DIRECTOR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

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.

In seeking to achieve this objective, the African Union intends to strengthen its capacity to deliver by, among others, the implementation of its organizational structure and the filling of all vacant posts by African Nationals from its Member States.

 Post:

Job title: DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN

RESOURCES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

Grade:                       D1

Supervisor:              DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON

Directorate:              ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

Duty Station:           Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

2.  Job purpose:

Reporting to the Deputy Chairperson, the Director of Administration and Human Resources Management is the principal adviser to the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson and other members of senior management and staff, on Administration and Human Resources matters. The role supports the work of the Commission by leading the development and implementation of effective, responsive and efficient administrative and human resource strategies, policies and management systems that are aligned to organisational needs and best practice.

The Director is a member of the Senior Management Group, in the capacity of a strategic institutional partner, policy advisor, employee advocate and a supporter of change management and performance improvement. The Director will participate in Policy Organs, the Commission and other governing bodies as required. He has direct responsibility for Human Resources, Facilities Management, Security and Safety, Procurement and Stores, Management Information Services and general administration functions of the Commission.

In the area of Human Resources, the Director is responsible for overseeing Human Resources planning (including rotation planning, recruitment and selection, learning and development, succession planning and exit management), performance management, reward management, and employee relations. The Director promotes a responsive work environment in which employee engagement, growth, development and productivity is optimized through appropriate organizational culture, people philosophy and values, diversity management, equal opportunities, terms and conditions of service, consistent policy interpretation and application, staff management/relations, team work and regular Human Resources administrative reviews to ensure continuing responsiveness of the AUC’s Human Resources management practices to the dynamism of the AUC’s operating environment and changing mandates.

The Director oversees Human Resources management for the AUC Headquarters, regional offices in Africa, Representational offices in Europe and the Americas, as well as the process for the engagement of consultants and experts.

In order to strengthen in-house capacity, the Director will be expected in particular to play a collaborative and strategic role in the review, development and delivery of an overarching Human Resources management strategy. This includes the development and delivery of improved performance and reward management policies; an enhanced contribution on the Human Resource aspects of organisational design and strategic planning; and, enhanced input to change management including AUC staff retention and rotation. The Director will also be expected to make substantive contributions, as well as leading others in the development, implementation and review of policies that reflect best contemporary international practice.

  

In Administration, the Director will provide seasoned, effective specialized advice in a broad range of logistical, procurement, safety and security, IT, and broad office administration services and documentation. In this regard, he must have a track record of accountability by delivering high-quality results; Strong managerial/leadership skills; recognized as having successfully managed large teams in specialized areas; demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complex financial, logistical or administrative management policy and program issues; proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling work environment, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff and identify training/skills enhancement initiatives to ensure effective transfer of knowledge/skills; ability to manage performance by establishing priorities and plans, good judgment and decision-making skills; demonstrated ability and committed to provide leadership and take responsibility for incorporating diversity and gender perspective goals including that of achieving gender balance in staffing.

The Director is accountable for leading a team of professionals and administrative support staff, and for the effective management of the Department.

The Director works in close partnership with fellow Directors and other senior management officials in order to support the achievement of the Commission’s wider goals.

The Director will have a strong leadership and management role to ensure that the Directorate delivers consistently at an increasing performance level.

SPECIFIC DELIVERABLES

1.  HUMAN RESOURCES - KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

·         Act as the Human Resources advisor and strategic partner to the Deputy Chairperson and Directors, in order to provide strategic and technical advice on Human Resources matters as an important aspect of overall management of the

Commission’s activities and operations.

·         Design, implement and continuously review an overarching Human Resources management strategy, aligned with the Commission’s Vision and Strategic Plan and ensure that the roles of individual employees are aligned accordingly.

·         Develop a comprehensive Human Resource planning system aligned with the program planning and budgeting cycles, and oversee the provision of support to other Departments’ Human Resource planning, resourcing and deployment.

·         Monitor, revise, and lead in institutionalising Human Resources policies, philosophy, values and practices that embrace and drive the Commission’s core values and objectives.

·         Review, develop and deliver human resource policies that reflect best contemporary international practice. Develop and lead implementation of qualitatively enhanced performance measurement and management systems,

including initiating policies to strengthen performance management, talent management and training, and reward management.

·         Conduct Human Resource risks analysis and make recommendations to senior management.

·         Lead and deliver a continuous successful change management process that responds to changing delivery expectations on the Commission.

·         Manage relations with the Staff Association and promote good employee relations through dialogue, consultation and continuous staff engagement on Human Resources issues.

·         Direct and manage Human Resources services, and ensure their timely provision and quality.

·         Co-ordinate diagnostic surveys, Human Resource audits, stakeholder and employee surveys as needed in order to monitor and evaluate organisational culture and climate.

·         Oversee and participate in recruitment of staff consistent with the diversity of the Commission membership and operational needs and priorities.

·         Monitor, manage and explore ways of reducing the cost of recruitment policies, practices and procedures and identify areas for specific improvement.

·         In collaboration with the Office of Legal Counsel, ensure that Human Resources policies and management is consistent with international administrative law requirements.

·         Represent the Commission externally including managing relations with partners, external Human Resource service providers, etc.

·         Provide guidance, effective performance management and evaluation, supervision and mentoring of all staff in the Directorate, supporting the professional and personal development of staff, motivation and engagement at all times.

·         Supervise HR line management responsibilities performed under the direct supervision of the Head of HR.

2.  ADMINISTRATION SERVICES - KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director supports the Commission’s mission by working closely with the Deputy Chairperson in providing effective, efficient and economical administrative services. The post holder will be expected to:

·         Provide strategic advice to the Deputy Chairperson that contributes to the development of Commission’s policy direction, plans, programmes and resource allocation.

·         Provide vision and professional leadership for the Directorate’s work, continuously seeking to achieve improvements in quality and value for money.

·         Ensure AUC and support organs strictly comply with the requirements of the African Union Procurement Manual.

·         Establish and continually review the Commission’s policies, procedures, practices, standards and tools that deliver services effectively, including on supply chain management, security of the Commission, etc.

·         Manage and ensure that the common service areas effectively support AUC objectives; harness the Directorate’s resources to deliver to time, budget and quality.

·         Formulate appropriate solutions to incorporate ICT and administrative service matters.

·         Ensure that the Commission uses ICT appropriately to provide streamlined cost effective business processes and financial information systems.

·         Prepare and present timely and effective management reports and statutory reports to the Leadership, Management, and other governing bodies.

·         Oversee the preparation and management of the annual budget of the Directorate and its execution while ensuring compliance with established Rules, Regulations, Procedures as well as AUC decisions.

·         Provide leadership in the development and application of appropriate Safety & Security policies.

·         Within delegated authority, liaise, negotiate and coordinate with national authorities and /or member governments with respect to administrative and logistical matters to enhance understanding and endorsement of the Commission’s corporate service policies and objectives.

·         Supervise Administrative line managers responsible for the various segments of the Directorate.

COMPETENCIES:

Professional and Management Capabilities

Leadership

·         Uses strong managerial and supervisory skills to achieve documented objectives.

·         Engages in effective delegation and follow up to ensure results.

·         Uses tact and political savvy in negotiating.

·         Makes informed decisions and communicates decisions effectively.

·         Demonstrates flexibility and willingness to collaborate with others to achieve outcomes.

·         Utilizes strong analytical and problem solving skills.

Respect for Diversity

·         Works effectively with people from various backgrounds.

·         Treats all people with dignity and respect. Treats men and women equally.

·         Shows respect and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates it in decision-making.

·         Examines own biases and behaviors to avoid stereotypical responses and does not discriminate against any individual or group.

·         Creates an environment where respect for diversity is embedded in behaviors, systems and processes.

Working with Others

·         Collaborates effectively with top level stakeholders i.e. the Commission and Senior Management Group. Able to persuade, guide and advise top level stakeholders.

·         Able to effectively collaborate with stakeholders and partners.

·         Leads discussions and negotiations on behalf of the Commission on human resources issues.

·         Creates a culture where knowledge sharing and effective collaboration is encouraged.

Vision and Strategic Thinking

·         Identifies key strategic issues, opportunities and risks.

·         Clearly communicate links between the organization's strategy and the Directorate’s goals.

·         Establish/identify and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction.

·         Identifies clients' needs and appropriate solutions.

·         Establishes and maintains productive partnerships.

Communication

·         Communicates orally with strong interpersonal skills.

·         Expresses ideas and formulates plans by means of clear and effective writing and oral presentations.

·         Drafts conceptual and detailed reports/papers and reviews/edits the work of others.

·         Prepares rationale with respect to key financial and administrative decisions.

·         Negotiates effectively.

Teamwork

·         Leads and gains the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavor.

·         Builds trust through integrity, transparency and creating an open and positive environment.

·         Fosters harmonious and effective teamwork in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Diversity Management

·         Performs and relates effectively across organizational boundaries in a diverse multi-national and multicultural setting.

Technology awareness

·         Keeps abreast of available technology and understands its applicability to the work of the Organization

·         Actively seeks, identifies and applies appropriate technology to improve programme delivery.

Performance management

·         Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority.

·         Establishes clear roles and reporting lines for staff.

·         Monitors progress against establish milestones

·         Discusses performance and provide feedback and appraise performance fairly.

3. QUALIFICATIONS

1.    Education: At least a Master’s university degree in public administration, Human Resources management, business management, or a related area.

2.    Experience: Over 15 years of relevant experience in the management of a large administration or HR department with at least 5 years at senior management level with wide powers to develop programmes, prepare plans and budget, manage human and financial resources and take decisions.

3.    Language requirement :

Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages. Proficiency of one or several other working language(s) would be an added value

4.    Age requirement:

Candidates must preferably be between 35 and 50 years old.

5. Tenure of Appointment:

The appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of three (3) years, of with 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 and deliverables.

6. Gender Mainstreaming:

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

7. Remuneration: Indicative basic salary of US $70,139.00 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.

Applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website  http://www.aucareers.org not later than 14 July 2013.

Note: As this is the re-advertisement of this position, those who had previously applied may not re-submit their applications as these names are already stored in the AUC database.

Directorate of Administration and Human Resource Management

African Union Commission