HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER- DISCIPLINE AND COUNSELING

The African Union, 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 in Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia. The Commission of the African Union invites applicants who are citizens of Member States to apply for the post of Human Resources Officer within the Human Resources Division in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 1. Post Post title: Human Resources Officer, Discipline and Counseling Post level: P2 Unit: Human Resources Division Immediate Supervisor: P3, Staff Development and Training Duty station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2. Major duties and responsibilities Under the overall direction of the Head of Division Human Resources, the Human Resources Policy Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Administration of Justice • Manages issues relating to the administration of justice, staff perfromance evaluations, appeals and disciplinary matters relating to disputes within the AUC. • Serves as focal point in: preparing the Organization’s responses to requests for comments related to management evaluation and appeals, and other matters relating to the administration of justice. • Provides support to management on diverse substantive and procedural questions of considerable complexity, which may include those related to disciplinary matters, administration and management, and institutions support. • Performs extensive research and analysis and prepares opinions, studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence; Human Resources Policy • Provides advice to management on interpretation and application of policies, and staff regulations and rules. Reviews and provides advice on exceptions to policies, regulations and rules. • Provides advice to management prior to administrative decisions, as necessary. • Prepares comments on draft amendments to the staff regulations and rules & administrative issuances or amendments. Verifies consistency with the existing staff regulations and rules; prepares analyses and evaluations of human resources policies and practices. • Supports development and implements new human resources policies, practices and procedures to meet the evolving needs of the AUC. • Monitors and advises on the implementation of human resources policies, practices and procedures. • May represent the AUC in joint bodies and working groups relating to human resources policy, administrative law, conditions of service and related areas. General • Keeps abreast of developments in various areas of human resources. • Prepares reports and participates and/or leads special human resources projects. • Advises and counsels program managers in respect of rights, responsibilities, code of conduct and difficulties associated with work and entitlements related to performance management of their staff. • Monitors, advises and acts on disciplinary matters in accordance with established policies and procedures. Mediates conflict, grievance and harassment cases. • Supports the management in classification and other appeal cases. 4. Qualifications and experience required University degree in human resources management, business or public administration, employment law or related field. Advanced degree preferred. Certification such as a Professional in Human Resources (Global) preferred. 4. Professional experience required Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, employee or labor relations, employment law or related area in a competitive environment. 5. Other relevant skills Professionalism • Knowledge of human resources policies, practices and procedures and ability to apply them in an organizational setting. • Knowledge of the system of administration of justice and legal underpinnings of human resources policy in the Organization. • Ability to apply legal/policy expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex and unusual issues and problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions in complex administrative law cases. • Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature; proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare briefs, opinions, etc.  Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. • Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. • Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Experience in conflict and dispute resolution desirable. Communication • Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. • Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. • Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning & Organizing • Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. • Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. • Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. • Works well independently and keeps supervisors informed of progress; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. • Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. • Uses time efficiently. • Keeps managers informed of status of work and arranges consultations as necessary. Building Trust • Places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients. • Follows through on agreed upon actions. • Treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately. • Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion. • Manages in a deliberate and predictable way. • Operates with transparency - has no hidden agenda. • Listens well to all sides before drawing conclusions. 7. Language requirement Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages (Arabic, English, French and Portuguese) is required. Knowledge of one or more of the other AU working languages would be an added advantage. 7. Age Candidates must preferably be aged between 25 and 35 years. 8. 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 African Union Commission is an equal opportunities employer. Qualified women are encouraged to apply. 10. Remuneration: Indicative basic salary of US$27,892.00 per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (46% of basic salary), Housing allowance ($14, 414.40 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. The applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website http://www.aucareers.org not later than 7th January 2012. Directorate of Administration and Human Resource Management African Union Commission Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)