Head, Peace Support Operations 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, Peace Support Operations Division

Requisition ID:  644
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Organization: African Union Commission - AUC
Reports to: Director Conflict Management  
Directorate: Conflict Management
Division: Peace Support Operations
Contract Type: Regular 
Number of Direct Reports: 2
Number of Indirect Reports: 11
Grade: P5

Purpose of Job

• Directs and manages the daily operations of the Peace Support Operations 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 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 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

• Manages daily operations of the Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD) according to Organizational structure and goals of the Division.
• Coordinates and oversees the daily operations of the various units of the Division.
• Design programmes and provide guidance on the work of the Division.
• Facilitates the translation of policy into viable tasks, and work collaboratively to ensure their implementation.
• Facilitates overall efforts towards the Operationalization and utilization of the ASF and its Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC), and coordinate with the RECs/RMs Planning Elements (PLANELMs) to ensure their readiness and deployment to AU Mandated or authorized Missions.
• Represents the division in management and in different meetings and ensure the Director and Commissioner PAPs are informed of critical issues requiring intervention and decision.
• Provides briefings to relevant AU Policy Organs (STCDSS, PSC, PRC, Ex. Council, Assembly) as directed by Director and Commissioner PAPS.
• Provides strategic direction, management and support to AU Mandated and Authorized Missions.
• Manages relationships and liaise with the RECs/RMs, Member States as well as International Partners on issues relating to the mandate of the Peace Support Operations Division.
• Ensures effective communication flow to and from the Division through the Director to the Commissioner of PAPs.
• Performs specific tasks as delegated and agreed with by the Director and Commissioner of PAPs

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master’s Degree in Defense or Strategic Studies, Law, International Relations, Political Science, Peace and Security Studies,  or other related studies, with twelve (12) years relevant work experience out of which seven (7) years should at managerial level while five (5) years should be at supervisory level.
• Experience working in AU or United Nations multi-dimensional peacekeeping missions at the strategic or operational level is an added advantage.
• Specialized Certificates in senior leadership, planning and co-ordination of peace support and peacekeeping operations are 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 peace building 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.

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

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