Safeguard Officer (STATAFRIC) 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: Safeguard Officer (STATAFRIC)

Requisition ID: 2035
Location: Tunis, Tunisia
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Job Grade: P2
Division: Office of Executive Director of STATAFRIC
Reports to: Executive Director of STATAFRIC
Directorate/Department/Organ: STATAFRIC
Organization: African Union

Purpose of Job

• Reporting to the Executive Director of STATAFRIC, the Safeguard Officer will ensure that all civil works and other related activities under STATAFRIC projects funded by the World Bank are undertaken in full compliance with the Projects’ Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), and the African Union and World Bank Environmental and Social Standards.
• The 3 major projects funded by the World Bank are;
  • Harmonizing and Improving Statistics in West Africa Project (HISWA)
  • Eastern Africa Regional Statistics Program-for-Results (EARSPforR)
  • Harmonizing and Improving Statistics in West and Central Africa (HISWACA)

Main Functions

• Prepare site-specific Environmental Management Plans (EMPs), 
• Prepare and participate in the process of EMP public disclosure, including presentation of EMPs;
• Prepare Minutes of Public Meetings contribute to the preparation of Tender Documents for the respective civil work contracts, and participate in the tender evaluation,

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide overall environmental management oversight during the implementation of the 3 major projects funded by the World Bank; HISWA, EARSPforR and HISWACA by supporting and advising the Project Manager and the project team on environmental issues at all the stages of the implementation.
• Facilitate environment-related training and awareness activities; 
• Provide guidance and technical support on the environmental impact and vulnerability evaluation of the activities of the projects
• Guide the project implementing agencies/works contractors in preparing the necessary Environmental Social Framework (ESF) instruments and Environmental Assessment (EA) documents and review them for quality assurance; 
• Monitor compliance of project-financed activities with World Bank environmental policies by participating in project technical discussions and field visits, reviewing project reports and recommending adequate measures, and liaising with World Bank environmental specialists; 
• Monitor Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) compliance onsite by the civil works consultants / contractor at project sites
• Write a quarterly Environmental & Social performance report to the World Bank in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)
• Participate in the preparation of site specific environmental and social risk management instruments which will be prepared based on the Environmental & Social Management Framework (ESMF).
• Report any health and safety incidents to the Project Coordinator who will in turn report to the World Bank in the timeline specified in the environmental and social commitment plan
• Undertake any other environmental risk management activities of the projects as needed.
• Ensure that each subproject and activities under the project are subjected to the Project Social and Environmental Standards (SES) processes and procedures

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A Master's Degree in Environmental Sciences, Engineering or Natural Sciences and at least three (3) years of excellent professional relevant work experience at national, continental or international level. 

Or

• A Bachelor’s Degree in in Environmental Sciences, Engineering or Natural Sciences and at least five (5) years of excellent professional experience at national, continental or international level.  

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of statistics methodologies and concepts
• A clear understanding of statistical terms and concepts
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and statistical tools
• Management experience and excellent interpersonal skills 
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Excellent communication skills and ability both orally and in writing
• Excellent report writing and presentation
• 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 
• Conscientious in observing deadlines and achieving results 
• Familiarity with international and regional definition, methodologies and standards in the relevant area 
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages, fluency in another AU language is an added advantage

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationship
• Foster Accountability Culture

Functional Competencies:

• Drive for Result

Tenure of Appointment

• The appointment shall be for an initial period of one (1) year, the first three (3) months of which shall be on probation. It shall be renewable subject to performance and availability of funds.

Gender Mainstreaming

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

Remuneration
The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$ 80,975.58 (P2 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 66,045.08 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Application Closing Date
24th November, 2023; 11h59 p.m. EAT.