Head of Division, Agriculture and Food Security - African Union

HEAD OF DIVISION, AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

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.

1. POST

Post Title: Head of Division, Agriculture and Food Security

Grade: P5

Supervisor: Director for Rural Economy and Agriculture

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Department: Rural Economy and Agriculture

2. Job Purpose

The primary purpose of the Head of Division of Agriculture and Food Security is to initiate, plan, develop and support the implementation of AU policies, strategies, and programmes that promote agricultural growth and transformation in Africa. Furthermore, the Head of Division of Agriculture and Food Security 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, strategies and programmes that contribute to the goals of the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture consistent with AUC vision and mandates.
• Provide support for the implementation of policies, strategies and programmes in terms of advocacy, coordination and guidance that contribute to effective implementation of relevant 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 AU Commission as well as RECs, Member States and other relevant 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, strategies and programmes.
• 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 Division.
• Represent the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture in AU missions as well as in taskforces/committees and meetings.
• Assist the Director of the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture in preparing statements, proposals, reports and other relevant tasks.

4. Key Results Areas/Outputs

• Strategic initiatives and programs are developed and effectively implemented to contribute towards the achievement of AU/DREA mandates, roles and strategies.
• Mechanisms are developed and facilitated to enhance capacity for evidence based planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• 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.

5. Educational Qualifications

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

6. 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.

7. Other Relevant Skills

• Very good strategic management skills, including planning and organizing 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.
• Commitment to personal performance and self-development.
• Leading and managing change with integrity, trustworthiness and confidence.

8. Language requirement

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

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 shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract shall be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

10. Least Representative Countries

Candidates from the following least represented countries are encouraged to apply: Eretria, Central African Republic, Cape Verde, Comoros, Congo (DRC), Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Madagascar, Namibia, Sahrawi Arab Republic, SaoTome and Principe, Seychelles and Somalia.

11. Gender Mainstreaming

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

12. Remuneration

Indicative basic salary of US$ 47,829.00 (P5 Step 1) 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 1 st September 2015.

Directorate of Administration and Human Resource Management African Union Commission