Programme Coordinator (AUC-PCRD) 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 of:

Job Title: Programme Coordinator (AUC-PCRD)

Requisition ID: 968
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Reports to: Executive Secretary
Directorate / Department: African Union Centre for Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development (AUC-PCRD)
Number of Direct Reports: 3
Job Grade: P5
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

• Provide managerial support to ensure overall execution of the AUC-PCRD’s post-conflict reconstruction and development and peacebuilding mandate by providing technical advisory support to the Executive Secretary.
• He or she will provide technical guidance and ensure the coordination of Staff, programmes and projects and oversight functions on operational support services.

Main Functions

• Design strategies and policies consistent with the AUC-PCRD’s goal in order to address the pertinent issues in the relevant areas and contribute to the development of the AUC-PCRD business continuity plan and ensure implementation at unit/division level.
• Coordinate programming and implementation oversight of PCRD and peacebuilding interventions and initiate the preparation of analytical work, partnerships, and resource mobilisation and advocacy products including providing leadership to technical teams within the AUC-PCRD, based on a consultative partnership approach underpinned by adaptability, innovation and responsiveness.
• Oversee the development of the AUC-PCRD’s peacebuilding initiatives, programmes and projects, including overall policy and legal frameworks, implementation strategies, operational modalities and action plans.
• Coordinate the development of short- and long-term implementation and monitoring plans, set priorities and performance measures to assist internal and external stakeholders in their progress towards the achievement of PCRD and peacebuilding implementation targets.
• Effective performance as per organisation’s performance management policy and system.
• Manage risk and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to the preparation of periodic financial and budget execution reports and monitor budget execution at unit/division level.
• Create an inspiring work environment to enable Staff development and professional progression.

Specific Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development and implementation of the AUC-PCRD’s initiatives, programmes and projects, including overall policy and legal frameworks, implementation strategies, operational modalities and action plans, taking into account continental, regional and national programme priorities and targets.
• Coordinate with appropriate teams in the AUC-PCRD and in the AU Commission and establish work plans for the AUC-PCRD and prepare relevant position papers including regional and country strategy papers among others.
• Alongside experts in the AUC-PCRD, provide technical direction in the preparation of country diagnostic notes, regional diagnostic notes, as well as relevant analytical reports and review draft documents, provide input and ensure that the findings of post-conflict assessments are mainstreamed and effectively translated into the strategic pillars and operational priorities of the AUC-PCRD.
• Provide technical support on analytical work for the preparation of post-conflict needs assessments and review draft documents, provide input and give appropriate guidance to ensure that the assessments are of high quality and properly address political economy considerations, as well as capacities and pressures related to externalities, regional spill-over effects, gender, youth empowerment, environmental as well as economic and social impacts.
• In the context of the African Solidarity Initiative and quick impact and peace strengthening project implementation, provide technical leadership and quality assurance in the review phases of project concept notes and project appraisal reports to ensure that relevant tools are mainstreamed, resulting in concrete peace dividends.
• Provide technical inputs in order to enhance project performance and ensure implementation and follow-up on annual work plans and decisions of the Policy Organs and keep the Executive Secretary informed of all developments related to PCRD and peacebuilding for consideration and appropriate action.
• Monitor developments in order to advise the Executive Secretary on strategic PCRD and peacebuilding action and initiatives designed to prevent relapse and consolidate peace in the continent and propose appropriate policy responses and methods of managing conflicts.
• Design and implement critical analysis and research projects and evidence-based advocacy initiatives in respect of implementing the AU PCRD Policy and other relevant AU policies and strategies and undertake conflict and peace analyses of trends which might affect post-conflict recovery processes.
• Coordinate PCRD and peacebuilding outreach programmes, publications and research products and ensure an enhanced understanding of the dynamics of PCRD and peacebuilding, with a view to developing a common and comprehensive African approach.
• Ensure the timely preparation of analytical background information or reports for meetings of the Peace and Security Council and other Policy Organs on PCRD and peacebuilding initiatives activities.
• Spearhead financial management and budgeting for all expenditures within the AUC-PCRD and peacebuilding portfolios, ensuring that all approved budgets are adhered to.
• Organise seminars, workshops and roundtable dialogue for respective actors to address specific issues and promote awareness; enforce shared understanding and working knowledge of PCRD and peacebuilding operational systems, mechanisms and processes.
• Coordinate resource mobilisation strategies with the Executive Secretary and ensure that all programmes, projects and initiatives for knowledge management, training, mentoring and capacity building in PCRD and peacebuilding are implemented steadily and successfully.
• Supervise the day-to-day activities of the AUC-PCRD and oversee the work of relevant PCRD and/or relevant peacebuilding task forces and AU Liaison Offices and relevant specialised technical agencies.
• Work with Regional Economic Communities/Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) and international development partners, as well as PCRD, peacebuilding and humanitarian actors for the development of joint programmes and interventions.
• Undertake any other assignments and tasks as requested by the Executive Secretary. Such assignments may involve working with teams and/or Staff within or outside the AUC-PCRD.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A Master’s Degree in Political Science, International Relations, Law, International Law, International Human Rights Law, Human Rights, Human Rights Law, Economics, Public Administration, Organisational Development, Business Management, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Peace & Conflict Studies, Security Studies or any related discipline. A higher qualification will be an added advantage.
• Must have at least 12 years of progressive working experience in strategic planning, and programme management and evaluation of which 7 should be at managerial level and 5 at supervisory level.
• Experience in strategic planning development and programme and project design using results framework is desirable.
• Previous work experience in a peace operation and/or in a conflict or post-conflict context with knowledge of and strong networks within multilateral institutions and policymaking, as well as of the broader policy development and implementation system.
• Must have good knowledge of the African context and thorough conceptual knowledge and practice of the AU PCRD Policy and peacebuilding discourse. Must have proven track record of outstanding report writing and oral communication abilities.

Required Skills:

• A demonstrated ability to initiate and promote collaborative approaches between geographically and culturally disparate partners
• Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations both internally and externally
• Ability to develop and delegate clear program goals, plans and actions, including budgets, that are consistent with agreed strategies
• Ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff
• Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic) and  fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Perspective
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk.

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationships
• Foster Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with impact.

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge Sharing;
• Drive for Results
• Fosters Innovation.

Tenure of Appointment

• The appointment will be made on a 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.

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
Indicative basic salary of US$50,746.00 (P5 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (48% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 21,832.68  (per annum), and 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), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.

Application Closing Date
21st February, 2022.