Project Manager (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: Project Manager (STATAFRIC)

Requisition ID: 2036
Location: Tunis, Tunisia
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Job Grade: P4
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 Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of the World Bank Projects implemented by STATAFRIC, provide inputs on technical issues of the projects and handle all substantive administrative matters related to projects implementation as per the project operations manual and the financial agreement.
• 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

• Strengthen STATAFRIC capacity as Project Implementing Unit of the World Bank projects, 
• Improve governance environment for projects implementation by STATAFRIC.
• Plan, manage and supervise the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the 3 World Bank projects components using a results-based logical framework matrix in which for each component, goods and services and their related activities are aligned with their performance indicators including baseline and target, source of verification, assumptions and risks, and mitigation measures.

Specific Responsibilities

• Specifically the Project Manager shall serve  as the reference person for technical and functional matters in each work stream. He/She will be in charge of the organization of activities with the African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and service providers (for goods and services), and other stakeholders. 
• Manage and coordinate project activities, from technical, administrative and financial points of view, applying strategic planning and systematic coordination of projects activities;
• Prepare annual work plans, training plan and assist on the procurement plan finalization in line with the World Bank Projects and documents; 
• Prepare annual budget in line with the work plans and STATAFRIC budget process guidelines;  
• Facilitate effective communication and coordination between the Projects staff and Projects actors, STATAFRIC, AU Member States, RECs and the World Bank;
• Monitor the progress of the projects, manage the projects’ budget, ensure the key milestones are reached, 
• Identify any issues that may arise during the projects implementation and ensure that these issues are resolved effectively in order to keep the projects on track;
• Ensure the projects implementation complies with the Projects Management Plan;
• Address business and technical issues, mitigate projects risks and propose changes in projects scope as necessary;
• Ensure timely validation of technical and functional deliverables;
• Provide Secretariat services in the meetings of the projects Steering Committee and other relevant meetings;
• Responsible for projects reporting to the Executive Director of STATAFRIC as the Project Coordinator; and
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned to him/her by the Executive Director of STATAFRIC.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A Master's Degree in Project Management, Statistics, Demography or related fields, and at least ten (10) years of excellent professional experience in project management and/or monitoring and evaluation at national, continental or international level and 6 years at managerial level and three (3) years at supervisory level. 

Or

• A Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Statistics, Demography or related fields, and at least twelve (12) years of excellent professional experience in project management and/or monitoring and evaluation at national, continental or international level and 6 years at managerial level and  three (3) years at supervisory 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$ 108,994.91 (P4 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$  92,749.55 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

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