Principal, Programme Management, Monitoring and Evaluation (AUC-PCRD) at African Union(AU)

Requisition ID: 962
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Reports to: Programme Coordinator
Directorate / Department: African Union Centre for Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development (AUC-PCRD)
Number of Direct Reports: 7
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: P4
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

• Providing strategic advice and managerial support to ensure overall development, execution and monitoring of the AUC-PCRD’s mandate as well as providing technical advisory support to senior management on strategic monitoring and evaluation roles as well as to build the results-based strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation capacity of Staff in the context of Agenda 2063 implementation and the AU PCRD Policy and other related policies and strategies.

Main Functions

• Provide technical and intellectual support in the management of various partnerships relevant for the AUC-PCRD and identify best practices and monitor effectiveness of the AUC-PCRD’ support in achieving the AU’s goals.
• Contribute to the development of strategies and business continuity plan and participate in/ensure their implementation.
• Foster and ensure implementation of large-scale and long-term initiatives related to strategic partnerships.
• Support the organisation of thematic networks, consultations and meetings on development cooperation and international relations.
• Develop training materials and provide necessary training and support.
• Spearhead the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation tools for the AUC-PCRD’s PCRD and the AU’s peacebuilding initiatives, programmes and projects, including overall policy and legal frameworks, implementation strategies, operational modalities and action plans as well as the development of standard tools, systems and procedures for efficient data collection and reporting.
• Develop standard tools, systems and procedures for efficient data collection and reporting for short- and long-term implementation and draft monitoring plans, setting priorities and performance measures to assist internal and external stakeholders in their progress towards the achievement of PCRD and peacebuilding implementation targets.
• Provide technical assistance and monitor the progress of programmes and projects to ensure adherence to set standards, specifications, and agreed implementation time schedules as well as guide Staff in preparing programmes, projects and reports in the proper frameworks and provide technical back-up in strengthening their strategic planning, results-based management and reporting skills required in preparing strategic plans and annual workplans.
• Coordinate resource mobilisation strategies with senior management and ensure that all programmes, projects and initiatives for knowledge management, training, mentoring and capacity building in PCRD and peacebuilding are implemented steadily and successfully.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and evaluate assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitor and analyse programme/project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and initiate corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; and ensure follow-up actions.
• Coordinate policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Generate survey initiatives; design data collection tools; review, analyze and interpret responses, identify problems/issues and prepare conclusions.
• Organize and prepare written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provide substantive backstopping to consultations and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Initiate and coordinate outreach activities; conduct training workshops, seminars, etc.; make presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Lead and participate in planning and accountability missions and provide guidance and draft mission summaries and reports.
• Participate in activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Ensure implementation and follow-up on annual workplans and relevant decisions of Policy Organs and keep the Executive Secretary informed of all developments related to PCRD and peacebuilding for consideration and appropriate action.
• Monitor developments on the continent in order to advise the leadership of the AUC-PCRD on strategic PCRD and peacebuilding action and initiatives designed to prevent relapse and consolidate peace in the continent and propose appropriate policy responses and methods of consolidating and sustaining peace.
• Provide continuous analysis, documentation, codification of regional results/lessons learned as it relates to broad stabilisation work in support of PCRD, transitions and peacebuilding.
• Monitor and manage risks across the portfolio of PCRD, stabilisation, transition and peacebuilding engagements and ensure alignment of monitoring and evaluation systems, tools and processes with the Agenda 2063 monitoring and evaluation framework, tools and processes.
• Participate in the review, updating and modernisation of planning, monitoring and evaluation systems and tools.
• Support the development of project proposals by reviewing and ensuring causal logic throughout the results chain and that indicators and objectives pass the SMART and CREAM criteria.
• Support the roll out and implementation of Agenda 2063 monitoring and evaluation framework within the Regional Economic Communities/Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), AU Organs and Member States and facilitate reporting to the AU Policy Organs, RECs/RMs and Member States.
• Undertake needs assessment and roll out of capacity building initiatives relating to monitoring and evaluation principles and techniques, results-based management and the use of standardised tools, processes and procedures.
• Design and implement critical analysis and research projects and evidence-based advocacy initiatives in respect of implementing the AU PCRD Policy and other relevant AU policies and strategies.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation of financial management and budgeting for all expenditures within the PCRD and peacebuilding portfolios, ensuring that all approved budgets are adhered to.
• Organise monitoring seminars, workshops and roundtable dialogue for respective actors to address specific issues and promote awareness and enforce a shared understanding and working knowledge of PCRD and peacebuilding operational systems, mechanisms and processes.
• Manage and supervise the day-to-day activities in the planning of monitoring and evaluation of Staff and oversee the planning, monitoring and evaluation of the AUC-PCRD’s work.
• Oversee and coordinate PCRD and peacebuilding monitoring and evaluation outreach programmes, publications, and research products within the AUC-PCRD.
• Perform any other tasks as may be directed by the supervisor.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A Master’s Degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Management, Economics, Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Demography and Population Studies or any related discipline.
• Additional qualification / post-graduate studies in statistical analysis will be highly desirable. A higher qualification will be an added advantage. 
• Must have at least ten (10) years of progressive working experience in the area of strategic planning, programme management, administration or programme monitoring and evaluation of which 6 years should be at expert level and 3 years at supervisory level.  
• Candidates with Bachelor’s Degree in above mentioned studies, would be considered provided they have 12 years of relevant working experience of which 6 years should be at expert level and 3 years at supervisory level. 
• Experience in strategic planning development and programme and project design using results framework is desirable. Previous work experience in a peace operation and/or in a conflict or post-conflict 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 AU PCRD Policy and peacebuilding discourse. Must have proven track record of outstanding report writing and oral communication abilities.  

Required Skills:

• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Sound planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to negotiate diplomatically.
• Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility.
• Excellent networking skills, and strong influencing / persuasion skills.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills both written and oral.
• Excellent skills to deal with difficult situations with a level of discretion and responsibility.
• Good computer and information technology skills.
• Languages skills: Proficiency in one of the AU officials working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Developing others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationship
• Foster Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence.

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual thinking
• Job Knowledge Sharing
• Drive for result
• Continuous improvement orientation

Tenure of Appointment

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

Gender Mainstreaming:

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

Languages:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Remuneration

• Indicative basic salary of US$ 42,879.00 (P4 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (48% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 21,832.68 (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.