Department: Health, Humanitarian Affairs & Social Development
Division: Social Development, Culture & Sports
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Contract Type: Regular
Job Grade: D1
Number of Positions: 1
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025 (11:59 PM EAT)
Posting Date: December 9, 2025
🔎 Purpose of the Job
To provide strategic leadership in planning, developing, and implementing the policies of the Directorate while strengthening collaboration across African Union departments.
💼 Main Functions
Develop and maintain operational rules and procedures. Provide technical leadership and manage Divisions within the Directorate. Oversee departmental performance, personnel, and budget. Ensure departmental strategy aligns with AU’s overall strategy. Manage risks and recommend mitigation strategies. Prepare and oversee integrated programs and projects. Build and maintain strategic relations with stakeholders. Coordinate meetings with Member States and institutions. Prepare periodic financial, budget execution, and activity reports. Lead fundraising efforts and ensure collection of contributed funds. Promote training and adoption of best practices.
📌 Specific Responsibilities
Supervise the development of policies and strategies for social development, labour, employment, migration, culture, sports, drug control, and crime prevention. Oversee activities of AU Specialized Agencies related to the Directorate. Lead preparation and management of Ministerial Conferences and high-level engagements. Develop and promote a rights-based approach for thematic programs. Ensure inclusive frameworks addressing vulnerable groups. Maintain partnerships with regional and international stakeholders. Guide, supervise, and evaluate Heads of Divisions. Ensure quality and alignment of programs with AU objectives.
🎓 Academic Requirements
Master’s Degree in Sociology, Arts, Law, International Studies, Public Administration, or related Human and Social Sciences. Minimum 15 years of relevant experience, including at least 8 years at managerial level and 5 years at supervisory level.
🧩 Required Skills
Strong managerial and leadership skills. Ability to work effectively with diverse teams. Strong stakeholder engagement and communication abilities. Strategic thinking and risk analysis. Ability to apply technology for program improvement. Strong delegation and performance management skills. Proficiency in one AU working language; fluency in another is an added advantage.
🌟 Leadership Competencies
Strategic Focus, Developing Organizational Capability, Change Leadership, Strategic Risk Management.
🌟 Core Competencies
Building Partnerships, Accountability, Learning Orientation, Communicating with Impact.
🌟 Functional Competencies
Conceptual Thinking, Knowledge Sharing, Drive for Results, Fostering Innovation.
📅 Tenure of Appointment
Three-year regular contract, including a twelve-month probation period. Renewable for two additional years based on performance.
👩🏽💼 Gender Mainstreaming
The African Union is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
🌐 Languages
Proficiency in at least one AU working language is mandatory. Fluency in an additional AU language is an advantage.
💰 Remuneration
Basic Salary: USD 78,138 per year (D1 Step 1). Post Adjustment: 46% of basic salary. Housing Allowance: USD 26,208 per year. Education Allowance: Up to USD 10,000 per child per year for internationally recruited staff and up to USD 3,300 for locally recruited staff.
📥 Application Requirements
Applications must include a fully completed AU online application, the mandatory AU CV Template, an African Passport, and academic qualifications. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🌍 Countries Encouraged to Apply
Least-represented AU Member States are encouraged to apply, including Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, CAR, Comoros, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Sahrawi D.R., São Tomé & Príncipe, Seychelles, and Somalia.