AFRICAN UNION - HEAD OF DIVISION, RURAL ECONOMY

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: HEAD OF DIVISION, RURAL ECONOMY

(10001408)

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 new partnerships worldwide. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa the capital city of Ethiopia.

In seeking to achieve this objective, the African Union Commission (AUC) intends to build its capacity to deliver, among others, the implementation of its organizational structure by filling up vacancies.

The Commission is therefore inviting applicants who are citizens of Member
States of the African Union to apply for the position of Head of Division, Rural

Economy.

1. Post:
JOB TITLE : HEAD OF DIVISION, RURAL ECONOMY
GRADE : P5
DEPARTMENT : Rural Economy and Agriculture
SUPERVISOR : Director for Rural Economy and Agriculture
DUTY STATION Directorate
: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2. Job Purpose:

The primary purpose of the Head of Division of Rural Economy is to initiate, plan, develop and support the implementation of policies, programmes and strategies that promote economic diversification and value-addition, improve rural livelihoods and empowerment in Africa. Furthermore, the Head of
Division of Rural Economy entails significant judgmental considerations in issues involving technical matters, which are key in the functioning of the Division. In particular, this could be related to taking initiatives in formulating proposals for programmes and projects, management and evaluation of the

performance the human resources within the Division, and provide advice and support to the Director in such matters.

3. Major duties and responsibilities:


• Initiate and develop policies, programmes and strategies that contribute to the purpose of the Division consistent with AUC vision and mandates;

• Provide support for the implementation of policies, programmes and strategies in terms of advocacy, coordination and guidance that contribute to AU decisions;

• Provide overall guidance and management for the human, financial and material resources of the Rural Economy Division;

• Liaise with other departments of the Commission of the African Union as well as RECs, Member States and other stakeholders to identify and promote synergies across initiatives and to ensure a coordinated development and implementation of such initiatives;

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships to harness technical and financial resources necessary for effective implementation of policies, programmes and strategies;

• Create and strengthen various forums for stakeholders consultations', exchange of experiences, lessons, and capacity building ; and represent the AUC in such forums;

• Prepare periodic reports on implementation of programmes of the Divison;

• Represent the Department of REA in AU missions as well as in taskforces/committees and meetings;

• Assist the Director of DREA in preparing statements, proposals, reports and other tasks;

• Cross functional roles with other Divisions of the department and other departments of AUC on complementing and overlapping themes and cross cutting issues (eg. Environment, food security, rural employment, youth, gender, etc)


Key Results Areas/Outputs :

 Strategic initiatives and programs developed and implemented to contribute towards the achievement of AU/DREA mandates and roles;


 Policy Frameworks and Guidelines are developed that could be adopted by member states to help them design and/or review of policies - hence contributing to harmonization and integration;

 Institutions are launched and strengthened to empower rural producers and enhance their performances (including farmers forum, pastoralists forum, etc.);

 Capacity is strengthened in terms of skills development, and streamlined/enhanced organsiations, networks, and s stems;

 Effective partnerships with relevant development institutions and stakeholders initiated and strengthened;

 An effective strategy for advocacy, and broadening support for initiatives developed, and resources mobilized for implementation of the programs;

 The human, financial and material resources at the disposal of the
Division are efficiently and effectively managed to deliver the intended results.

4. Educational qualifications:

Candidates must have a minimum of Masters Degree in agricultural field with specialized post-graduate training in policy analysis and rural development. Further qualifications in projects/programme planning, monitoring and evaluation and/or rural development will be an added advantage.

5. Work experience:

Candidates must have at least seven (7) years of relevant experience, of which at least four (4) years should be in comparable or higher level management position.

6. Other relevant skills

• Strategic management skills;
• Working knowledge of policy analysis and development and programme/project management, implementation and monitoring;

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to organize and motivate others and to work in a multi-cultural environment;
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills;
• Good communication and negotiating skills;
• Good planning and organizational skills;

• Commitment to personal performance and self-development;
• Leading and managing change with integrity, trustworthiness and confidence;
• Computer literacy (processing of word, data and graphic).

8. Language requirements:

Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages (English,
Arabic, French and Portuguese). Knowledge of one or several other working language(s) would be an added value.

9. Age requirement:

Candidates must preferably be between 35 to 50 years of age.

9. Tenure of appointment:

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

9. Gender mainstreaming:

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

10. Application:

To apply, please submit the following:
a) A letter stating reasons for seeking employment with the AU Commission;
b) A detailed and updated CV, indicating your nationality, age and gender;
c) Names and contact details (including e-mail address) of three references;
d) Certified copies of degrees and diplomas.

11. Remuneration:

Indicative basic salary of US$38,489.00 per annum plus other related entitlements-e.g. Post adjustment (46% of basic salary), Housing allowance ($16,819.20 per annum), education allowance (75% of tuition and other education related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$7,800.00 per child per annum), etc for internationally recruited staff of the Commission.

Application must be received not later than 27 June 2011 and should be addressed to:



The Director of Administration and Human Resource Management

AU Commission

P.O. Box 3243
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: 00251-11-5525840/5510430
E-mail: au-recruits@africa-union.org