at the national level by Member States;
• Leads partnership negotiations and resource mobilization with Strategic Partners to finance continental programmes and priorities;
• Co-ordinates Specialized Technical Committees to promote the achievement of the departmental mandate;
• Strengthens regional coordination, cooperation and integration initiatives and ensure an effective division of labour with Member States and Regional Economic Communities
• Ensures effective collaboration in programme development with the AU Development Agency (AUDANEPAD);
• Collaborates with other members of the senior leadership team to ensure strategic coherence and overall synergy in the implementation of the Commission’s programme and the delivery of high impact results for the continent;
• Cultivates a knowledge management culture through promotion of research and publications that will ensure knowledge sharing and transfer within the department and with other departments across the Commission; and
• Supervises Directors and inspires high performance and delivery across the portfolio.

Specific Responsibilities

• Leads the development, harmonization and ratification of continental infrastructure policies and programmes on interconnected infrastructure to enable the development of cross-border infrastructural projects to enhance interconnectivity;
• Drives and promotes strategies and mechanisms for advancing integrated infrastructural development in AU Member States including resource mobilisation and technical support from Member States and development partners to ensure continental connectivity through rail, road, sea and air;
• Drives the promotion of the acceleration of digital transformation programmes amongst Members States to ensure Africa is well equipped to adopt and benefit from emerging technologies and the dynamic global digital landscape;
• Leads advocacy for security and safety of critical Infrastructure projects through cooperation and partnership with Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and development partners to prevent damage, pilferage and unauthorized use of infrastructure;
• Provides leadership in the implementation and maintenance of Agenda 2063 infrastructural flagship projects such as Integrated High-Speed Network, the Grand Inga Dam project, Single African Air Transport Market and Cyber Security to ensure availability of infrastructure necessary to improve trade, boost growth and create jobs in Member States;
• Facilitates adoption of DotAfrica (.africa), the African Geographical Top-Level Domain (gTLD) by garnering support from Member States and private sector organisations to enable African citizens, governments and organisations associate their services with Africa and her people;
• Leads the establishment of continental accountability mechanisms to track the implementation of the AU vision on infrastructure through coordination and monitoring of results; and
• Leads the monitoring and evaluation of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) to ensure the fulfillment of action plans towards delivering infrastructure projects that integrate energy, transportation, and water development on a continental scale.

Key Relationships
Internal Relationships:

• Executive Council of the African Union
• Permanent Representatives Committee
• Other AU Organs
• Specialized Technical Committees
• AUDA-NEPAD
• Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
• Chairperson
• Deputy Chairperson
• Director General
• Other Commissioners
• Other Directorates.

External Relationships:

• AU Member States
• Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
• International development partners
• UN Agencies and Institutions
• African Development Bank
• African private sector
• Civil Society Organisations
• Research Institutions and Policy Think Tanks.

Academic Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Land Economics, Real Estate, Urban Planning or closely related field from a recognized institution.
• A Ph.D in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Land Economics, Urban Planning, or closely related field from a recognized institution is an added advantage.

Relevant Experience:

• Have not less than eighteen (18) years of relevant professional experience with at least ten (10) years served in a senior leadership role preferably in an intergovernmental organisation or national government/public service, international or regional institution.
• Language(s):
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages. Fluency in another AU working language is an added advantage

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership experience with strategic vision and proven skills in managing complex organizations at the national, regional or international level;
• Demonstrated record of setting clear standards for accountability, probity, value for money and risk management and zero tolerance to fraud and corruption; for ensuring sound and transparent financial management; and delivering continuous improvement, impact, efficiency and effectiveness;
• Demonstrated intellectual leadership, creativity and proven ability to propose new ideas and lead on new ways of working across silos in a complementary and synergistic way for a prosperous and peaceful Africa;
• Proven track record of change management and accomplishments at the regional, national or international level with strong resource mobilization, political and diplomatic skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural team and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization;
• Proven ability to inspire, encourage, build trust and confidence and build consensus, stimulate effective campaigns and drive collective action among a broad spectrum of people and organizations.

Leadership Competencies
Strategic Focus:

• Determines and outlines the portfolio’s strategic priorities and connects the portfolio’s purpose to that of the broader organization vision and values
• Inspires others and the organisation to achieve beyond expectations
• Proactively identifies and prioritizes the key issues involved to facilitate executive decision-making and makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data is limited, or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions.

Developing Organizational Capability:

• Promotes and catalyzes organizational learning and development to ensure that the portfolio is well positioned to meet future leadership needs and mentors others to enhance their development.

Change Leadership:

• Acts as a catalyst for organizational change. Influences others to translate vision into action and identifies change opportunities and champion organizational change initiatives – consistently looks for ways to improve the portfolio or organization.
• Understands multiple cultural frameworks, values, and norms.
• Demonstrates an ability to adapt style when faced with myriad dimensions of culture in order to be effective across cultural contexts. Able to resolve conflicts arising to competing objectives, limited resources, or differing perspectives and seeks amicable solutions.

Strategic Risk Management:

• Manage the organisation’s and portfolio’s reputation by making risk-intelligent decisions and using sound judgement in highly complex situations based on an assessment of the risks and benefits, impacts, etc.

Core Competencies
Building Partnerships:

• Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals to foster organizational goals through proactive engagement with key stakeholders
• Perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly.

Drives Accountability Culture:

• Determines objectives, sets priorities and develops longer-term goals and proactively influences how resources, services, etc. are re-organized to achieve goals and offering recommendations on issues of accountability for improvement
• Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.

Learning Agility and Resilience:

• Engages in systematic and development activities aligned with the strategic needs of the organisation
• Promotes ongoing learning and development across the organization, develops personal and professional goals and makes insightful career planning decisions to achieve (or alter) these goals
• Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.

Communicating with impact:

• Projects authority, credibility and influences external executive decision makers to achieve substantive goals
• Uses personal rather than positional power to influence and motivate others to achieve results and presents the key points of an argument persuasively
• Negotiates and facilitates through cultural differences, conflicts, tensions, or misunderstandings.

Functional Competencies
Conceptual Thinking:

• Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others to think through issues and / or resolve problems.

Job Knowledge Sharing:

• Fosters and enables a knowledge and information-rich culture through engaging with thought leaders within and outside the organization.

Drive for Results:

• Drives high performance standards from goal creation to continuous improvement.
• Commits significant resources and/or time (in the face of uncertainty) to improve performance, reach a challenging goal and implements innovative solutions.

Fosters Innovation:

• Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes for the overall performance of the organization and the portfolio.

AU Values

• Respect for Diversity and Teamwork
• Think Africa Above all
• Transparency and Accountability
• Integrity and Impartiality
• Efficiency and Professionalism
• Information and Knowledge Sharing.

Job Title: Director of Trade in Services, Investment and Intellectual Property Rights

Reference Code: AFCFTA/D1/05/003
Location: Accra, Ghana
Organ/Department: The AfCFTA Secretariat
Post level: D1
Reporting to: Secretary General – AfCFTA
Contract Type: Regular (Long Duration)
Employment Fraction: Full-time
Branch: The AfCFTA Secretariat

Organization

• The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a New Partnership worldwide.
• The African Union Heads of State and Government decided through Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.394 (XVIII) of January 2015 to fast-track the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area Negotiations that were launched in 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa and all 55 African countries have been participating in the process. The Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was concluded on 21 March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda and came into force on 30 May 2019.
• Article 3 of the AfCFTA Agreement provides that the general objectives of the Agreement are to create a single market for goods and services facilitated by movement of persons to deepen economic integration of the African continent in accordance with the vision of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa” enshrined in Agenda 2063. The AfCFTA will deliver an integrated continental market of 1.3 billion consumers with aggregate GDP of USD 3.4 trillion. The specific objectives of the AfCFTA are outlined in Article 4 of the Agreement. The operational phase of the AfCFTA was launched on 07th July 2019 during the 12th Extraordinary Summit of AU Heads of State and Government in Niamey, Niger. During that same Summit, AU Heads of State and Government agreed that the headquarters of the AfCFTA shall be in Accra, Ghana and also set the date of 1 July 2022 as the start of trading under the AfCFTA. The Heads of State and Government also agreed that the Secretariat shall be established by March 2022.
• In view of the above background, the AfCFTA Secretariat through the African Union commission invites qualified and competent applicants who are citizens of Member States of the African Union with relevant skills, competencies and experiences to submit their applications for the position of the DIRECTOR TRADE IN SERVICES, INVESTMENT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS based at its headquarters in Accra,  Organization

Job Purpose

• Reporting to the Secretary-General, the Director of Trade in Services, Investment and Intellectual Property Rights shall be responsible for all matters related to Trade in Services, Investment and Intellectual Property Rights to facilitate the implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement.
• Providing technical and policy leadership and ensuring the efficient functioning of all divisions. Ensuring overall management of the directorate’s human resources, budget, performance, quality and training in conformity with relevant AU rules and regulations

Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities
General management responsibilities:

• Determine and execute the directorate’s strategy and align to the AfCFTA Secretariat’s overall strategy;
• Prepare and oversee integrated programmes and related activities of the department;
• Provide support in development of policies and oversee policy development guidelines;
• Build and maintain a strategic plan to form good working relations with other directorates/departments;
• Build staff capacity and continually improve the cost-effectiveness in the delivery of the directorate’s mandate;
• Develop and maintain regular working relations with top level stakeholders in appropriate agencies of Member States and partners; and
• Prepare periodic financial, budget execution and programme delivery reports.

Specific responsibilities:

• Trade in Services: – Responsible for assisting state parties in implementing the Protocol on Trade in Services, including its subsidiary instruments;
• Assist the state parties in enhancing cooperation in the area of Trade in Services.
• Act as a secretariat to the Committee on Trade in Services and its subsidiary bodies, to ensure their smooth functioning;
• Provide high quality factual reports, technical advisory notes and other relevant information notes to enable the smooth functioning of the Committee on Trade in Services and its subsidiary bodies;
• Lead technical assistance and capacity building initiatives to enable state parties to implement the Protocol on Trade in Services, including its subsidiary instruments.
• Design and maintain a comprehensive database of each state party’s schedule of specific commitments;
• Conduct research and assist other directorates of the Secretariat on all matters related to the Protocols on Trade in Services whenever expertise on this topics is required, for instance in the context of dispute settlement cases and of technical assistance activities.
• Lead collaboration and develop good working relations and partnerships with relevant organisations such as UN Economic Commission for Africa, UNCTAD and the World Trade Organisation, amongst others;
• Establish mechanisms to follow up on State Parties’ compliance with the Protocol on Trade in Services, commitments in the form of schedules of specific commitments, regulatory frameworks as well as other annexes applicable to trade in services;
• Ensure collection of data on services in general and trade in services in particular, in collaboration with other bodies of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Department of Trade and Industry and technical partners such as UNECA, and UNCTAD;
• Establish and maintain a roster or list of potential services experts for dispute settlement/arbitration purposes;
• Represent the secretariat on events in relation to trade in services; and

Investment:

• Responsible for assisting state parties in implementing the Protocol on Investment, including its subsidiary instruments;
• Assist the state parties in enhancing cooperation in the area of Investment.
• Act as a Secretariat to the Committee on Investment and its subsidiary bodies, to ensure their smooth functioning;
• Provide high-quality factual reports, technical advisory notes and other relevant information notes to enable the smooth functioning of the Committee on Investment and its subsidiary bodies;
• Lead technical assistance and capacity building initiatives to enable state parties to implement the Protocol on Investment, including its subsidiary instruments; – Provide appropriate technical advice on investment-related issues to state parties;
• Identify measures aimed at creating enabling legal and regulatory environments for cross-border investment flows among the AfCFTA state parties including, formulating proposals for strategies, policies and programs aimed at harmonizing national legal regimes and legislations on cross-border investment;
• Conduct, whenever necessary, missions to AfCFTA state parties and carry out consultations with relevant institutions, focal points and investment sector stakeholders whose working responsibilities are closely related to the AfCFTA processes, in order to review investment policies, gathering the necessary data and information for ensuring optimal implementation of the AfCFTA.
• Develop and maintain up-to-date information on Investment negotiations in the AfCFTA and AU websites;
• Produce the required inputs on issues relating to Investment for the periodic reports of the activities of the AfCFTA Secretariat Unit, ensuring that agreed deadlines for these inputs are strictly adhered to;
• Lead collaboration and develop good working relations and partnerships with relevant organisations such as UN Economic Commission for Africa, UNCTAD and the World Trade Organisation, amongst others.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs):

• Responsible for assisting state parties in implementing the Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights, including its subsidiary instruments.
• Assist the state parties in enhancing cooperation in the area of IPRs.
• Act as a secretariat to the Committee on Intellectual Property Rights and its subsidiary bodies, to ensure their smooth functioning.
• Provide high-quality factual reports, technical advisory notes and other relevant information notes to enable the smooth functioning of the Committee on Intellectual Property Rights and its subsidiary bodies.
• Lead technical assistance and capacity building initiatives to enable state parties to implement the Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights, including its subsidiary instruments.
• Advise the Secretary-General on IPR related matters;
• Lead research international best practices on IPR;
• Lead collaboration and develop good working relations and partnerships with relevant organisations such as UNECA, UNCTAD, the World Trade Organisation, World Intellectual Property Organization;; World Health Organization; United Nations Development Programme; United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; and Food and Agricultural Organization;
• Conduct, whenever necessary, missions to AfCFTA State Parties and carry out consultations with relevant institutions, focal points and stakeholders;

Required Qualifications And Experience
Education Qualification

• Must have a minimum of a university Master’s degree in International Trade, Development Economics, International Relations, International Business, International Law, Political Science or relevant disciplines;
• Minimum of 12-years working experience in a profession related to regulation of foreign direct investment; trade law; international negotiations; intellectual property rights; competition law policy; cross-border business transactions; and/or transnational corporate law and practice. This experience should include at least 7-years work at managerial level position;
• Applicants with bachelor’s degree may be considered provided they have a minimum of 15- years working experience in a profession related to regulation of foreign direct investment; trade law; international negotiations; intellectual property rights; competition law policy; cross-border business transactions; and/or transnational corporate law and practice with at least 5 years at managerial level position.

Required Skills, Knowledge And Competences
Functional:

• Policy development and research skills;
• Analytical, policy and research skills;
• Highly developed negotiation and teamwork skills;
• Drafting and report writing skills;
• Strong leadership, managerial, analytical, people and team skills;
• Experience in liaising with government ministers and heads of states;
• In-depth knowledge of and/or past involvement in relevant regional trade framework agreements and negotiations in the region;
• Proven track record of working collaboratively with commercial drivers of trade and investment in Africa;
• Evidence of ability to lead, motivate and guide a team of professionals; and
• International experience, with a personal reputation of the highest order among global and African trade professionals.

Leadership and Personal Abilities:

• Strategic Focus: – Creates a compelling vision for the future state of the department / directorate and or organization. Establishes a comprehensive course of action to achieve the vision;
• Developing Organizational Capability: – Promotes organizational learning and development to ensure that the department is well positioned to meet future leadership needs and mentor others to enhance their development;
• Change Leadership: – Leads and champions organizational change initiatives – consistently looks for ways to improve the Department / directorate or organization;
• Strategic Risk Management: – Uses sound judgement to make risky decisions in highly complex situations based on an assessment of the risks and benefits, impacts;
• Performance management and capacity building skills for the team;
• Ability to develop and lead multicultural team in the implementation of organization strategies, programs and initiatives;
• Intellectual leadership and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic overview and to conceptualize and convey strategic vision from the spectrum of up to date concepts and theories in the area of International investment, International trade, business transactions and transnational corporate law. National and regional knowledge and acquaintance with the work fields are highly desirable;
• Proven ability to forge international and national partnerships to deliver successful outcomes as well as an ability to work and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders handling potentially competing objectives; and
• A strong commitment to the values of impartiality, honesty, integrity and objectivity;
• Proven ability to effectively engage and influence at the highest political level of government in Africa, providing counsel on trade policy, trade negotiations and strategy. Knowledge and Understanding
• In-depth knowledge of the Agreement Establishing the AfCFTA, its Protocols and its subsidiary legal instruments;
• A good working knowledge of African countries capacity needs in terms of implementing trade agreements and policies;
• Detailed knowledge of regional trade relations between developed and developing countries and relevant WTO agreements;
• Demonstrable extensive knowledge of the functioning and decision making processes of the African regional trade and economic integration and/or multilateral trading system;
• Possesses knowledge of advanced concepts in the wider area of international foreign investment law. International trade law and business transactions and a broad knowledge of related disciplines, as well as an in-depth knowledge of relevant institutional policies and procedures; and
• Experience in public communication and dealing with the media.

Language Requirement:

• Applicants must be proficient in one of the following African Union working languages; Arabic, English, French or Portuguese. Knowledge of one more or several other working languages would be an added advantage.

Tenure of Appointment and Assumption of Duty:

• The appointment will be made on regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two-years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables

Least Representative Countries:

• Angola, Algeria , Cape Verde, Central African Rep., Egypt, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Guinea, Libya, Morocco, Namibia, Saharawi Arab D.R., Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa

Gender Mainstreaming:

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

Remuneration and Benefits

• Indicative basic salary of US$78,138 (D1 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (57% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 27,290.88.00 (per annum), education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10, 000.00 per child per annum), etc. for internationally recruited staff of the Commission.

Job Title: Deputy Chairperson

Location: Headquaters (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
Reports to: Chairperson of the African Union Commission Directorate / Department Bureau of the Chairperson
Job Grade: SP2
Job Family: Elected Official
Level: Seven (7)

Context

• Under the authority of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission is responsible for administration and finance
• This is a dynamic and transformational leadership role with the responsibility for ensuring effective and efficient administrative functioning and financial management within a strong fiduciary, performance and accountability framework
• The Deputy Chairperson deputizes for the Chairperson when needed and will act as the Chairperson in his or her absence
• The Deputy Chairperson shall have a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.

Statutory Functions

• As Controlling Officer, and under delegated authority from the Accounting Officer of the Union (the Chairperson of the Commission), the Deputy Chairperson is responsible for the day to day finance and administrative operations of the respective Organs and institutions of the Union;
• Chairs all Commission meetings and deliberations in the absence of the Chairperson with the aim of ensuring clear and inclusive submission of information by attendees and direct discussions towards achieving consensus and way forward;
• Assists the Chairperson in undertaking measures aimed at promoting and popularizing the AU’s objectives and enhance its performance;
• Assists the Chairperson in submitting reports requested by the Assembly, Executive Council, Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), committees and any other organs.
• Assists the Chairperson, in conjunction with the PRC, in preparing AU budget and strategic planning documents that ensures optimal availability of resources required to deliver on AU’s objectives.
• Facilitates the functioning, decision-making and reporting of all AU organ meetings, and ensure conformity and harmony with agreed AU policies, strategies, programmes and projects.
• Assists the Chairperson to consult and coordinate with Member States’ governments, other institutions and the RECs on the AU’s activities, and carry out the AU’s diplomatic representations.
• Assists in preparing the annual report on the AU and its organs’ activities to inform on the progress of AU projects and programmes and provide recommendations on the way forward.
• Assists the Chairperson of the Commission and contributes towards making Africa a significant partner in the global level as well as an integrated bloc within the continent.

Specific Responsibilities

• Drives the implementation of the AU Commission’s administrative, budgetary and financial reforms to deliver high performing effective administrative, budget and financial management services in compliance with established rules, regulations and procedures within a strong fiduciary and accountability framework;
• Drives performance across all Commission Service Directorates to ensure high quality service delivery for the efficient and effective delivery of the Commission’s work program and the conduct of AU statutory meetings;
• Drives efforts to ensure that decisions issued by the AU Assembly and the Executive Council relating to administration and finance operations of the AU Commission are implemented in a timely and effective manner;
• Provides regular reports to the Chairperson, to keep him/her informed of any developments and performance in the administration and finance operations of AUC;
• Leads the development, establishment and implementation of effective and efficient resource management policies, procedures, internal controls and systems for identifying, measuring, monitoring and controlling AUC’s operations to drive the implementation of AU strategic priorities;
• Drives efforts to identify innovations that can be adopted to improve service delivery within the African Union Commission;
• Drives the achievement of operational results in line with annual budgets and plans and is responsible for the, analysis and interpretation of the Commission’s performance data;
• Promotes and maintains sound corporate governance, ethics, integrity, value for money in resource management, diversity, inclusion and corporate social responsibility standards of the AU Commission;
• Leads the development of continental policy frameworks and programs on African citizens and diaspora matters; and
• Carries out any other activities as may be determined by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Key Relationships
Internal Relationships:

• Executive Council of the African Union
• Permanent Representatives Committee
• Other AU Organs
• AUDA-NEPAD
• Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
• Chairperson of the Commission
• Commissioners
• Director General
• Directorates
• Staff Association
• Internal administrative bodies
• Administrative Tribunal.

External Relationships:

• AU Member States
• Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
• International development partners
• African Development Bank
• African private sector
• African Diaspora
• African Civil Society Organisations
• African Research Institutions and Policy Think Tanks

Academic Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Finance, Accounting, Human Resource Management, Law, or closely related field from a recognized institution.
• A Ph.D in Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Accounting, Finance, Human Resource
• Management, or closely related field from a recognized institution is an added advantage.

Relevant Experience:

• Have not less than twenty (20) years of relevant professional experience with at least ten (10) years served in a progressive senior leadership role preferably in an intergovernmental organisation or national government / public service, international or regional institution

Language(s):

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages. Fluency in another AU working language is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated transformational leadership experience with strategic vision and proven skills in managing complex organizations at the national, regional or international level;
• Demonstrated record of setting clear standards for accountability, probity, value for money and risk management and zero tolerance to fraud and corruption; for ensuring sound and transparent financial management; and delivering continuous improvement, impact, efficiency and effectiveness;
• Demonstrated intellectual leadership, creativity and proven ability to propose new ideas and lead on new ways of working across silos in a complementary and synergistic way for a prosperous and peaceful Africa;
• Proven track record of change management and accomplishments at the regional, national or international level with strong resource mobilization, political and diplomatic skills;
• Demonstrated ability to lead a multi-cultural team and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization;
• Proven ability to inspire, encourage, build trust and confidence and build consensus, stimulate effective campaigns and drive collective action among a broad spectrum of people and organizations.

Drives Strategic Vision and Purpose:

• Anticipates future trends and artfully crafting a transformational and impactful vision that inspires action and drives a collective sense of purpose
• Able to discern when to inquire, advocate, drive, or resolve
• Proactively identifies and prioritizes the key issues involved to facilitate executive decision-making and makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data is limited, or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions.

Developing Organizational Capability:

• Champions organizational learning and development to ensure that the Commission is well positioned to meet future leadership needs and mentors others to enhance their development.

Change Leadership:

• Acts as a catalyst for organizational change
• Influences others to translate vision into action and identifies change opportunities and champion organizational change initiatives – consistently looks for ways to improve the Commission’s performance
• Creates a harmonious environment that promotes a sense of belonging, creates a community of trust and enables respect, dignity and tolerance
• Able to resolve conflicts arising to competing objectives, limited resources, or differing perspectives and seeks amicable solutions.

Strategic Risk Management:

• Protects the Commission’s image and reputation by making risk-intelligent decisions and using sound judgement in highly complex situations based on an assessment of the risks and benefits, impacts.

Core Competencies
Building Partnerships:

• Identifies and develops sustainable networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals to foster organizational goals through proactive engagement with key stakeholders
• Perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly.

Drives Accountability Culture:

• Drives the uncompromising commitment to ethical and moral principles demonstrated by the highest standards of professionalism in reaching the highest standard of performance and achieving results in support of the Commission’s mandate, objectives and aspirations.

Learning Agility and Resilience:

• Creates and enables a learning organisation that promotes and develops personal and professional goals and makes insightful career planning decisions to achieve (or alter) these goals.
• Has resilience and ability to sustain energy levels under pressure and to cope with disruptive changes and adapt.
• Communicating with impact:
• Projects authority, credibility and influences external executive decision makers to achieve substantive goals
• Negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions and recognizes the impact of alternative courses of action
• Capacity to communicate authentically to maintaining trust and buy-in when responding to competing demands and volatility.

Functional Competencies
Conceptual Thinking:

• Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others to think through issues and / or resolve problems.

Job Knowledge Sharing:

• Fosters and enables a knowledge and information-rich culture through engaging with thought leaders within and outside the Commission.

Drive for Results and Impact:

• Drives high performance standards from goal creation to continuous improvement
• Commits significant resources and / or time (in the face of uncertainty) to improve performance, reach a challenging goal and implements innovative solutions
• Establishes clear responsibilities and processes for monitoring, communicating progress, and measuring results.

Fosters Innovation:

• Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs / processes for the overall performance of the organization and the portfolio.

AU Values

• Respect for Diversity and Teamwork
• Think Africa Above all
• Transparency and Accountability
• Integrity and Impartiality
• Efficiency and Professionalism
• Information and Knowledge Sharing.

Job Title: Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS)

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Reports to: Chairperson of the African Union Commission
Directorate/Department: Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS)
Number of Direct Reports: Two (2) Directors
Number of Directorates and Agencies: 2 Directorates and 4 Specialized Offices
Job Family: Elected Official
Job Grade: SP3
Level: Six (6)

AU Values

• Respect for Diversity and Teamwork
• Think Africa Above all
• Transparency and Accountability
• Integrity and Impartiality
• Efficiency and Professionalism
• Information and Knowledge Sharing

Context:

• Under the authority of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, this position is responsible for driving the formulation and implementation of Political Affairs, Peace and Security policies, programs and strategies in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the associated medium-term plans and other key continental legal and policy frameworks. Leads engagement with the AU Member States and strategic partners in the delivery of the portfolio’s continental priorities and programs.
• The Commissioner shall have a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.

Main Functions

• Sets the overall goals of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security portfolio in line with the AU Agenda 2063;
• Drives follow up and implementation of all AU decisions relating to the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts and crises as well as peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction in Africa;
• Drives the implementation of the Africa Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture including related flagship programmes and projects;
• Drives the ratification and domestication of key governance and democratization instruments in AU Member States;
• Sets annual performance targets for the Political Affairs, Peace and Security portfolio and report on annual progress to the Peace and Security Council, Specialized Technical Committees and other AU Policy Organs;
• Provides regular reports to the Chairperson of the Commission on portfolio delivery;
• Carries out effective regular engagement and collaboration with, and timely reporting to the PSC, PRC and respective subcommittees;
• Drives the implementation of the AU Institutional Reform Agenda as part of the senior leadership team;
• Provides leadership and guidance to Directors in the implementation of policies and programs within the portfolio;
• Leads partnership negotiations and resource mobilization with Strategic Partners to finance continental programmes and priorities;
• Co-ordinates Specialized Technical Committees to promote the achievement of the portfolio mandate;
• Drives coordination and cooperation with Member States, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms for the Prevention of Conflicts and Crises in Africa in promoting sustainable peace and stability in Africa;
• Ensures effective collaboration in programme development with the AU Development Agency (AUDANEPAD);
• Collaborates with other members of the senior leadership team to ensure strategic coherence and overall synergy in the implementation of the Commission’s programme and the delivery of high impact results for the continent;
• Cultivates a knowledge management culture through promotion of research and publications that will ensure knowledge sharing and transfer within the department and with other departments across the Commission; and
• Supervises Directors and inspires high performance and delivery across the portfolio.

Specific Responsibilities

• Leads the development of continental policy frameworks and programs that promote good governance, democracy, respect of human rights, justice, the rule of law, peace and security;
• Leads engagement efforts in following up and in implementing all AU decisions relating to the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts and crises, as well as those relating to peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction and development in Africa;
• Provides political and strategic advice to the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union on matters relating to the promotion of peace and security in the African Continent;
• Leads efforts to ensure that the Peace and Security Council (PSC) Secretariat, as the repository and institutional memory of the work of the PSC, is adequately staffed to effectively and efficiently provide the required technical and logistical support for the PSC to effectively discharge its mandate;
• Drives the coordination of the work of relevant institutions under Regional Economic Communities, Regional Mechanisms for Prevention and Management and Resolution of Conflicts and Crises in Africa to ensure harmonization and complementarity of efforts in line with the provisions in the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture;
• Strengthens and enhance cooperation between the Peace and Security Council (PSC) and the UN Security Council, as well as with other relevant international organs in promoting peace and security in Africa in line with the Framework Agreement on the Partnership in the Area of Peace and Security;
• Ensures effective AU election monitoring missions to independently monitor elections in Member Countries to ensure strict adherence to relevant electoral rules and regulations, reinforce confidence in electoral processes and prevent post-election violence; (ensuring the integrity of electoral process)
• Drives the promotion of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law amongst Member States by facilitating political integration and establishment of national and continental level governance institutions to enhance democratic practices;
• Leads the development and ratification of relevant continental policies and programmes such as and the African Passport and freedom of movement to achieve the objectives of an integrated African continent;
• Identifies potential conflicts affecting Member States and initiates preventive diplomacy interventions to prevent conflict or violence;
• Strengthens cooperation with governance partners such as Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and UN on UN Security Council reforms to consolidate efforts towards achievement of good governance, democracy and conflict prevention; and
• Promoting ratification of AU legal frameworks related to peace and security, good governance, democratization,

Key Relationships
Internal Relationships:

• Executive Council of the African Union
• Permanent Representatives Committee
• Peace and Security Council (PSC)
• Specialized Technical Committees
• Other AU Organs
• AUDA-NEPAD
• Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
• Chairperson
• Deputy Chairperson
• Director-General
• Other Commissioners
• Other Directorates

External Relationships:

• AU Member States
• Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
• International development partners
• UN Agencies and Institutions
• African Development Bank
• UN Security Council
• African private sector
• Civil Society Organisations
• Research Institutions and Policy Think Tanks

Academic Requirements

• Master’s degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Peace and Security Studies, Global Diplomacy, International Relations, Development Studies or closely related field from a recognized institution.
• A PhD in Law, Political Science, Public Policy, Peace and Security Studies, Global Diplomacy, International Relations, Development Studies or closely related field from a recognized institution is an added advantage.

Relevant Experience:

• Have not less than eighteen (18) years of relevant professional experience with at least ten (10) years served in a senior leadership role preferably in an intergovernmental organisation or national government/public service, international or regional institution.

Language(s):

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages. Fluency in another AU working language is an added advantage.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership experience with strategic vision and proven skills in managing complex organizations at the national, regional or international level;
• Demonstrated record of setting clear standards for accountability, probity, value for money and risk management and zero tolerance to fraud and corruption; for ensuring sound and transparent financial management; and delivering continuous improvement, impact, efficiency and effectiveness;
• Demonstrated intellectual leadership, creativity and proven ability to propose new ideas and lead on new ways of working across silos in a complementary and synergistic way for a prosperous and peaceful Africa;
• Proven track record of change management and accomplishments at the regional, national or international level with strong resource mobilization, political and diplomatic skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural team and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization;
• Proven ability to inspire, encourage, build trust and confidence and build consensus, stimulate effective campaigns and drive collective action among a broad spectrum of people and organizations.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Focus: – Determines and outlines the portfolio’s strategic priorities and connects the portfolio’s purpose to that of the broader organization vision and values. Inspires others and the organisation to achieve beyond expectations. Proactively identifies and prioritizes the key issues involved to facilitate executive decision-making and makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data is limited, or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions.
• Developing Organizational Capability: – Promotes and catalyzes organizational learning and development to ensure that the portfolio is well-positioned to meet future leadership needs and mentors others to enhance their development.
• Change Leadership: – Acts as a catalyst for organizational change. Influences others to translate vision into action and identifies change opportunities and champion organizational change initiatives – consistently looks for ways to improve the portfolio or organization. Understands multiple cultural frameworks, values, and norms.
• Demonstrates an ability to adapt style when faced with myriad dimensions of culture in order to be effective across cultural contexts. Able to resolve conflicts arising to competing objectives, limited resources, or differing perspectives and seeks amicable solutions.
• Strategic Risk Management: – Manage the organization’s and portfolio’s reputation by making risk-intelligent decisions and using sound judgement in highly complex situations based on an assessment of the risks and
• benefits, impacts.

Core Competencies:

• Building Partnerships: – Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals to foster organizational goals through proactive engagement
• with key stakeholders. Perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly.
• Drives Accountability Culture: – Determines objectives, sets priorities and develops longer-term goals and proactively influences how resources, services, etc. are re-organized to achieve goals and offering recommendations on issues of accountability for improvement. Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
• Learning Agility and Resilience: – Engages in systematic and development activities aligned with the strategic needs of the organisation. Promotes ongoing learning and development across the organization, develops personal and professional goals and makes insightful career planning decisions to achieve (or alter) these goals. Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.
• Communicating with impact: – Projects authority, credibility and influences external executive decision-makers to achieve substantive goals. Uses personal rather than positional power to influence and motivate others to achieve results and presents the key points of an argument persuasively. Negotiates and facilitates through cultural differences, conflicts, tensions, or misunderstandings.

Functional Competencies

• Conceptual Thinking: – Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others to think through issues and/or resolve problems.
• Job Knowledge Sharing: – Fosters and enables knowledge and information-rich culture through engaging with thought leaders within and outside the organization.
• Drive for Results: – Drives high-performance standards from goal creation to continuous improvement. Commits significant resources and/or time (in the face of uncertainty) to improve performance, reach a challenging goal and implements innovative solutions.
• Fosters Innovation: – Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes for the overall performance of the organization and the portfolio.

Job Title: Chairperson

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Job Grade: SP1
Level: Seven (7)
Job Family: Elected Official
Directorate / Department: Bureau of the Chairperson
Reports to: The AU Assembly of Heads of State & Government and the AU Executive Council

AU Values

• Respect for Diversity and Teamwork
• Think Africa Above all
• Transparency and Accountability
• Integrity and Impartiality
• Efficiency and Professionalism
• Information and Knowledge Sharing

Context:

• The Chairperson of the African Union Commission is the Chief Executive Officer, Legal Representative of the Union and the Accounting Officer of the Union. The Chairperson of the Commission is a transformative leadership role responsible for driving the performance of the AU Commission in delivering the continental vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.
• The Chairperson is directly responsible to the Executive Council for the discharge of his / her duties.
• The Chairperson of the Commission shall have a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.

Statutory Functions:

• As Accounting Officer of the Union, is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the AU Financial Rules and Regulations across the Union and ensuring overall administrative and financial compliance;
• Chairs all Commission meetings and deliberations to determine the order of the agenda items, ensures clear and inclusive submission of information by attendees and directs discussions towards achieving consensus and way forward;
• Undertakes measures aimed at promoting and popularizing the Africa Union’s objectives and enhance its performance in achieving its mandate;
• Submits reports to the Assembly, Executive Council, Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), committees and any other organs to inform effective decision-making;
• Prepares, with the PRC, the African Union (AU) budget and strategic planning documents of the AU to ensure timely planning and acquisition of adequate resources necessary for achieving AU’s objectives;
• Acts as a depository for all AU and OAU treaties and legal instruments;
• Facilitates the functioning, decision-making and reporting of all AU organ meetings, and ensure conformity and harmony with agreed AU policies, strategies, programmes and projects;
• Consults and coordinate with Member States’ governments, other institutions and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) on the AU’s activities, and carry out the AU’s diplomatic representations;
• Leads efforts in determining the size and structure of the African Union Commission through organisational reviews, staff appointments and capacity building to ensure the Commission has adequate capacity to fulfill on its mandate;
• Assumes overall responsibility for the Commission’s administration and finances to ensure efficient and effective undertaking of the Commission’s mandate as the secretariat of the AU;
• Prepares the annual report on the AU and its organs’ activities to inform on the progress of AU projects and programmes and provide recommendations on the way forward; and
• Contributes towards making Africa a significant partner in the global level as well as an integrated bloc within the continent by participating in global platforms, conferences and meetings to build mutually beneficial strategic linkages with other regional, continental and global organisations.

Specific Responsibilities

• Leads the implementation of the Commission’s mandate and policies in line with the aspirations set out in Agenda 2063, the associated medium-term plans and other key continental legal and policy frameworks;
• Drives and supervises the performance and delivery of the Commission’s senior leadership team to establish a high-performing efficient and effective organization that is able to deliver on agreed continental priorities, attract and retain the best quality staff at all levels while operating within a strong accountability and performance-based framework.
• Drives the implementation of the AU institutional reform agenda;
• Leads diplomatic engagements and implement tasks assigned by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the Executive Council;
• Drives the coordination and management affairs in respective portfolio departments and service departments in the AUC;
• Liaises closely with the organs of the Union to guide, support and monitor the performance of the Union in the various areas to ensure conformity and harmony with agreed policies, strategies, programmes and projects;
• Assesses the need for AU branches, administrative and technical offices in conjunction with the PRC as may be considered necessary for the adequate functioning of the Commission, and create or abolish them as necessary with the approval of the Assembly;
• Drives effective co-ordination of AU strategic partnerships in support of the delivery of continental priorities;
• Ensures the smooth and efficient functioning of AU statutory meetings; Coordinate all activities and programmes of the AUC related to gender issues and ensure gender equity in all affairs of the AUC;
• Establishes an institutional culture that promotes integrity, strong ethical practices, accountability, good governance and strong staff performance and delivery;
• Carry out such other functions as may be determined by the Assembly or the Executive Council.

Key Relationships
Internal Relationships:

• The Assembly of Heads of State and Government
• Executive Council of the African Union
• Permanent Representatives Committee
• Peace and Security Council
• Other AU Organs
• Deputy Chairperson
• Commissioners
• Director-General
• Directorates
• AUDA-NEPAD
• Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat

External Relationships:

• AU Member States
• Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
• International development partners
• UN General Assembly
• UN Security Council
• UN System
• African Development Bank
• African private sector
• Civil Society Organisations
• Research Institutions and Policy Think Tanks

Academic Requirements

• Master’s degree in Law, International Relations, Economics, Diplomacy, Management, Business Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences or closely related field from a recognized institution.
• A PhD in Law, International Relations, Diplomacy, Management, Business Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences or closely related field from a recognized institution is an added advantage.

Relevant Experience:

• Have not less than twenty (20) years of relevant professional and international experience with at least ten (10) years served in progressive senior leadership role(s) preferably in an intergovernmental organisation or national government/public service, international or regional institution.

Language(s):

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages. Fluency in another AU working language is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated transformational leadership experience with strategic vision and proven skills in managing complex organizations at the national, regional or international level;
• Demonstrated record of setting clear standards for accountability, probity, value for money and risk with management and zero tolerance to fraud and corruption; for ensuring sound and transparent financial management; and delivering continuous improvement, impact, efficiency and effectiveness;
• Demonstrated intellectual leadership, creativity and proven ability to propose new ideas and lead on new ways of working across silos in a complementary and synergistic way for a prosperous and peaceful Africa;
• Proven track record of change management and accomplishments at the regional, national or international level with strong resource mobilization, political and diplomatic skills;
• Demonstrated ability to lead a multi-cultural team and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization;
• Proven ability to inspire, encourage, build trust and confidence and build consensus, stimulate effective campaigns and drive collective action among a broad spectrum of people and organizations.

Leadership Competencies:

• Drives Strategic Vision and Purpose: Anticipates future trends and artfully crafting a transformational and impactful vision that inspires action and drives a collective sense of purpose. Able to discern when to inquire, advocate, drive, or resolve. Proactively identifies and prioritizes the key issues involved to facilitate executive decision-making and makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data is limited, or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions.
• Developing Organizational Capability: Champions organizational learning and development to ensure that the Commission is well-positioned to meet future leadership needs and mentors others to enhance their development.
• Change Leadership: Acts as a catalyst for organizational change. Influences others to translate vision into action and identifies change opportunities and champion organizational change initiatives – consistently looks for ways to improve the Commission’s performance. Creates a harmonious environment that promotes a sense of belonging, creates a community of trust and enables respect, dignity and tolerance. Able to resolve conflicts arising to competing objectives, limited resources, or differing perspectives and seeks amicable solutions.
• Strategic Risk Management: Protects the Commission’s image and reputation by making risk-intelligent decisions and using sound judgement in highly complex situations based on an assessment of the risks and benefits, impacts.

Core Competencies:

• Building Partnerships: Identifies and develops sustainable networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals to foster organizational goals through proactive engagement with key stakeholders. Perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly.
• Drives Accountability Culture: Drives the uncompromising commitment to ethical and moral principles demonstrated by the highest standards of professionalism in reaching the highest standard of performance and achieving results in support of the Commission’s mandate, objectives and aspirations.
• Learning Agility and Resilience: – Creates and enables a learning organisation that promotes and develops personal and professional goals and makes insightful career planning decisions to achieve (or alter) these goals. Has resilience and ability to sustain energy levels under pressure and to cope with disruptive changes and adapt.
• Communicating with impact: – Projects authority, credibility and influences external executive decision-makers to achieve substantive goals. Negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions and recognizes the impact of alternative courses of action. Capacity to communicate authentically to maintaining trust and buy-in when responding to competing demands and volatility.

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual Thinking: – Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others to think through issues and / or resolve problems.
• Job Knowledge Sharing: – Fosters and enables a knowledge and information-rich culture through engaging with thought leaders within and outside the Commission.
• Drive for Results and Impact: Drives high-performance standards from goal creation to continuous improvement. Commits significant resources and/or time (in the face of uncertainty) to improve performance, reach a challenging goal and implements innovative solutions. Establishes clear responsibilities and processes for monitoring, communicating progress, and measuring results.
• Fosters Innovation: Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs / processes for the overall performance of the organization and the portfolio.

Job Title: Commissioner, Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS)

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Reports to: Chairperson of the African Union Commission
Directorate/Department: Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development(HHS)
Number of Direct: Reports Two (2) Directors
Number of Directorates and Agencies: 2 Directorates and 8 Specialised Technical Offices/Agencies
Division: N / A
Job Family: Elected Official
Level: 6
Job Grade: SP3

AU Values

• Respect for Diversity and Teamwork
• Think Africa Above all
• Transparency and Accountability
• Integrity and Impartiality
• Efficiency and Professionalism
• Information and Knowledge Sharing

Context

• Under the authority of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, this position is responsible for driving the formulation and implementation of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development policies, programs and strategies in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the associated medium-term plans and other key continental legal and policy frameworks.
• Leads engagement with the AU Member States and strategic partners in the delivery of the portfolio’s continental priorities. The Commissioner shall have a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.

Main Functions

• Sets the overall goals of the Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development portfolio in line with the AU Agenda 2063;
• Sets annual performance targets for the Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development portfolio and report on annual progress to Specialized Technical Committees and AU Policy Organs;
• Provide regular reports to the Chairperson of the Commission on portfolio delivery;
• Carry out effective regular engagement and collaboration with, and timely reporting to the PRC and respective subcommittees;
• Drive the implementation of the AU Institutional Reform Agenda as part of the senior leadership team;
• Provide leadership and guidance to Directors in the implementation of policies and programs within the portfolio;
• Engage with Member States in order to pursue the Commission’s work to promote domestication of AU Agenda 2063 at the national level by Member States;
• Lead partnership negotiations and resource mobilization with Strategic Partners to finance continental programmes and priorities;
• Co-ordinate Specialized Technical Committees to promote the achievement of the departmental mandate;
• Strengthen regional coordination, cooperation and integration initiatives and ensure an effective division of labour with Member States and Regional Economic Communities
• Ensure effective collaboration in programme development with the AU Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD);
• Collaborate with other members of the senior leadership team to ensure strategic coherence and overall synergy in the implementation of the Commission’s programme and the delivery of high impact results for the continent;
• Cultivate a knowledge management culture through promotion of research and publications that will ensure knowledge sharing and transfer within the department and with other departments across the Commission; and
• Supervise Directors and inspire high performance and delivery across the portfolio;

Specific Responsibilities

• Lead advocacy efforts for development of common policy principles across health-related sectors to encourage investments in healthcare by Member States;
• Drive the establishment of continental accountability mechanisms to track the implementation of continental commitments and carry out ongoing advocacy at political levels on strategic health issues jointly affecting AU Member States;
• Lead the facilitation of Africa-wide consensus on the key strategic actions within the context of the AU Catalytic Framework to Eliminate AIDS, TB and Malaria by 2030 to intensify the implementation of the 2013 Abuja Declaration commitments to end AIDS, TB and Malaria as public health threats;
• Drive the continental response and preparedness to emerging health threats and pandemics including medical and pharmaceutical research and development Engage with Member States on the Articles of the AU Protocol on Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities to promote, protect and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by all persons with disabilities and to ensure respect for their inherent dignity;
• Lead the adoption of necessary measures by Member States to achieve the provisions of the African Charter on the Welfare of the Child to facilitate the recognition of the rights, freedoms and duties of children as enshrined in the Charter;
• Champion the establishment of networks of AU Member States to leverage on synergy in the fight and control of drug abuse and prevention of crime;
• Drive the establishment and expansion of migration centres across AU Member States to foster the fight against human trafficking and illegal migration through data-based decision-making on matters concerning migrants;
• Lead the development of policies on diaspora matters to leverage on Africans living in the diaspora to transfer knowledge and technical know-how to Member States and reduce costs of diaspora remittances to Africa in collaboration with African central banks;
• Promote sports and physical education amongst Member States by working closely with Member States and partners to advocate for establishment of relevant policies and programmes;
• Lead the engagements with Member States in identifying emerging social issues such as cyber-security and online sexual exploitation of women and children to facilitate formulation and adoption of policy frameworks and programmes to address such emerging issues;
• Foster the cultural heritage of the African people by promoting repatriation of African artefacts and establishment of African museums to store and maintain African cultural wealth; and
• Lead advocacy efforts for resolution of labour matters such as alignment of African education with the job market, labour development and creation of new jobs by AU member States in collaboration with the Education, Science and Technology department, the International Labour Organisation and other relevant partners.

Key Relationships
Internal Relationships:

• Executive Council of the African Union
• Permanent Representatives Committee
• Other AU organs
• Specialised Technical Committees
• AUDA-NEPAD
• Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
• Chairperson
• Deputy Chairperson
• Director General
• Other Commissioners
• Support Service Directorates

External Relationships:

• AU Member States
• Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
• International development partners
• UN agencies and African Development Bank
• UN Security Organs;
• African private sector
• Civil Society Organisations
• Research Institutions and Policy Think Tanks

Academic Requirements

• Master’s degree in Medical or Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or closely related field from a recognized institution.
• A PhD in Health Sciences, Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or closely related field from a recognized institution is an added advantage

Relevant Experience:

• Have not less than eighteen (18) years of relevant professional experience with at least ten (10) years served in a senior leadership role preferably in an intergovernmental organisation or national government/public service, international or regional institution Language(s)
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages. Fluency in another AU working language is an added advantage

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership experience with strategic vision and proven skills in managing complex organizations at the national, regional or international level;
• Demonstrated record of setting clear standards for accountability, probity, value for money and risk management and zero tolerance to fraud and corruption; for ensuring sound and transparent financial management; and delivering continuous improvement, impact, efficiency and effectiveness;
• Demonstrated intellectual leadership, creativity and proven ability to propose new ideas and lead on new ways of working across silos in a complementary and synergistic way for a prosperous and peaceful Africa;
• Proven track record of change management and accomplishments at the regional, national or international level with strong resource mobilization, political and diplomatic skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural team and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization;
• Proven ability to inspire, encourage, build trust and confidence and build consensus, stimulate effective campaigns and drive collective action among a broad spectrum of people and organizations.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Focus: – Determines and outlines the portfolio’s strategic priorities and connects the portfolio’s purpose to that of the broader organization vision and values. Inspires others and the organisation to achieve beyond expectations. Proactively identifies and prioritizes the key issues involved to facilitate executive decision-making and makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data is limited, or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions.
• Developing Organizational Capability: – Promotes and catalyzes organizational learning and development to ensure that the portfolio is well positioned to meet future leadership needs and mentors others to enhance their development.
• Change Leadership: – Acts as a catalyst for organizational change. Influences others to translate vision into action and identifies change opportunities and champion organizational change initiatives – consistently looks for ways to improve the portfolio or organization. Understands multiple cultural frameworks, values, and norms.
• Demonstrates an ability to adapt style when faced with myriad dimensions of culture in order to be effective across cultural contexts. Able to resolve conflicts arising to competing objectives, limited resources, or differing perspectives and seeks amicable solutions.
• Strategic Risk Management: – Manage the organisation’s and portfolio’s reputation by making risk-intelligent decisions and using sound judgement in highly complex situations based on an assessment of the risks and benefits, impacts.

Core Competencies:

• Building Partnerships: – Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals to foster organizational goals through proactive engagement with key stakeholders. Perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly.
• Drives Accountability Culture: – Determines objectives, sets priorities and develops longer-term goals and proactively influences how resources, services, etc. are re-organized to achieve goals and offering recommendations on issues of accountability for improvement. Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
• Learning Agility and Resilience: – Engages in systematic and development activities aligned with the strategic needs of the organisation. Promotes ongoing learning and development across the organization, develops personal and professional goals and makes insightful career planning decisions to achieve (or alter) these goals. Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.
• Communicating with impact: – Projects authority, credibility and influences external executive decision makers to achieve substantive goals. Uses personal rather than positional power to influence and motivate others to achieve results and presents the key points of an argument persuasively. Negotiates and facilitates through cultural differences, conflicts, tensions, or misunderstandings.

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual Thinking: – Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others to think through issues and/or resolve problems.
• Job Knowledge Sharing: – Fosters and enables a knowledge and information-rich culture through engaging with thought leaders within and outside the organization.
• Drive for Results: Drives high performance standards from goal creation to continuous improvement. Commits significant resources and/or time (in the face of uncertainty) to improve performance, reach a challenging goal and implements innovative solutions.
• Fosters Innovation: Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes for the overall performance of the organization and the portfolio.

Job Title: Commissioner, Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining (ETIM)

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Reports to: Chairperson of the African Union Commission
Directorate / Department: Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining (ETIM)
Number of Direct Reports: Two (2) Directors
Number of Directorates and Agencies: 2 Directorates and 1 Specialised Technical Office
Job Family: Elected Official
Division: N/A
Job Grade: SP3
Level: Six (6)

AU Values

• Respect for Diversity and Teamwork
• Think Africa Above all
• Transparency and Accountability
• Integrity and Impartiality
• Efficiency and Professionalism
• Information and Knowledge Sharing.

Context

• Under the direct authority of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, this position is responsible for driving the implementation of Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining policies, programs and strategies in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the associated medium-term plans and other key continental legal and policy frameworks.
• Leads engagement with the AU Member States and strategic partners in the delivery of the portfolio’s continental priorities.
• The Commissioner shall have a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.

Main Functions

• Sets the vision and priorities of the Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining department through translation of the aspirations of the AU Agenda 2063 into concrete implementable programmes to pursue the objectives of Member States;
• Sets annual performance targets for the Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining portfolio and report on annual progress to Specialized Technical Committees and AU Policy Organs;
• Provides regular reports to the Chairperson of the Commission on portfolio delivery;
• Carries out effective regular engagement and collaboration with, and timely reporting to the PRC and respective subcommittees;
• Drives the implementation of the AU Institutional Reform Agenda as part of the senior leadership team;
• Provides leadership and guidance to Directors in the implementation of policies and programs within the portfolio;
• Engages with Member States in order to pursue the Commission’s work to promote domestication of AU Agenda 2063 at the national level by Member States;
• Leads partnership negotiations and resource mobilization with Strategic Partners to finance continental programs and priorities;
• Co-ordinates Specialized Technical Committees to promote the achievement of the departmental mandate;
• Strengthens regional coordination, cooperation and integration initiatives and ensure an effective division of labour with Member States and Regional Economic Communities
• Ensures effective collaboration in programme development with the AU Development Agency (AUDANEPAD);
• Collaborates with other members of the senior leadership team to ensure strategic coherence and overall synergy in the implementation of the Commission’s programme and the delivery of high impact results for the continent;
• Cultivates a knowledge management culture through promotion of research and publications that will ensure knowledge sharing and transfer within the department and with other departments across the Commission; and
• Supervises Directors and inspires high performance and delivery across the portfolio.

Specific Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership in the attainment of the vision, aims and objectives of the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community;
• Drives the development of continental policies, programmes and projects aimed at attaining rapid and inclusive sustainable development across Africa;
• Leads the development of policies of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which aims to boost intra-African trade by providing a comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade agreement among the member states, covering trade in goods and services, investment, intellectual property rights and competition policy;
• Leads partnership negotiations with the private sector to expand investment, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and trade across Africa;
• Leads the production of real time, quality, harmonised statistics on Africa and ensure they meet the standards required to make them Africa’s statistics of reference;
• Leads the coordination efforts for the establishment of Africa Union Financial Institutions provided under the Abuja Treaty and Article 19 of constitutive act of African Union namely (Africa Central Bank, Africa Investment Bank, Africa Monetary Fund and Africa Stock Exchange to promote economic integration;
• Champions the implementation of African Mining Vision (AMV) framework to promote transparency, social responsibility and tax compliance in the extractive industry; and
• Coordinates Member States’ efforts in eliminating illicit financial flows in Africa in collaboration with strategic

Key Relationships
Internal Relationships:

• Executive Council of the African Union
• Permanent Representatives Committee
• Other AU organs
• Specialised Technical Committees
• AUDA-NEPAD
• Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
• Chairperson
• Deputy Chairperson
• Director-General
• Other Commissioners
• Other Directorates.

External Relationships:

• AU Member States
• Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
• International development partners
• UN Agencies and Institutions
• International and regional trade bodies and institutions
• African Development Bank
• African private sector
• Civil Society Organisations
• Research Institutions and Policy Think Tanks.

Academic Requirements

• Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, International Development, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Public Policy or closely related field from a recognized institution.
• A PhD in Economics, Finance, International Development, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Public Policy or closely related field from a recognized institution is an added advantage.

Relevant Experience:

• Have not less than eighteen (18) years of relevant professional experience with at least ten (10) years served in a senior leadership role preferably in an intergovernmental organisation or national government/public service, international or regional institution.

Language(s):

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages. Fluency in another AU working language is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership experience with strategic vision and proven skills in managing complex organizations at the national, regional or international level;
• Demonstrated record of setting clear standards for accountability, probity, value for money and risk management and zero tolerance to fraud and corruption; for ensuring sound and transparent financial management; and delivering continuous improvement, impact, efficiency and effectiveness;
• Demonstrated intellectual leadership, creativity and proven ability to propose new ideas and lead on new ways of working across silos in a complementary and synergistic way for a prosperous and peaceful Africa;
• Proven track record of change management and accomplishments at the regional, national or international level with strong resource mobilization, political and diplomatic skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural team and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization;
• Proven ability to inspire, encourage, build trust and confidence and build consensus, stimulate effective campaigns and drive collective action among a broad spectrum of people and organizations.

Leadership Competencies:
Strategic Focus:

• Determines and outlines the portfolio’s strategic priorities and connects the portfolio’s purpose to that of the broader organization vision and values. Inspires others and the organisation to achieve beyond expectations.
• Proactively identifies and prioritizes the key issues involved to facilitate executive decision-making and makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data is limited, or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions.

Developing Organizational Capability:

• Promotes and catalyzes organizational learning and development to ensure that the portfolio is well-positioned to meet future leadership needs and mentors others to enhance their development.

Change Leadership:

• Acts as a catalyst for organizational change. Influences others to translate vision into action and identifies change opportunities and champion organizational change initiatives – consistently looks for ways to improve the portfolio or organization. Understands multiple cultural frameworks, values, and norms.
• Demonstrates an ability to adapt style when faced with myriad dimensions of culture in order to be effective across cultural contexts.
• Able to resolve conflicts arising to competing objectives, limited resources, or differing perspectives and seeks amicable solutions.

Strategic Risk Management:

• Manage the organization’s and portfolio’s reputation by making risk-intelligent decisions and using sound judgement in highly complex situations based on an assessment of the risks and benefits, impacts.

Core Competencies:
Building Partnerships:

• Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals to foster organizational goals through proactive engagement with key stakeholders.
• Perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly.

Drives Accountability Culture:

• Determines objectives, sets priorities and develops longer-term goals and proactively influences how resources, services, etc. are re-organized to achieve goals and offering recommendations on issues of accountability for improvement. Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.

Learning Agility and Resilience:

• Engages in systematic and development activities aligned with the strategic needs of the organisation.
• Promotes ongoing learning and development across the organization, develops personal and professional goals and makes insightful career planning decisions to achieve (or alter) these goals.
• Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity.
• Recovers quickly from setbacks.

Communicating with impact:

• Projects authority, credibility and influences external executive decision-makers to achieve substantive goals.
• Uses personal rather than positional power to influence and motivate others to achieve results and presents the key points of an argument persuasively.
• Negotiates and facilitates through cultural differences, conflicts, tensions, or misunderstandings.

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual Thinking: Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others to think through issues and/or resolve problems.
• Job Knowledge Sharing: Fosters and enables a knowledge and information-rich culture through engaging with thought leaders within and outside the organization.
• Drive for Results: Drives high-performance standards from goal creation to continuous improvement. Commits significant resources and/or time (in the face of uncertainty) to improve performance, reach a challenging goal and implements innovative solutions.
• Fosters Innovation: Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes for the overall performance of the organization and the portfolio.

Job Title: Commissioner, Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)

Location: Headquaters (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
Reports to Chairperson of the African Union Commission
Directorate / Department: Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)
Number of Direct Reports: Two (2) Directors
Number of Directorates and Agencies: 2 Directorates and 5 Specialized Technical Offices
Job Family: Elected Official

Context

• Under the direct authority of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, this position is responsible for driving the implementation of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment policies, programs and strategies in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the associated medium-term plans and other key continental legal and policy frameworks.
• Leads engagement with the AU Member States and strategic partners in the delivery of the portfolio’s continental priorities
• The Commissioner shall have a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.

Main Functions

• Sets the overall goals of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment portfolio in line with the AU Agenda 2063;
• Sets annual performance targets for the Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment portfolio and reports on annual progress to Specialized Technical Committees and AU Policy Organs;
• Provides regular reports to the Chairperson of the Commission on portfolio delivery;
• Carries out effective regular engagement and collaboration with, and timely reporting to the PRC and respective subcommittees;
• Drives the implementation of the AU Institutional Reform Agenda by supporting reform initiatives in the department;
• Provides leadership and guidance to Directors in the implementation of policies and programmes within the portfolio;
• Engages with Member States in order to pursue the Commission’s work to promote domestication of AU Agenda 2063 at the national level by Member States;
• Leads partnership negotiations and resource mobilization with Strategic Partners to finance continental programmes and priorities;
• Co-ordinates Specialized Technical Committees to promote the achievement of the departmental mandate;
• Strengthens regional coordination, cooperation and integration initiatives and ensure an effective division of labour with Member States and Regional Economic Communities;
• Ensures effective collaboration in programme development with the AU Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD);
• Collaborates with other members of the senior leadership team to ensure strategic coherence and overall synergy in the implementation of the Commission’s programme and the delivery of high impact results for the continent;
• Cultivates a knowledge management culture through promotion of research and publications that will ensure knowledge sharing and transfer within the department and with other departments across the Commission; and
• Supervises Directors and inspire high performance, teamwork and delivery across the portfolio.

Specific Responsibilities

• Leads the development of continental policy frameworks and programs that promote sustainable agriculture and food systems in order to attain food and nutrition security and consumer safety;
• Promotes modern and sustainable agricultural practices that adapts to changes in climate, demographics and technologies for increased food productivity in the continent to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition;
• Oversees the implementation of agribusiness strategies and programs to create job opportunities and reduce poverty levels in the continent;
• Develops continental strategies and programs aimed at improving animal health and welfare standards in Africa;
• Develops continental policies for rural areas and medium-sized farms to promote diversification of the rural economy with the aim to increase employment, incomes and the living space and quality of life for rural people;
• Develops continental policies and strategies that will promote in conservation and sustainably utilization of aquatic resources, contributing to de-pollution and pollution prevention efforts in the continent;
• Formulates continental policy frameworks and programs that promote sound environmental and natural resource management and resilience to natural disasters and climate change;
• Develops continental strategies and programs that will support Africa combat climate change and its impacts; and
• Oversees implementation of continental policies aimed to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss in Africa.

Key Relationships
Internal Relationships:

• Executive Council of the African Union
• Permanent Representatives Committee
• Other AU organs
• Specialized Technical Committees
• AUDA-NEPAD
• Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
• Chairperson
• Deputy Chairperson
• Director General
• Other Commissioners
• Other Directorates

External Relationships:

• AU Member States
• Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
• International development partners
• UN Agencies
• African Development Bank
• African private sector
• Civil Society Organisations
• Research Institutions and Policy Think Tanks.

Academic Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Agricultural Sciences / Economics, Aquaculture, Fisheries, Maritime, Forestry, Environmental Sciences / Management, Natural Resources or a closely related field from a recognized institution.
• A Ph.D in Agricultural Sciences / Economics, Aquaculture, Fisheries, Maritime, Forestry, Environmental Sciences / Management, Natural Resources or closely related field from a recognized institution is an added advantage.

Relevant Experience:

• Have not less than eighteen (18) years of relevant professional experience with at least ten (10) years served in a senior leadership role preferably in an intergovernmental organisation or national government/public service, international or regional institution.

Language(s):

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages. Fluency in another AU working language is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership experience with strategic vision and proven skills in managing complex organizations at the national, regional or international level;
• Demonstrated record of setting clear standards for accountability, probity, value for money and risk management and zero tolerance to fraud and corruption; for ensuring sound and transparent financial management; and delivering continuous improvement, impact, efficiency and effectiveness;
• Demonstrated intellectual leadership, creativity and proven ability to propose new ideas and lead on new ways of working across silos in a complementary and synergistic way for a prosperous and peaceful Africa;
• Proven track record of change management and accomplishments at the regional, national or international level with strong resource mobilization, political and diplomatic skills;
• Demonstrated ability to lead a multi-cultural team and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization;
• Proven ability to inspire, encourage, build trust and confidence and build consensus, stimulate effective campaigns and drive collective action among a broad spectrum of people and organizations.

Leadership Competencies
Strategic Focus:

• Determines and outlines the portfolio’s strategic priorities and connects the portfolio’s purpose to that of the broader organization vision and values
• Inspires others and the organisation to achieve beyond expectations
• Proactively identifies and prioritizes the key issues involved to facilitate executive decision-making and makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data is limited, or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions.

Developing Organizational Capability:

• Promotes and catalyzes organizational learning and development to ensure that the portfolio is well positioned to meet future leadership needs and mentors others to enhance their development.

Change Leadership:

• Acts as a catalyst for organizational change. Influences others to translate vision into action and identifies change opportunities and champion organizational change initiatives – consistently looks for ways to improve the portfolio or organization. Understands multiple cultural frameworks, values, and norms.
• Demonstrates an ability to adapt style when faced with myriad dimensions of culture in order to be effective across cultural contexts
• Able to resolve conflicts arising to competing objectives, limited resources, or differing perspectives and seeks amicable solutions.

Strategic Risk Management:

• Manage the organisation’s and portfolio’s reputation by making risk-intelligent decisions and using sound judgement in highly complex situations based on an assessment of the risks and benefits, impacts.

Core Competencies
Building Partnerships:

• Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals to foster organizational goals through proactive engagement with key stakeholders
• Perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly.

Drives Accountability Culture:

• Determines objectives, sets priorities and develops longer-term goals and proactively influences how resources, services, etc. are re-organized to achieve goals and offering recommendations on issues of accountability for improvement
• Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.

Learning Agility and Resilience:

• Engages in systematic and development activities aligned with the strategic needs of the organisation
• Promotes ongoing learning and development across the organization, develops personal and professional goals and makes insightful career planning decisions to achieve (or alter) these goals. Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.

Communicating with impact:

• Projects authority, credibility and influences external executive decision makers to achieve substantive goals
• Uses personal rather than positional power to influence and motivate others to achieve results and presents the key points of an argument persuasively
• Negotiates and facilitates through cultural differences, conflicts, tensions, or misunderstandings.

Functional Competencies
Conceptual Thinking:

• Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others to think through issues and/or resolve problems.

Job Knowledge Sharing:

• Fosters and enables a knowledge and information-rich culture through engaging with thought leaders within and outside the organization.

Drive for Results:

• Drives high performance standards from goal creation to continuous improvement.
• Commits significant resources and/or time (in the face of uncertainty) to improve performance, reach a challenging goal and implements innovative solutions.

Fosters Innovation:

• Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes for the overall performance of the organization and the portfolio.

AU Values

• Respect for Diversity and Teamwork
• Think Africa Above all
• Transparency and Accountability
• Integrity and Impartiality
• Efficiency and Professionalism
• Information and Knowledge Sharing

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click Here to Start Application

To Submit Your Application:

• Create an account via the link above (Click here to see instructional video)
• Fill out your personal information and the application form

Note

• The requirements and responsibilities contained in this job description do not create a contract of employment and are not meant to be all-inclusive. It may be changed by the role manager during employment on an as-needed basis.
• The regional nominations shall be received by the Commission (Office of the Legal Counsel) hand-delivered in sealed envelopes on or before 17hrs (5 pm) Addis Ababa Time of 4th September, 2022.
• The requirements and responsibilities contained in this job description do not create a contract of employment and are not meant to be all-inclusive. It may be changed by the role manager during employment on an as-needed basis.
• Please use this link to get Senior Leadership Position Curriculum Vitae (CV) Template: https://au.int/en/documents/20220707/senior-leadership-position-cv-template

AU Recruitment Date 

As at the time of this publication, the AU recruitment date for 2022 has been announced. and to be close on 4th September, 2022.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

• The African Union DO NOT demand or accept gifts or gratification to offer employment.
• Do not offer money to anyone before, during or after the recruitment exercise. Any candidate found doing either of these would be summarily disqualified and prosecuted.