Policy Officer - Mediation (PAPS) at African Union(AU)

To support the execution of the division’s operations, including carrying out research, developing Policy and providing administrative oversight, while assisting in ensuring that its predefined strategies and policies are implemented effectively and supporting the organization mission.

Main Functions

• Assists in the following up on the activities of the division, including monitoring and evaluating progress made in line with a predefined strategic plan.
• Suggests new and expands on existing policy areas for planned research.
• Assists in setting the overall research direction of a relevant policy area.
• Responsible for the delegation and execution of defined research areas.
• Participates in the organisation of relevant meetings, congresses and conferences with stakeholders.
• Engages with relevant mid-level stakeholders and develop working relationships. Supports the promotion of the activities of the Division including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets.
• Assists in drafting reports and participate in the preparation of budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Unit/Division
   

Specific Responsibilities

• Assists in the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the AU-MSU work plans and annual Program Budgets;
• Assists the Unit in the preparation of correspondences, reports and working documents relating to the implementation of the KMF and overall programs activities of the Division;
• Assists in developing mediation policies, strategies, operational plans, strategic plans and work plans for the Division;
• Assists in developing and establishing the MSU as well as coordinating operational support to ongoing mediation efforts by the AU and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs). 
• Assists the policies, SOPs and  other guidance documents are regularly reviewed, and implemented;
• Assists on implementing capacity enhancement seminars, conferences and other familiarization sessions to assist mediators, their collaborators and AU staff; 
• Supports the development of expert capacity, standby and/or rosters to be deployed in support of AU-mediation and dialogue efforts; 
• Assists in the drafting of strategic documents on AU mediation efforts, as requested.
• Assists in Establishing and promoting collaborative partnerships with the  RECs/RMs and other relevant external partners, most notably, the UN, the EU and civil society;

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in political science, international relations, mediation, peace and conflict studies, international economics, law, public administration, or other related social sciences studies, with 5 years relevant experience. Or  
• Master’s Degree in similar studies with 2 years relevant experience.

Required Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong drafting skill 
• Strong negotiation skills
• Ability to work under pressure 
• Ability to work across business units / geographies; cultural sensitive environment 
• Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic) and  fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage

Leadership Competencies

• Change Management
• Managing Risk:

Core Competencies

• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Accountability awareness and Compliance;
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with impact

Functional Competencies

• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Job Knowledge and information sharing...
• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Focus