Senior Country Review Officer - Democracy & Political Governance (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 Country Review Officer - Democracy & Political Governance (APRM)

Requisition ID: 1649
Location: Midrand, South Africa 
Reports to: Reginal Coordinators
Directorate/Department/Organ: African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)
Division: Country Review and Assessment
Number of Direct Reports: 1
Number of Indirect Reports: 1
Job Grade: P3
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

• To provide technical support in carrying out competent and credible country reviews in the areas of democracy and political governance, providing up to date, analytical data, information on countries preparing for or engaged in review processes on their situation with respect democratic rules and procedures, as well as political governance, including measures to enforce democratic principles and ensure full respect of the Rule of law as outlined under DPG thematic area

Main Functions

• Provides technical support in the preparation and implementation of programmes 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 programmes related to the functioning of the Division
• Provides technical support for the development of resource mobilization strategy with stakeholders coordination
• Manages and supervises employees under his/her supervision with regard to organization and performance evaluation.
• Conducts complex analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the Division and AU’s internal use.
• Liaises with the various Departments/Units of the Commission for coordination and alignment purposes
• Prepares 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 contributes to the development of strategies, policies, programmes and plans

Specific Responsibilities

• Compiles data and information on the policies, programmes and activities in individual African countries with respect to conflict prevention and reduction; promotion of individual rights particularly those of women, children, the youth and vulnerable groups; the degree of powers between the executive, the legislative and the judiciary, and the degree of corruption particularly the behaviour of public office holders.
• Develops appropriate indicators relevant to the measurement of Democracy and Political Governance, based on standards and codes implied in the Declaration on Political, Economic and Corporate Governance.
• Undertakes research and analysis on the situation of Democracy and Political Governance in individuals member states of the African Union,
• Prepares, in cooperation with Country Review Principals, country briefs, Background papers on the democratic and political situation in preparation of reviews in participating countries,
• Undertakes research activities aimed at developing further performance indicators of Democracy and Political Governance.
• Participates in the selection of experts in democracy and political governance to be recruited as team members of the Country Review Mission (CRM);
• Supports the Country Review Team in developing “Issues Paper” on DPG
• Participates in the country review process by providing the CRM with relevant DPG thematic expertise
• Liaises with relevant stakeholders in member states to advance political governance principles and practices.
• Organises technical meetings with stakeholders in the area of democracy and political governance
• Provides professional leadership and/or mentor and supervises the work of junior officers, contract staff, etc.
• Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Contributes to activities related to budget funding proposals, (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports.
• Performs other duties as required

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master’s Degree in Political sciences, Peace and security studies, International relations, Public Administration, Law or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience of which 3 years at expert level.
• Managerial experience is an added advantage

OR

• Bachelor’s Degree in Political sciences, Peace and security studies, International relations, Public Administration, Law or related fields with 10 years experience of which 3 years at expert level.
• Managerial experience is an added advantage

Required Skills:

• Ability to work in multi-cultural environments;
• Communication, presentation, report writing skills;
• Knowledge of Gender issues
• Planning and organizing skills
• Computer skills
• Analytical skills

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 and information sharing..
• Drive for Result
• Continuous Improvement Orientation

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 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.