Principal Programme Policy and Strategy Officer (AfCDC) 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: Principal Programme Policy and Strategy Officer (AfCDC)

Requisition ID: 2235
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Reports to: Director General of Africa CDC
Directorate/Department/Organ: Office of the Director General
Division: Office of the Director General
Job Grade: P5
Contract Type: Fixed term

Purpose of Job

• The Principal Programme Policy and Strategy Officer will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and operational policies of Africa CDC's programmes.
• The incumbent will be responsible for providing high-level technical advice, leading policy development and analysis, and ensuring program alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

Main Functions

• Designs and implements policies, programs, and projects to achieve the directorate’s strategic objectives. 
• Designs policies, strategies, and programs to contribute to the effective implementation of relevant AU Policy Organs Decisions.
• Ensures the delivery of the division’s annual targets in line with the directorate’s overall goals and ensures robust and timely monitoring and reporting.
• Engages stakeholders within Members States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs)/Regional Mechanisms (RMs) and relevant international organisations in designing and implementing strategies. 
• Maintains thematic partnerships in support of the mandate of the Division.  
• Maintains regular working relations with senior stakeholders in Member States and partner institutions in the execution of the Division’s mandate.  
• Represents the organisation and communicates its position at conferences. 
• Contributes to the preparation of periodic financial and budget execution reports and monitor budget execution at division level. 
• Ensures the effective management of funds contributed to the organization. 
• Manages risk within the division and recommends mitigation strategies .
• Contributes to the development of the departmental business continuity plan and ensures implementation at division level.
• Maintains a positive work environment that facilitates collaboration and information sharing and is conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating diverse talent. 

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and revise program policies and strategies aligned with Africa CDC's strategic plan and international best practices.
• Lead and coordinate the development of detailed program implementation plans, budgets, and monitoring frameworks.
• Advise senior management on program feasibility, sustainability, and potential impact.
• Conduct research and analyses to inform evidence-based policy and programmatic decisions.
• Oversee the development and implementation of program monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regional and international partners, collaborating on joint program initiatives.
• Represent the Africa CDC at international meetings, forums and events related to programs, policies and strategy related to the objectives of the Africa CDC.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of public health needs and priorities across Africa, identifying new and emerging challenges.
• Represent Africa CDC in meetings and forums related to program policy and strategy.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master’s Degree in public health, International Relations, Public Policy or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of relevant work experience in public health program development, implementation, and policy analysis of which 7 and 5 should be at managerial and supervisory roles respectively. 
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting needs assessments, policy research, and program evaluation.
• Professional Certification in Programme Management is an added advantage.
• Leading the development and implementation of a national immunization program in Africa CDC for African countries.
• Conducting policy analysis on a specific public health issue across multiple African countries.
• Managing a regional program on disease surveillance and outbreak response.
• Collaborating with development partners to secure funding for a public health program.
• Representing an Africa CDC in international forums on public health policy.

Required Skills:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

• Building Partnership
• Accountable and Complies with Rules
• ..Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual thinking
• Job Knowledge and information 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 Mainstream:

• 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, Kiswahili, 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$ 126,440.93  (P5 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 108,357.41 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Application Closing Date
28th June, 2024.