Sergeant-at-Arms (PAP) at African Union

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: Sergeant-at-Arms (PAP)

Requisition ID: 2883
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Reports to: Deputy Clerk, Finance, Administration and Human Resources
Directorate / Department / Organ: Pan-African Parliament (PAP)
Division: Finance, Administration and Human Resources (FAHR)
Number of Direct Reports: 1
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: P3
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

• The Serjeant-at-Arms is the chief law enforcement and security officer of the Parliament, responsible for maintaining order in the Plenary under the direction of the President.
• The role includes overseeing security, the parliamentary estate, and performing ceremonial duties such as leading official processions, escorting dignitaries, and announcing Heads of State.

Main Functions

• Ensures that Parliamentary Precinct Services serves the Members of Parliament, the people of Africa, visitors to the Parliament by protecting life and property; maintaining peace and order; providing functional accommodation and related services; providing transport services; and safeguarding the heritage and traditions of the Parliament.
• Supports the work of Members of Parliament in the Chamber, Committees, Caucuses, and outside the Seat of the Parliament through active participation on the PAP’s Management Team, which sets out the broad short- and long-range directions and policies governing the administration of the Parliament.
• Facilitates effective communication between the peoples of the continent and MPs in their various lines of business by providing the technical and administrative infrastructure for the PAP Parliamentary Press Gallery while ensuring that members of the Press properly observe the dignity and decorum appropriate to the House.
• Controls the Use of the Parliamentary Estate and manages demonstrations. On the recommendation of the South African Police Service (SAPS), take whatever action may be necessary to enforce law and order.

Specific Responsibilities
Security Leadership and Operational Oversight:

• Enforces security and order within the Chamber and across the Parliamentary precinct, ensuring the protection of Members, staff, dignitaries, and visitors.
• Maintains a visible security presence during all Parliamentary sittings and intervenes promptly in cases of disorder, as directed by the Presiding Officer.
• Develops, updates, and executes the Parliament-wide Security Plan, including contingency procedures, emergency evacuation protocols, and warden systems.
• Conducts environmental scanning and ensures compliance with the Host Country Agreement, particularly regarding national security obligations and support services.

Infrastructure and Estate Management:

• Oversees the planning, renovation, and maintenance of Parliament’s physical infrastructure to meet short- and long-term operational needs.
• Supervises office allocation, refurbishment works, and the preservation of heritage assets in accordance with institutional priorities.
• Manages transport services, accommodation logistics, and office facilities to ensure efficiency and functionality across the precinct.

Access Control and Circulation Management:

• Regulates access for Members, staff, and visitors, ensuring safe and unobstructed movement throughout the Parliament grounds.
• Allocates parking spaces and enforces on-site traffic regulations, in coordination with national law enforcement authorities (e.g., SAPS).
• Supervises ushering and gallery services, maintaining decorum and controlled entry during public and ceremonial sessions.

Ceremonial and Protocol Duties:

• Leads official processions during formal sessions and state ceremonies, carrying the Mace and escorting the President of the Pan-African Parliament.
• Upholds the traditions, privileges, and institutional symbolism of Parliament by ensuring ceremonial protocol is respected and consistently applied.
• Coordinates the reception and escort of high-level dignitaries and ensures the decorum of all official visits.

Strategic Risk and Emergency Management:

• Identifies and mitigates operational risks across the Parliamentary estate, aligning interventions with best practices in safety and security.
• Provides strategic guidance on crisis response, incident management, and infrastructure resilience, in line with AU and host country frameworks.

Administrative and Support Services Oversight:

• Directs administrative services related to logistics, correspondence, and Members’ support facilities to ensure seamless Parliamentary operations.
• Prepares reports, briefs, and recommendations on matters within the Office’s remit to advise the Clerk, Deputy Clerk, and President of Parliament.

Institutional Support:

• Performs any other duties as may be assigned by the President of Parliament, the Clerk, or the Deputy Clerk in charge of Finance, Administration, and Human Resources, to support institutional objectives and operational continuity.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A Master’s Degree in Administration or in the Social Sciences and a professional qualification in Security, Military, Police or Law Enforcement, with at least seven (7) years of relevant work experience in National Parliament, Court or similar organization, the Military or Police Services of which at least three (3) years at a supervisory level in security management and administration. Experience with the operations of Parliament is an added advantage.
  Or
• Bachelor’s Degree in the above-mentioned fields but with ten (10) years of relevant experience, at least three (3) of which should be at a supervisory level at National Parliament, Court or similar organization, the Military or the Police services. Experience with the operations of Parliament is an added advantage.

Required Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a demonstrated capacity to assess complex situations, identify risks, and develop practical and effective solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a high level of emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively within multicultural and
  interdisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion, particularly when managing sensitive or confidential matters; consistently demonstrates integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Experience engaging with high-level officials, including senior diplomats, political figures, and international executives, with tact and protocol awareness.
• Superior planning and organizational capabilities, with the ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously, and deliver under pressure.
• Leadership and delegation skills, including the ability to assign responsibilities effectively, foster
  accountability, and support the development and performance of team members.
• Excellent drafting and reporting skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise, and context-sensitive reports, memos, and policy briefs.
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (English, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Spanish, or Kiswahili) is required; fluency in another AU language is a strong asset.

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

Languages:

• 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 (57% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 21,832.68 (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.

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.

Application Closing Date
22nd December, 2025; 11:59 PM EAT.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online