African Union Job Vacancy: Water Policy Advisor (ARBE)
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Organization: African Union Commission (AUC)
Directorate/Department: Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy & Sustainable Environment (ARBE)
Division: Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy
Reports to: Water and Climate Adviser and Project Coordinator
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Job Grade: P3
Application Deadline: November 14, 2025
Purpose of the Job:
The African Union Commission (AUC) has secured funding from the European Union to implement the Blue Africa Transboundary Water Management Project. The program aims to strengthen the African Water Architecture, advancing a continental water security agenda within the broader contexts of development and regional integration.
Key Objectives:
- Strengthen continental water governance institutional frameworks, especially on transboundary water cooperation.
- Stimulate investments in Africa’s water agenda, including financing for climate adaptation and nature-based solutions.
- Develop African benchmarking and monitoring tools for water security.
- Ensure effective monitoring, reporting, and financial management.
Main Functions:
The Water Policy Adviser will work under the guidance of the Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy Directorate and the direct supervision of the Water and Climate Adviser and Project Coordinator. The role involves providing technical leadership on water policy, transboundary water management, and climate-resilient water security initiatives.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Lead AU climate-resilient water and sanitation policy initiatives.
- Contribute to policy debates on water security and climate resilience.
- Serve as a resource person in developing AU positions and policy responses.
- Support day-to-day project implementation, including technical documentation, stakeholder engagement, and reporting.
- Prepare policy papers, briefs, and presentations for AU and stakeholders.
- Facilitate stakeholder consultations, dialogues, and workshops.
- Ensure knowledge sharing and integration of lessons learned from regional and global experiences.
- Provide technical support in policy design and project planning.
Academic Requirements and Experience:
- Master’s degree in water resources management, water policy, hydrology, environmental policy, or a related field with 7 years of experience, or
- Bachelor’s degree in the same fields with 10 years of experience in policy analysis, implementation, and development of policy dialogue platforms.
- At least 3 years of expert-level knowledge of water sector policies and regional/international practices.
Required Skills:
- Strong knowledge of political, social, and environmental water-related issues in Africa.
- Experience in evidence-based policymaking and transboundary water resources management.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Proven experience in policy dialogue, report writing, and stakeholder facilitation.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across governments and international partners.
- Proficiency in MS Office.
- Fluency in one AU working language (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Kiswahili, or Spanish); knowledge of another is an advantage.
Leadership and Core Competencies:
Strategic Insight, Change Management, Managing Risk, Building Relationships, Accountability, Learning Orientation, Communicating with Influence, Conceptual Thinking, Job Knowledge, Drive for Results, and Continuous Improvement.
Gender Mainstreaming:
The African Union Commission is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Tenure of Appointment:
Fixed-term contract for one (1) year, renewable based on performance and funding availability.
Remuneration:
- Internationally Recruited Staff: USD 96,921.34 (annual lump sum, inclusive of all allowances).
- Locally Recruited Staff: USD 78,461.08 (annual lump sum, inclusive of all allowances).
How to Apply:
Apply Now
Application Deadline: November 14, 2025 – 11:59 p.m. EAT