Senior Political Affairs Officer at the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999).  We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Political Affairs Officer

Requisition ID: 902
Location: Bangui, CAR (Central African Republic)
Job Grade: P3
Reports to: SRCC
Contract  Type: Fixed-term
Division: Central Africa Desk
Number of Direct Reports: 4
Number of Indirect Reports: 2
Organization: African Union Commission – AUC
Directorate / Department: PAPS / Conflict management

Purpose of Job

• The Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) and fourteen (14) armed groups (AGs) signed a Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation (PAPR-RCA) on 6 February 2019, with the assistance of the African Union (AU), the support of the Economic Community of Central African States and the United Nations. This agreement contains many provisions relating to security arrangements, including political and governance issues; reconciliation; and approximation, which must be implemented in the short and medium term. The AU is the guarantor of the implementation of this peace agreement.
• Working in the framework of the AULO to CAR, and in the implementation of the FemWise-Africa mandate, the Senior FemWise Officer will be under the direct supervision of the Head of the AU CAR.
• She will also serve as the primary FemWise-Africa focal person in the CAR, and in this capacity, will submit through the SRCC CAR regular reports to the Head of the Mediation and Dialogue Division (MDD) of the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) at the AUC Headquarters.
• The Officer will provide technical support and advise to the AULO on issues and processes related to mediation, negotiation, dialogue and national reconciliation (including support to the ongoing Republican Dialogue), as well as sensitization and popularization of efforts being undertaken by the AU or its mechanisms, towards the long-term implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic.
• There will be a focus on community engagement, especially with local FemWise-Africa members, CSO’s, women groups, in order to identify entry points where the FemWise-Africa Network can support or complement ongoing grassroots or national efforts.

Main Functions

• Provide support in the preparation and Implement the programmes developed out of the Division’s strategic plan;
• Ensure effective coordination and implementation of Unit’s plans and activities at various levels;
• Liaise with Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and other relevant stakeholders on relevant matters;
• Prepare and develop reports, budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Division;
• Provide support to develop resource mobilization strategy with stakeholders’ coordination;
• Manage and supervise direct reports to ensure their effective performance as per organization’s performance management policy and system;
• Conduct complex analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the Division and AU’s internal use;
• Liaise with the various Departments/Units of the Commission for coordination and alignment purposes;
• Prepare budgets for the Division in accordance with relevant frameworks. Support the promotion of the activities of the Division including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets as may be required;
• Actively contribute in the development of strategies, policies, programmes and plans.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide advice to the Head of MISAC and Head of the AU Liaison Office in CAR on issues related to the implementation of the PAPR, reconciliation and governance;
• Collect and analyze field information from various sources, including the press;
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of events related to political issues in general, and their impact on countries in particular;
• Keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in the implementation of the PAPR and provide input on relevant issues to the Head of MISAC and Head of the AU Liaison Office in CAR, and colleagues from MISAC and AU Headquarters;
• Monitor regularly political developments at national and district levels and provide daily and weekly updates to the Head of MISAC and Head of the AU Liaison Office in CAR;
• Produce regular reports and strategic analyses in support of the work of the Peace and Security Council (PSC), including reports on the implementation of PSC priorities at the local level;
• Identify gaps in policy and governance, prioritize those that need to be addressed and develop and coordinate / implement strategies to address gaps in CAR;
• Provide technical and substantive support to the implementation of the office’s mandates;
• Maintain contacts with governmental, non-governmental and international organizations on coordination and policy issues;
• Monitor the actions undertaken by intergovernmental groups, United Nations organizations, governmental and non-governmental organizations;
• Define the individual and collective work plan in the area of its responsibility in accordance with the established terms of reference;
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Head of MISAC and Head of the AU Liaison Office in CAR.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master’s Degree in the field of Political Science, International Relations, International Law, Conflict Prevention and Resolution, Management, other fields related to conflict management within 7 years’ experience of which 3 years  should be at a supervisory level

Or

• Bachelor’s Degree in similar studies with 10 years relevant experience and 3 years at Supervisor revel
• Must have excellent presentation and writing skills in French and an excellent knowledge of current political, social and economic developments in Africa (particularly in CAR);
• Must be able to work with a team of professionals and demonstrate creativity and initiative, as well as conduct strategic analysis, reports and briefs under pressure;

Required Skills:

• Ability to work in a team, to maintain team spirit and to operate effectively in a multi-cultural environment
• Ability to work under pressure, and to act with discretion in a politically sensitive environment and to establish good working relationship with key stakeholders;
• Ability in observing deadlines and achieving results
• Familiarity with international and regional policy processes and policy analysis in the relevant area
• Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development
• Excellent drafting and reporting skills;
• Good communication and negotiating skills;
• Good planning and organizational skills;
• Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic). Knowledge of one of several other working language(s) would be an added advantage

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Developing others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationship
• Accountable and Complies with Rules
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual thinking
• Job Knowledge Sharing
• Drive for result
• Continuous improvement orientation

Tenure of Appointment:

• The Appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract may be renewed for a similar period subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance and agreed deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming

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

Languages:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Remuneration
The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$ 99,274.80 (P3 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$  82,211.38  inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Deadline: 24th December, 2021.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online