Programme Officer, AU, P2, Addis Ababa, NORCAP

Contract

This is a Professional contract (NRC) contract. More about Professional contract (NRC) contracts.

NORCAP is the Norwegian Refugee Council’s expert deployment mechanism. NORCAP strengthens international and local partners’ capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from crisis by deploying highly qualified women and men from its world leading standby rosters. The deployed experts work with UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, development actors and national stakeholders to save lives, build resilient communities, ensure peaceful transitions from conflict and promote sustainable governance.

At NORCAP, we work to better protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions to meet the needs of people at risk. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Only applicants from the AU member states will be considered.

Organization

The African Union (AU), 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 at Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia. In seeking to achieve these objectives, the AU intends to strengthen its capacity to deliver, by among others, on governance and conflict prevention mandates through its Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department (GCPD-PAPS).

Through the Governance & Conflict Prevention Directorate (GCPD) of the Political Affairs, Peace & Security Department (D-PAPS), it is expected that its programmatic interventions will assist in improving the governance systems and conflict prevention mechanisms on the continent. The mandate of the GCPD which is the reflection of the former DPA will be in charge of coordinating the development and implementation of policy frameworks as part of Agenda 2063 priorities. Under the Directorate, three (3) Divisions, one (1) Unit and one (1) Secretariat have been created to focus on specific thematic areas. In each thematic area, the Divisions will define the scope of the framework, oversee operationalization and implementation of the framework with the relevant partners, provide input on crafting the advocacy and engagement plan to support implementation, and provide recommendations on the technical assistance to be provided to RECs/RMs.

Job Purpose

The AU Commission is now seeking to fill in the position of Program Officer at the GCPD - PAPS, based in Addis Ababa - Ethiopia. S/he will provide technical support to ensure overall execution of the GCPD-PAPS mandate by providing strategic program, partnership & operational support to the Directorate. He or she will ensure that the development of programs, projects and operational support services are properly articulated in line with the mandate of the Directorate. S/he will also assist in ensuring delivery of results within proposed budgets and timeframes, and assist in nurturing effective liaisons and partnerships with relevant stakeholders in fulfilment of existing relevant policy and operational guidelines of the AUC.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The Programme Officer will be responsible for the following main duties:

• Design strategies and policies consistent with the GCPD-PAPS goal in order to address the pertinent issues in the relevant areas within its mandate.
• Support in the programming and implementation oversight of GCPD - PAPS and initiate the preparation of analytical work, partnerships, and resource mobilisation based on a consultative partnership approach underpinned by adaptability, innovation and responsiveness.
• Support in the development of the GCPD-PAPS governance and conflict prevention initiatives, programmes and projects, including overall policy and legal frameworks, implementation strategies, operational modalities and action plans.
• Support in the development of short- and long-term implementation and monitoring plans, set priorities and performance measures to assist internal and external stakeholders in their progress towards the achievement of the GCPD - PAPS implementation targets.
• Contribute to the preparation of periodic financial and program budget execution reports as well as monitor budget execution at division/unit/secretariat levels.
• Contribute to an inspiring work environment for staff development and professional progression;
• Any other task (s) / assignment (s) by the PAPS Leadership.

Academic and Language Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Political science, International Relations, Public Administration, Organizational Development, Program Management, Social Sciences, or any related discipline. A higher qualification (Master’s) will be an added advantage.
• Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic & Spanish) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage.

Professional Experience

• Must have at least Five (5) Years of progressive working experience in the area of Strategic Planning, Resource Mobilization, Partnership Engagement, Program Management as well as M & E.
• Experience in strategic planning development and programme and project design using results framework is desirable.
• Previous work experience in an international organizational context with knowledge of and strong networks within multilateral institutions and policymaking, as well as of the broader policy development and implementation system.
• Must have good knowledge of the African context and thorough conceptual knowledge and practice of the GCPD – PAPS and over all AU’s mandate.
• Must have proven track record of outstanding report writing and oral communication abilities.

Competencies and Skills

Required skills

• A demonstrated ability to initiate and promote collaborative approaches between geographically and culturally disparate partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations both internally and externally.
• Ability to develop clear program goals, plans and actions, including budgets, that are consistent with agreed strategies.

Functional Competencies

• Conceptual Thinking: - uses several analytical or creative techniques to break apart complex problems into component problems or issues. Draws on complex learned concepts when examining patterns or trends and recognises underlying issues/implications of decisions or courses of action.
• Job Knowledge Sharing: - knowledge sharing to enable continuous learning and knowledge creation. Identifies opportunities to deliver value through improved information management.
• Drive for Result: - sets priorities or chooses goals on the basis of calculated inputs and outputs and analyses for relevant organisational outcomes.
• Foster Innovation: - Improves performance by taking actions that may be unique, leading-edge or new to the organisation. Takes calculated risks in trying something new.

Tenure of appointment

The appointment will be made on a contract basis for a period of one year. A new contract is subject to the priorities of the Strategic Expertise to the African Union (SE-AU) project.

What we offer

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit

How to apply

• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP values diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates .
• Approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment.