Assistant to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission

The Assistant to the Chairperson supports the Chairperson in coordinating and ensuring the effective functioning of the African Union Commission. The role involves operational coordination of the Commission’s departments, monitoring performance, supporting strategic priorities, and facilitating knowledge sharing across the Commission.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chairperson in the identification and operationalization of the Commission’s priorities.
• Support the translation of the Commission’s priorities into annual targets and goals and establish a Commission-wide framework for monitoring and tracking progress.
• Provide regular reports to the Chairperson on portfolio and service delivery.
• Consult and provide briefing to the Deputy Chairperson on service delivery.
• Work closely with the Cabinet of the Chairperson to ensure strategic directions and priorities are reflected in delivery.
• Support implementation of the AU Institutional Reform Agenda and other reform initiatives.
• Monitor and track progress in delivery of the Commission’s annual performance targets.
• Consult with senior leadership to promote strategic coherence and synergy in programme implementation.
• Cultivate a knowledge management culture through promotion of research and publications.
• Carry out Commission-wide coordination and performance monitoring under the Chairperson’s authority.
• Assist in preparation of the annual report of the Commission to policy organs.
• Coordinate preparation of the Commission’s annual performance targets for approval.
• Convene meetings of Portfolio Directors and Service Directors to monitor progress.
• Report to the Chairperson on progress and challenges in implementation of the annual work plan.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Chairperson.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Law, Management, International Relations or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Fifteen (15) years of relevant professional experience with at least ten (10) years served in a senior management role preferably in an inter-governmental organization or national government/public service, international or regional institution.
• A minimum of five (5) years of direct supervisory experience.
• Ability to lead and manage complex organizations at the national, regional or international level.
• Proven track record in coordination, consultation and consensus-building across portfolios and in complex institutional environments.
• Ability to set clear standards for accountability, probity, value for money and risk management.
• Ability to propose new ideas to the leadership on improving work across silos in a complementary and synergistic way for a prosperous and peaceful Africa.
• Proven track record of change management and accomplishments at the regional, national or international level with strong resource mobilization, political and diplomatic skills.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead a multicultural team and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Planning and organizing skills.
• Knowledge and working understanding of the African Union.
• Communication, presentation and report-writing skills.
• Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic, Swahili, Spanish) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage.
• The age limit for entry into career service shall not be more than fifty-five (55) years of age.

Skills

• Public Administration
• Business Administration
• Finance
• Economics
• Law
• Management
• International Relations
• Senior Management
• Supervision Experience
• Organisational Leadership
• Coordination
• Consultation
• Consensus Building
• Accountability Standards
• Risk Management
• Change Management
• Resource Mobilization
• Political Skills
• Diplomacy Skills
• Multicultural Team Leadership
• Negotiation Skills
• Planning and Organization
• African Union System Knowledge
• Communications Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Report Writing

Languages

English, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Swahili, Spanish