Policy Officer, Rural Infrastructure and Marketing - African Union

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: Policy Officer, Rural Infrastructure and Marketing

Grade: P2

Supervisor Head of Division, Rural Economy

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Department: Rural Economy and Agriculture

2. Major Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Division, Rural Economy, the Policy Officer for Rural Infrastructure and Marketing is responsible for the following

• To coordinate and conduct studies and research related to Agriculture and Food Security in Africa.
• To formulate appropriate policies and plans of action and develop programmes and project proposals related to Food Security and Agricultural Development by:
• Provide technical support for the formulation of policies and programmes for rural development at regional and sub-regional levels for improved rural livelihoods.
• Initiate and promote policy and strategy for rural infrastructure development.
• Promote policies through the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and relevant specialized agencies for the adaptation, transfer and application of appropriate technology with the aim of improving production and productivity at the rural level.
• Promote and facilitate, at continental and regional levels, the agreements for the improvement of agro-pastoralism and the free movement of animals and people across borders.
• Promote the establishment of farmers' cooperatives and producer associations for enhancement of market access by the rural populations.
• Promote the development of good practice in the cottage industry and the establishment of small and medium enterprises for the commercialisation of agricultural and artisanal products and for skills development.
• Support the activities of relevant Specialized Technical Committees of the AU Commission in matters related to rural development.
• Participate in developing programmes and annual plans of activity and budget of the Department for the rural development sector and support the implementation of the said programme and plan.
• Represent the African Union at international and regional consultations, as necessary, on rural development matters.
• Undertake any additional responsibility assigned by the Director or the Head of Division.
• To implement, monitor, supervise and evaluate projects and programmes in Agriculture and Food Security.
• To organize and service workshops, seminars and meetings.
• To produce and submit periodic reports on activities and specific missions.
• To perform any other related duties that may be assigned.

3. Educational Qualifications

Candidates must have at least a University Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, or a closely related discipline. Post graduate (Masters) qualifications in related fields is an added advantage.

4. Work Experience

Candidates must have at least 5 years of progressively relevant experience in Agricultural Policy & Strategy formulation.

5. Other Relevant Skills

• Must be computer literate.
• Working knowledge of policy analysis and development and programme/project management, implementation and monitoring.
• Management experience, excellent interpersonal skills, ability to organize and motivate others, and to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Excellent drafting and reporting skills.
• Good communication and negotiation skills.
• Good planning and organizational skills.

6. Language requirement

Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (English, French, Arabic and Portuguese) is a must. Knowledge of second or all of the other working languages would be an added advantage.

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

8. Gender Mainstreaming

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

9. Remuneration

Indicative basic salary of US$29,287.00 per annum (P2 Step1) plus other related entitlements e.g. Post Adjustment (46% of basic salary), Housing allowance (US $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 for internationally recruited staff and other allowances in accordance to the African Union Staff Regulations and Rules governing the employment of International Civil Servants of the Union.

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, Namibia, Sahrawi Arab Republic, SaoTome and Principe, Seychelles and Somalia.

11. Application

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 Resources Management African Union Commission Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)