Head, Mediation and Dialogue Division 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: Head, Mediation and Dialogue Division

Requisition ID:  647
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Contract Type: Regular 
Organization: African Union Commission - AUC
Reports to: Director, Conflict Management  
Directorate: Conflict Management
Division: Mediation and Dialogue
Number of Direct Reports: 2
Number of Indirect Reports: 4
Grade: P5

Purpose of Job

• Directs and manages the daily operations of the Mediation and Dialogue Division in order to achieve the strategic objectives of the directorate and the AU’s overall goals.

Main Functions

• Designs and implements policies, programs and projects to achieve the directorate’s strategic objectives. 
• Manages and supervises employees within the division, ensures the timely delivery of the directorate’s goals and effective staff performance evaluation; 
• Designs policies, strategies and programs to contribute to the effective implementation of relevant AU Policy Organs Decisions; 
• Ensures the delivery of the division’s annual targets in line with the directorate’s overall goals and ensures robust and timely monitoring and reporting;
• Provides technical leadership and ensures efficient functioning of all Units within the Division
• Manages the work of the Division and supervises direct reports to ensure their effective performance in line with the organization’s performance management policy and system;
• Engages stakeholders within Members States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs)/Regional Mechanisms(RMs) and relevant international organisations in designing and implementing strategies. 
• Maintains thematic partnerships in support of the mandate of the Division;  
• Maintains regular working relations with senior stakeholders in Member States and partner institutions in the execution of the Division’s mandate.  
• Represents the organisation and communicates its position at conferences. 
• Contributes to the preparation of periodic financial and budget execution reports and monitor budget execution at the division level. 
• Ensures the effective management of funds contributed to the organization;  
• Manages risk within the division and recommends mitigation strategies 
• Contributes to the development of the departmental business continuity plan and ensures implementation at the division level 
• Maintains a positive work environment that facilitates collaboration and information sharing and is conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating diverse talent. 

Specific Responsibilities

• Initiates and spearheads the design of preventive diplomacy, mediation and dialogue strategies and operational plans consistent with the mandate of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Department,
• Leads the AU mediation capacity building project in coordination with RECs and partners.
• Leads the drafting terms of reference for mediation initiatives and preventive diplomacy interventions, in line with relevant mandates/policy decisions
• Ensures effective initial (pre-deployment) briefing for Mediators and Special Envoys at AU HQ, plus oversee all administrative travel and logistical arrangements for the mediators/Special Envoys engagements.
• Ensures all mediation initiatives and Special Envoys have effective technical support
• Supports mediators in drafting regular update reports and end of assignment reports to the Chairperson and the Commissioner PAPS including recommendations for improving such missions in the future.
• Organises debriefings for the Mediators/Special Envoys with the Chairperson and the Commissioner PAPS, immediately following their departure from the mission area.
• Ensures that the AU Mediation Knowledge Management Framework and Standard Operating Procedures and other mediation support tools are fully implemented
• Mobilises funding from partners to implement strategies and program activities of the Division.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Masters Degree in Political Science, Diplomacy  International Relations, Mediation, Peace and Conflict Studies, Law, Public Administration or other related fields, with twelve (12) years relevant experience out of which seven (7) years should be at managerial and five (5) years at supervisory levels.
• Proven experience in managing mediation or preventive diplomacy initiatives or participating in mediation interventions is an added advantage.

Required Skills:

• Leadership and management skills
• Communication, report writing, and presentation skills
• Research and analytical skills
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Ability to work in teams and in a multi-cultural environment
• Knowledge in international peacebuilding initiatives
• Knowledge and working understanding of AU policies, systems and standards
• Planning and Organization skills.
• Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic); 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 and information sharing
• Drive for result
• 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.

Remuneration

• Indicative basic salary of US$  50,746.00 (P5 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment ( 57% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 27,290.88.00 (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
2nd August, 2021.