Senior Research, Methodology & Development Officer (APRM) 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 Research, Methodology & Development Officer (APRM)

Requisition ID: 1645
Location: Midrand, South Africa 
Reports to: Head of Governance Reporting 
Directorate/Department/Organ: African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)
Division: Governance Reporting 
Number of Direct Reports: 0
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: P3
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

• To enhance APRM programme and research approaches through routine multi-stakeholder engagements and regular review of related frameworks on APRM processes and standard operating procedures for programme delivery.

Main Functions

• To create and maintain a multi-stakeholder community of practice for review of approaches to delivery of APRM core and extended mandates
• To ensure coherence in values, principles, and programme implementation guidelines across all APRM initiatives programmes. Further ensuring consistence, coherence and efficacy of all APRM research frameworks applied in the development of various knowledge products.
• To support Directorate programmes, examining methodologies for delivery of programmes against established plans and objectives.

Specific Responsibilities

• Coordinates system and process improvements, consistent application of agreed frameworks and SOPs. and the integrity and maintenance of programme data and record management systems to ensure best practice and continuous improvement in delivery methodologies.
• Organises platforms of community of practices, including meetings, forums and conferences including invitations, and preparation of agendas and meeting documentation.
• Prepares reporting tools to be used throughout the implementation of all APRM research and flagship programmes. This includes developing new methods of research and reporting.
• Provides information on what research is already available in various APRM thematic areas, including in cross cutting areas, towards preparation of papers and technical presentations as required
• Coordinates research and report editing for missions to ensure adherence to agreed AU – APRM institutional and technical standards, writing guidelines and reporting regulations.
• Acts as primary contact for research teams for any questions and concerns, attend meetings to share new ideas and discuss about issues.
• Assists in maintenance of research database and company website. Research policy issues and current affairs affecting the APRM and member states and identify and recommend options for addressing issues.
• Prepares policy briefs, analyses and presentations and defend and substantiate APRM policy positions.
• Develops supportive research to substantiate the APRM communications team efforts.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master’s Degree in Social Research, Public Policy, Public Administration, International Relations, Law Research or related fields with 7 years experience in research related positions or projects and/or programmes of which 3 years at expert level

Or

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Research, Public Policy, Public Administration, International Relations, Law Research or related fields with 10 years experience in research related positions or projects and/or programmes of which 3 years at expert level

It is highly desirable that candidates are able to demonstrate experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Working in an African country
• Working in/with Government, intergovernmental or international NGO organisations.

Required Skills:

• Conscientious in observing deadlines and achieving results
• Familiarity with international and regional policy processes and policy analysis in the relevant area
• Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development
• Ability to set priorities, solve problems and analyse data
• Ability to work and meet strict deadlines
• Ability to manage information with discretion
• Attention to detail
• Ability to be creative and innovative in generating new ideas and undertaking research
• Ability to work effectively and diplomatically in a multi-cultural environment
• Ability to be a collaborative team player, willing to proactively help colleagues
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Comfortable living and working in highly fluid and insecure environment
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages, fluency in another AU language is an added advantage

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

Leadership Competencies:

• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationship
• Accountable and Complies with Rules
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge Sharing
• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Orientation

 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.

Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$  37,453.00 (P3 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (57% of basic salary), a Housing allowance of 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
2nd May, 2023.