Compliance Policy Officer at the African Union (AU) - 3 Openings

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: Compliance Policy Officer

Locations: Cameroon, Nigeria & Niger
Employment Type: Full-time

Purpose of Job

• To provide support to the policy processes of the MNJTF-specific compliance and accountability framework, and to facilitate and coordinate investigations and case management processes in case of allegation of misconduct.

Main Functions

• Provide support to the Senior Compliance Officer in the MNJTF in the development and enhancement of policies, processes, procedures and mechanisms towards ensuring compliance to International Humanitarian law (IHL), international human rights law (IHRL) and conduct and Discipline of MNJTF personnel and Operations in MNJTF Sector 3. The duties of the Compliance Policy Officer will be guided by the African Union Compliance Framework.

Specific Responsibilities

• Support the development and review of mission specific policies, guidelines, SOPs and mechanisms on compliance.
• Support in ensuring the implementation of existing mission policies, guidelines, SOPs, procedures and mechanisms on compliance, including on handling persons associated with Boko Haram;
• Research and collect information pertaining to IHL and IHRL violations, keep abreast of issues/events and provide up-to-date information;
• Drafts reports and correspondence relating to IHL and IHRL violations;
• Maintains awareness of current IHL and IHRL violations, including relevant political and legal developments in the country concerned;
• Reviews human rights violations, assess humanitarian matters and participates in discussions with other Human Rights Officers (HROs). Initiates awareness into political, humanitarian and economic matters.
• Assists in promoting human rights awareness in the community through mobilization;
• Support the development of relevant strategies for preventing misconduct and IHL-IHRL violations in consultation with the MNJTF HQ.
• Provide support in conducting relevant trainings on compliance with IHRL, IHL and conduct and discipline;
• Support the design, development and review of mission-specific compliance training courses, with regards to the needs of civilian and uniformed personnel;
• Support the development and operationalization of systems, procedures and mechanisms for monitoring, reporting on, investigating, and ensuring accountability for IHRL and IHL violations and misconduct by personnel of MNJTFs in compliance with standards on independence, effectiveness, promptness, and transparency.
• Support the coordination with MNJTF TCCs to enhance structures and mechanisms that can ensure accountability for violations of IHRL and IHL and violations of applicable standards of conduct and discipline;
• Provide guidance and support to MNJTF TCCs to enhance their disciplinary and accountability procedures in relation to cases of misconduct;
• Submit timely monthly reports;
• Perform any other related duties as assigned by supervisors.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Social Science, or any related field with five (5) years of work experience in the area required. Or
• A Master’s degree in Law, Social Science or any related field with two (2) years of work experience in the area required.
• Experience in writing and reporting on human rights and compliance issues, human rights promotion, monitoring as well as advocacy will be an added advantage.

Required Skills:

• Professionalism: Demonstrated proficiency in the fields of law, human rights, social sciences and/or conflict management-related issues. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to policy development and processes.
• Knowledge of legal, policy and knowledge management processes. Demonstrated professional competence in assignments held to date. Strong analytical capacity, and ability to identify, analyse and articulate complex issues/problems. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Ability to conduct research, including the ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess the impact on the compliance and accountability activities. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• Communication: Speaks, writes clearly, listens to others, interprets messages correctly and responds appropriately. Acts in good faith.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.
• Judgement/Decision-Making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, spots the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before deciding; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Leadership Competencies:
Core Competencies:

• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with impact

Functional Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Job Knowledge and information sharing

Application Closing Date
4th July, 2024.