Information and Outreach Officer 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: Information and Outreach Officer

Requisition ID: 2381
Location: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Job Grade: P3
Contract Type: Regular
Division: AU-SAFGRAD
Reports to: Coordinator, AU-SAFGRAD
Directorate/Department/Organ: DARBE

Purpose of Job

• As the Communication and Outreach Officer at AU-SAFGRAD, you will lead efforts to promote SAFGRAD’s mission and successes through strategic communication and advocacy.
• Your role involves creating impactful content, engaging stakeholders across different platforms, and maintaining consistent messaging to amplify SAFGRAD’s visibility and support.
• You'll also manage media relations, coordinate outreach activities, and assess communication strategies to ensure they effectively advance SAFGRAD’s goals.

Main Functions
Under the supervision of the Coordinator, SAFGRAD, the Information and Outreach Officer is responsible for the following:

• Elaborate, implement, and follow up on the SAFGRAD information communication/advocacy strategy.
• Develop linkages and ensure effective two-way communication and dialogue with different stakeholders and target groups for better impact of SAFGRAD programmes and activities.
• Develop and disseminate outreach materials (brochures, bulletins, proceedings, presentations, audio-video materials, and reports).
• Organize outreach events (seminars, conferences, workshops, consultations, press briefings).
• Regularly update the SAFGRAD website.
• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships in the area of communication/information to strengthen AU-SAFGRAD programmes, impact, and overall image.

Specific Responsibilities

• Create and implement communication plans to enhance the visibility and understanding of the office initiatives, goals, and programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets to ensure accurate and timely coverage of office events and developments.
• Engage with the public through various channels (social media, newsletters, websites) to raise awareness about office activities.
• Produce high-quality written, visual, and multimedia content such as press releases, articles, reports, and videos to communicate key messages effectively.
• Organize and promote events, conferences, and campaigns to support office advocacy and outreach efforts.
• Collaborate with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to amplify the impact of the office communications and outreach initiatives 
• Assess the effectiveness of communication strategies through metrics and feedback to continuously improve outreach efforts.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master's or Bachelor's Degree with seven (7) and ten (10) years relevant work experience in information systems, communication, journalism, or other related fields, with at least three (3) years should be at Expert level.  
• PhD in any of the above or related field would be an added advantage
• Professional work experience in policy analysis and development, programme/project management, implementation and monitoring
• Experience in an international work environment is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in communications approaches, tools, and methodologies is required for planning, executing, and monitoring communication strategies effectively.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of information management, procedures and practices including the relevant databases and technologies;
• Understanding the strategic priorities in rural economy and agriculture, alongside familiarity with current development issues including agricultural development, technology transfer, food security, and poverty eradication.
• Ability to conceptualize and mainstream communication / information for Organization programs/projects;
• Broad awareness of major stakeholders, National Agriculture Research Centers, Regional Institutions in agriculture and International Agricultural Research Centers in Africa.
• Strong computer skills; proven ability to use standard technology packages, e.g. Internet, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, X-press, PAGEMAKER. Basic knowledge of web editing; graphic design etc.
• Excellent drafting and reporting skills; 
• Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationship
• Accountable and Complies with Rules
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Orientation

Tenure of Appointment

• The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming:

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

Language:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili Portuguese, and Spanish) is mandatory and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$ 37,453.00 (P3 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (55% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 19,530.00 (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.

Application Closing Date
4th October, 2024; 11h59 p.m. EAT.