Senior Human Right Observer at the African Union (AU) - 5 Openings

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 Human Right Observer

Requisition ID: 883
Location: Bangui, Central African Republic
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Division: Central Africa Desk
Job Grade: P3
Reports to: Coordinator Human Rights / CAR
Directorate / Department: PAPS / Conflict management
Number of Positions: 5
Number of Direct Reports: 4
Number of Indirect Reports: 2

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.
• The Human Rights Observers will be deployed to CAR to monitor and document human rights violations and international humanitarian law in line with the CAR peace agreement.
• Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator Human Rights/CAR, they will monitor activities of human rights and will be responsible, in accordance with the provisions of the PAPR, for issues related to the promotion and protection of human rights with particular attention to vulnerable persons (women, children, the elderly etc.) and the promotion of gender mainstreaming in coordination with partners in CAR. Promote and enforce the instruments and commitments of the African Union, as well as UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions on women, peace and security.

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
Under the overall supervision of the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission, Head, AU Liaison Office for Central African Republic, and direct supervision of the HRO Coordinator, the mandate of the HRO, as indicated in the various communiqués and resolutions of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) is as follows:

• Monitor the human rights situation on the ground,
• Report violations of human rights and international humanitarian law
• Undertake local conflict prevention and resolution activities.
• The HROs will report, through the HRO Coordinator, to the AU Special Representative in CAR. Daily and weekly reports have to be sent to the Commission through the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
• Document the situation of civilians in the capital Bangui and other selected provincial areas of the country on all violations of human rights laws, international humanitarian law and refugees/IDPs laws;
• Develop and maintain contacts and effective working relations with Central African Republic authorities and other local, regional and international stakeholders including working with the MINUSCA HR observers that have been deployed on the ground for some time now;
• Participate in activities of conflict prevention and peace building efforts at local level;
• Assume protective presence and/or participate in local shuttle diplomacy, local capacity building and rumor control to the de-escalation of tension among the general public;
• Undertake initiatives to partner with local civil society groups to build strategies for long term violence reduction;
• Encourage peaceful dialogue ;  
• Provide advice; and
• Make appropriate recommendations to the Commission on how best to address the peace challenges in CAR.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A Master's Degree in International Law, Human Rights, Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Social Sciences, with 5 years' experience in the field of human rights related field with a government, NGO, think tank or similar multilateral, regional or international institution which 3 years should be at expert/specialist and 3 years at supervisory level
• Or
• Bachelor in similar studies with 10 years relevant experience.
• This experience should include human rights promotion, protection, monitoring and reporting, and advocacy. Experience in promoting gender equality in a post-conflict setting outside the candidate's country of nationality is desirable.
• 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:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Sound planning and organizational skills
• Ability to negotiate diplomatically
• Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development
• 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 Insight...
• Developing others...
• Change Management....
• Managing Risk...

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationship...
• Foster Accountability Culture...
• 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.

Application Closing Date
24th December, 2021.