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Organization Information

Reports to: The Permanent Representative
Directorate/Department/Organ: African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the UN
Number of Direct Reports: 1
Number of Indirect Reports: o
Job Grade: P3
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Regular
Location: New York, USA
 

Purpose of Job

The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a new partnership worldwide. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia.

In seeking to achieve these objectives, the African Union intends to strengthen its capacity to deliver by, among others, the implementation of new organization structure and the filling of regular vacant posts.

The Commission of the African Union invites applicants who are citizens of Member States for the regular post of Senior Political Officer within the AU Permanent Mission to the UN based in New York, U.S.A which is under the Bureau of the Chairperson of African Union. 

The Senior Political Officer shall support the Head of Mission through provision of policy guidance and analysis on political matters, collaborate with relevant stakeholders and partners in the formulation of joint strategies and maintain effective diplomatic liaisons with a view of cultivating strategic relationships towards meeting its overall mandate.
 

Main Functions

Under the direct supervision of Head of Mission (Permanent Representative of AU to the UN), the incumbent shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:  
•    Provide support in the preparation and Implement the programmes developed out of the office’s strategic plan 
•    Ensure effective coordination and implementation at various levels 
•    Liaise with Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and other stakeholders including on relevant matters 
•    Prepare and develop reports, budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Division 
•     Provide support to develop resource mobilization strategy with stakeholders coordination 
•    Manage and supervise employees under his/her supervision with regard to organization and performance evaluation. 
•    Conduct complex analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the Division and AU’s internal use. 
•    Liaise with the various Departments/Units of the Commission for coordination and alignment purposes 
•     Prepare budgets for the Division in accordance with relevant frameworks. Support the promotion of the activities of the Division including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets as may be required. 
•    Actively contribute in the development of strategies, policies, programmes and plans 
 

Specific Responsibilities

•    Proactively identify and report on relevant political developments
•    Support and manage the activities of the African Group including facilitation and coordination of the Group in advancing Africa’s priorities aimed at promoting common African positions;
•    Advise on strategic matters to enhance impact and influence of the African group at the United Nations 
•    Support and facilitate AU inputs and interventions in UN General Assembly and Security Council debates/decisions’
•    Monitor and follow-up on implementation of UN System-wide strategic partnership with the African Union;
•    Advise on strategies to enhance the African Union’s global Voice and representation   
•    Prepare, speeches, talking points, memos, briefing notes for meetings and other correspondences for the Permanent Representative
•    Prepares summaries of articles from various sources and draft a variety of related correspondences
•    Building, maintaining and sharing a broad network of political contacts relevant to the missions work

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

•    Masters Degree (Bac + 5) in Social Sciences, Political Science, Law, International Relations, International Economics, Security Studies, Public Administration or other related fields combined with a minimum requirement of seven (7) years relevant work experience, out of which three (3) should be at supervisory level
OR
•    University Degree, Bachelor (Bac+3) in any of the above fields, with a minimum requirement of ten (10) years relevant work experience out of which five (5) years should be at supervisory level.  
•    Work experience in public international organizations, diplomatic missions and similar institutions will be an advantage.
 

Required Skills

•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
•    Ability to work in a team, to maintain team spirit and to operate effectively in a multi-cultural environment
•    Ability to work under pressure, and to act with discretion in a politically sensitive environment and to establish good working relationship with key stakeholders; 
•    Ability in observing deadlines and achieving results
•    Familiarity with international and regional policy processes and policy analysis in the relevant area
•    Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development
•    Excellent drafting and reporting skills;
•    Good communication and negotiating skills;
•    Good planning and organizational skills;
•    Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic). Knowledge of one of several other working language(s) would be an added advantage
 

Leadership Competencies

Core Competencies

Functional Competencies