Director of the Institute (PAUGHSS) 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: Director of the Institute (PAUGHSS)

Req Id: 2344
Location: Yaounde, Cameroon
Reports to: Rector
Directorate/Department/Organ: PAU 
Division: PAUGHSS
Number of Direct Reports: 1
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: P5
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

• The incumbent is responsible for the effective management of the Institute’s human and financial resources, properties, equipment, and facilities ensuring the effective and timely implementation of the PAU Council and Rectorate decisions at the level of the Institute.

Main Functions

• Coordinate the PAUGHSS activities and ensure timely delivery of set goals.
• Manage the work of the Office and supervise direct/indirect reports to ensure their effective performance as per the organization’s performance management policy and system.
• Contribute to the design of strategies and policies consistent with the PAU’s goals, in order to address identified issues.
• Contribute to the development of the PAUGHSS business continuity plan and ensure its implementation.
• Ensure risk management and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Develop new and expand on existing activities as components of the strategies and policies.
• Engage stakeholders within Member States and RECs in designing and implementing strategies.
• Represent the organization and explain its position at conferences.
• Mobilize resources from donors to implement strategies and activities.
• Contribute to the preparation of periodic financial and budget execution reports and monitor budget execution at the division level.

Specific Responsibilities

• Play a leadership role in liaising between the host university, host country, and the PAU Rectorate and ensure effective coordination between the Coordinators of all Programme Departments and Centres under the Institute.
• Preside over the Annual General Meeting of the Coordinators of Programme Departments and Centres of the Institute to draw up the report of the Institute, including an activity report covering the work of the Institute for consideration to the Rector and submitted for decision by the PAU Senate.
• Regularly prepare and submit activity reports on the work of the Institute to the Rectorate.
• Report annually to the Rector on the individual academic accomplishments of academic and research staff employed at the Institute and its Centers.
• Ensure the implementation and periodic monitoring of the PAU multi-annual strategic development plan at the level of the Institute, its Programme Departments, and Centers.
• Oversee the preparations of the budget and financial reports of the Institute.
• Ensure the commitment and release of funds for which provision has been made in the budget approved by the AU Executive Council and serve as the authorizing officer for the Institute.
• With the approval of the PAU Rector, sign agreements pertaining to voluntary donations or contributions from governments, national or international organizations, or any other private or public donor organization for the benefit of the Institute.
• Keep accurate records on the academic progress of each student and make recommendations to the relevant PAU organs for appropriate actions where necessary.
• Provide overall oversight and leadership in the activities of the examiners, including the appointment of Boards of Examiners or juries for postgraduate theses, projects, or other related academic or research work.
• Supervise the planning and development of academic programs, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Plan the evaluation and review of academic programs and curriculum.
• Liaise with national, regional, continental, and international accreditation and quality assurance agencies.
• Coordinate the evaluation processes for faculty hiring, promotion, and tenure, and make recommendations.
• Participate as an ex-officio member of the PAU council.
• Perform other related tasks and related responsibilities as may be assigned by the Rector PAU or as may be necessary for the efficient functioning of the Institute.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• PhD holder and full professor in the fields of social sciences and humanities, legal sciences, or economics from a recognized university, with twelve (12) years of relevant post-graduate progressive academic experience, of which seven (7) years are at a senior academic leadership position, in a recognized university.
• Having held administrative positions such as Head of Department, Deputy Dean or Dean of faculty, or Director of academic programs or their equivalent will be an added advantage.
• The candidate must have a prominent academic profile with evidence of high-quality research work in the course of his/her career.
• Experience in fund-raising for international projects is desirable.
• A project management certificate is an added advantage.

Required Skills:

• Highly conversant in the cultures and changing landscapes of higher education internationally.
• Working knowledge of policy analysis and development and program/project management, implementation, and monitoring.
• Strong background of research and publications, a prominent profile in the relevant academic community, and a proven record of effective leadership and management experience at a senior level in an academic/research institution.
• Ability to communicate orally with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to express ideas and formulate plans by means of clear and effective writing and oral presentations.
• Ability to draft conceptual and detailed reports/papers and review/edit the work of others.
• Ability to prepare rationale with respect to key financial and administrative decisions.
• Ability to negotiate effectively.
• Ability to keep abreast of available technology and understand its applicability to the work of the Organization.
• Ability to actively seek, identify, and apply appropriate technology to improve program delivery.
• Good computer literacy.
• Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic) is required; Knowledge in another AU language(s) is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationships
• Foster Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Impact

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge and Information Sharing
• Drive for Results

Application Closing Date
13th September, 2024.