Job Openings 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 Organization 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 Legal Advisor Expert (AfCFTA)

Requisition ID: 1874
Location: Accra, Ghana
Reports to: Chief of Staff
Directorate/Department/Organ: Office of the Secretary General
Job Grade: P3
Contract Type: Fixed Term

Purpose of Job

  • Facilitate and provide legal support and provide appropriate legal advice in various levels of the structure of the AfCFTA negotiations

Main Functions

  • Provides technical support in the preparation and implementation of programs developed out of the Division’s strategic plan
  • Ensures effective coordination and implementation at various levels
  • Liaises with Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and other stakeholders on relevant matters
  • Prepares and develops reports, budget and work programs related to the functioning of the Division
  • Provides technical support for the development of resource mobilization strategy with stakeholder’s coordination
  • Engages with relevant mid-level stakeholders and develop relationships
  • Conducts complex analysis and generates accurate reports in a timely manner for the Division and AU’s internal use.
  • Liaises with the various for coordination and alignment purposes
  • Contributes in the development of strategies, policies, programs and plans.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Provide legal advice on AfCFTA issues raised by the Member State representatives participating in meetings at the various levels of the AfCFTA negotiations structure
  • Provide appropriate legal advice to the AfCFTA Secretariat, AfCFTA Bureau and others entities
  • Collaborate closely with the Office of AU legal Counsel in the discharge of his/her duties
  • Maintain and disseminate an up-to-date record of the status off all chapters and annexes of the text
  • Assist Member states with “legal scrubbing” of the text and annexes once they have been finalized
  • Assist the AfCFTA Secretariat in providing secretarial support to the AfCFTA negotiations committees
  • Produce the required inputs on work done on AfCFTA legal issues arising from the negotiations to the Secretary General Office for the periodic reports of the activities of the Unit, and ensure that agreed deadlines for these inputs are strictly adhered to
  • Manages and supervises employees under his/her supervision with regard to organization and performance evaluation
  • Perform any other related duties as may be assigned

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

  • Candidates must have a University Master’s Degree in Law, International Law, International Trade Law or another appropriate related discipline.
  • Candidates must have had at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience as a negotiator or legal advisor in regional integration or trade negotiations at a national, regional, continental, or international organization, and should have involved the negotiation of legal provisions or other legal issues or the provision of legal advice to the negotiators involved.
  • Candidates with University Bachelor Degree can be considered provided they have ten (10) years of relevant work experience out of which three (3) must be at expert level.

Required Skills:

  • A demonstrated ability to initiate and promote collaborative approaches and implementing joint activities;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations both internally and externally in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance
  • Ability to assist in developing clear program goals, plans and actions that are consistent with agreed strategies and to appropriately delegate, monitor and adjust these plans and actions
  • Ability to produce clear and professional reports
  • Proficiency in one of the AU officials working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage;

Leadership Competencies:

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

Core Competencies:

  • Building Relationships
  • Foster Accountability Culture
  • Learning Orientation
  • Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies:

  • Conceptual Thinking
  • Job Knowledge and information sharing
  • Drive for Results
  • 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.

Remuneration
The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$   100,972.49  (P3 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 83,397.18 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Deadline: 21st June, 2023.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

 

Job Title: Digital Trade Expert (AfCFTA)

Requisition ID: 1875
Location: Accra, Ghana
Reports to: Chief of Staff
Directorate/Department/Organ: Office of the Secretary General
Job Grade: P3
Contract Type: Fixed Term

Purpose of Job

  • The main objective of this assignment is to provide support to the AfCFTA Secretariat in AfCFTA digital trade negotiations and implementation.

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 AfCFTA’s internal use;
  • Liaise with the various Departments/Units of the Secretariat 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
The duties and responsibilities of the Expert include to:

  • Provide support to the negotiation process for the Digital Trade Protocol, including negotiation processes, attending and reporting on negotiation meetings, following up with State Parties, managing relevant documents, and arranging necessary meetings of State Parties and stakeholders
  • Draft reports on AfCFTA negotiations supporting interaction with State and non-State Parties.
  • Support integration of digital trade in AfCFTA issues and address requests from different stakeholders on digital trade.
  • Produce papers for various audiences, including drafting documents and briefs for a policy audience, and support relevant research.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of digital application platforms for the AfCFTA, promotion of a digital culture and building of digital business technology platforms and relationships externally with vendors, startups and third-party stakeholders;
  • Support stakeholder engagement and capacity building activities, including the development of training materials and manuals, providing training to AfCFTA negotiators, and conducting training workshops on digital trade; and
  • Any other related duties assigned by the Director of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and Digital Trade at the AfCFTA Secretariat.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

  • Candidates must have a University Master Degree in International Trade, Economics, International Relations, International Law and/or technology-related areas with at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience out of which three (3) years should be at expert level.
  • Candidates with University Bachelor Degree can be considered provided they have ten (10) years of relevant work experience of which three (3) years should be at expert level.
  • Experience in writing for a policy audience and engagement with public and private sector stakeholders in trade and digitalisation and/or digital regulation in the African context is required.
  • Understanding of Africa’s regional integration agenda and key AfCFTA issues is required.
  • Experience with continental, regional, and/or national policy making on relevant trade and/or digitalisation issues is desirable. Knowledge of trade negotiations is an asset. Ability to proactively address challenges is valuable.

Required Skills:

  • Ability to work in a multicultural environment
  • Ability to work independently to meet critical and competing deadlines (multi-tasking), to produce high quality work in short timeframes
  • Excellent interpersonal/teamwork skills
  • Must be computer literate with a working knowledge of common computer applications and systems
  • Excellent drafting, reporting, communication and presentation skills;
  • Strong program/project management skills
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Excellent planning and organising skills
  • Ability to liaise with a diverse range of people and stakeholders; and
  • Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish or Swahili).
  • Knowledge of one more or several other working languages would be an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

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

Core Competencies:

  • Building Relationships
  • Foster Accountability Culture
  • Learning Orientation
  • Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies:

  • Conceptual Thinking
  • Job Knowledge and information sharing
  • Drive for Results
  • 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.

Remuneration
The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$   100,972.49  (P3 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 83,397.18 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Deadline: 21st June, 2023.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

 

Job Title: Digital Application Officer (AfCFTA)

Requisition ID: 1876
Location: Accra, Ghana
Reports to: Chief of Staff
Directorate/Department/Organ: Office of the Secretary General
Job Grade: P2
Contract Type: Fixed Term

Purpose of Job

  • The main objective of this assignment is to provide support to the AfCFTA Secretariat in AfCFTA digital trade negotiations and implementation.

Main Functions

  • Handles technical activities related to the specific area of work, assists the follow up on activities planned including monitoring and evaluating progress made in line with a predefined strategic plan.
  • Reviews and makes recommendations on existing policy areas.
  • Contributes in conducting analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the respective Unit/Division and AfCFTA’s internal use.
  • Provides support in setting the overall research direction of a relevant policy area.
  • Responsible for execution of defined study/research areas.
  • Participates in the organisation of relevant meetings with stakeholders.
  • Engages with relevant mid-level stakeholders and develop working relationships.
  • Supports the promotion of the activities of the Unit/Division/Directorate including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets.
  • Provides support in drafting reports and participate in the preparation of budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Unit/Division as required
  • Provides technical support to internal and external stakeholders

Specific Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the Expert include to:

  • Support the digital transformation efforts of the AfCFTA Secretariat;
  • Support the development and implementation of digital application platforms for the AfCFTA;
  •  Support the development and implementation of a digital strategy by working with different stakeholders to transition from traditional to digital processes;
  • Promote digital culture and build digital business technology platforms;
  • Build relationships externally with vendors, startups and third-party stakeholders;
  • Keep pace with market innovation to maintain a fresh digital strategy for the AfCFTA;
  • Support the development and implementation of business processes and associated technical solutions;
  • Support to the implementation, and negotiation process for the Digital Trade Protocol, including negotiation processes, attending and reporting on negotiation meetings, following up with State Parties, managing relevant documents, and arranging necessary meetings of State Parties and stakeholders;
  • Draft reports on AfCFTA negotiations supporting interaction with State and non-State Parties.
  • Support integration of digital trade in AfCFTA issues and address requests from different stakeholders on digital trade.
  • Produce papers for various audiences, including drafting documents and briefs for a policy audience, and support relevant research.
  • Support stakeholder engagement and capacity-building activities, including the development of training materials and manuals, providing training to AfCFTA negotiators, and conducting training workshops on digital trade; and
  • Any other related duties assigned by the Director of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and Digital Trade at the AfCFTA Secretariat.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

  • Candidates must have a University Master’s Degree in International Trade, Economics, International Relations, International Law and/or Technology related areas at least two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience.
  • Candidates with University Bachelor Degree can be considered provided they have five (5) years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience in designing and building digital applications or platforms, coding languages, (e.g. Java, Python, PHP, C++, etc);
  • Ability to navigate multiple computer applications and systems;
  • Understanding of Africa’s regional integration agenda and key AfCFTA issues is required.
  • Experience with continental, regional, and/or national policy-making on relevant trade and/or digitalization issues is desirable. Knowledge of trade negotiations is an asset.
  • Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to work independently to meet critical and competing deadlines (multi-tasking), to produce high-quality work in short timeframes;
  • Excellent drafting, reporting, communication and presentation skills;
  • Strong programme/project management skills;

Required Skills:

  • Ability to work in a multicultural environment;
  • Ability to work independently to meet critical and competing deadlines (multi-tasking), to produce high quality work in short timeframes;
  • Excellent interpersonal/teamwork skills;
  • Must be computer literate with a working knowledge of common computer applications and systems;
  • Excellent drafting, reporting, communication and presentation skills;
  • Strong program/project management skills;
  • Strong analytical skills;
  • Excellent planning and organizing skills;
  • Ability to liaise with a diverse range of people and stakeholders; and
  • Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish or Swahili). Knowledge of one more or several other working languages would be an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

  • Change Management
  • Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Accountability awareness and Compliance
  • Learning Orientation
  • Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies:

  • Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • Job Knowledge and information sharing
  • Drive for Results
  • Continuous Improvement Focus.

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.

Remuneration
The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$   88,381.02  (P2 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 70,805.71 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Deadline: 21st June, 2023.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

 

Job Title: Program Management Officer (AfCFTA)

Requisition ID: 1825
Location: Accra, Ghana
Reports to: Chief of Staff
Directorate/Department/Organ: Office of the Deputy Secretary General (AfCFTA)
Job Grade: P2
Contract Type: Fixed Term

Purpose of Job

  • The Program Management Officer will be responsible for the preparation, coordination and assist on implementation of the AfCFTA conference et meetings

Main Functions

  • Organize meetings and conferences for the AfCFTA Secretariat
  • Assist in development of guidelines, policies and manuals that can guide on Meetings and Conference preparation
  • Provide support to the implementation of initiatives related to area of specialization;
  • Develop annual evaluation report and present findings.
  • Assist on the preparation of documents related to the meetings and conferences.
  • Assist in providing technical guidance on matters relating to document records system

Specific Responsibilities

  • Provide appropriate conference facilities (venue booking, public address system, office equipment) and support services (contracting of translators and interpreters, secretarial staff) for all meetings of the various levels of the AfCFTA Institutions – where appropriate this will be done in co-operation with other directorates
  • Ensure the timely distribution of supporting documentation for the meetings of the various levels of the AfCFTA Institutions and post-meeting minutes (Reports);
  • Ensure that appropriate venues, public address and other conference facilities, translation and interpretation services, and secretarial support are provided for all meetings of the AfCFTA Institutions
  • Refer all necessary clearances on the AfCFTA administrative and financial management systems to the office of the Secretary General once they have been approved by the Director
  • Assist the Director to maintain and disseminate an up-to-date schedule of all current and future meetings of all levels of the AfCFTA Institutions
  • Ensure the collection, preservation, referencing and filing of copies of all supporting documentation, short-term study reports and recommendations, agendas, minutes, and other documents prepared for and used by all of the meetings of the various levels of the AfCFTA Institutions
  • Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Director

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

  • University Master’s Degree in Economics, Statistics, Social Sciences, Programme or Project Management, Business Administration, or other relevant fields with 2 years relevant work experience in similar institutions

or

  • University Bachelor’s degree in economics, Statistics, Social Sciences, Programme or Project Management, Business Administration, or other relevant fields with Five (5) years of experience in similar institutions

Required Skills:

  • Ability to work in a multicultural environment
  • Ability to work independently to meet critical and competing deadlines (multi-tasking), to produce high quality work in short timeframes
  • Excellent interpersonal/teamwork skills
  • Must be computer literate with a working knowledge of common computer applications and systems
  • Excellent drafting, reporting, communication and presentation skills.
  • Strong program/project management skills
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Excellent planning and organizing skills
  • Ability to liaise with a diverse range of people and stakeholders;
  • Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages. Proficiency of two or more of the other working language(s) would be an added value.
  • Applicants must be proficient in one of the African Union working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese or Spanish). Knowledge of one more or several other working languages would be an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

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

Core Competencies:

  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Accountable and Complies with Rules
  • Learning Orientation

Functional Competencies:

  • Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • Job Knowledge and information sharing
  • Drive for Result
  • Continuous Improvement Focus

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

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.

Remuneration
The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$88,381.02  (P2 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 70,805.71 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Deadline: 21st June, 2023.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

  • Only candidates who have met all the requirements of the post and have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
  • Only applications registered online with a complete curriculum vitae (CV) attached will be considered.
  • The Africa Union is an equal opportunity employer and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
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