POLITICAL OFFICER – HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS, REFUGEES, RETURNEES & DISPLACED PERSONS

VACANCY ANNOUNCMENT: POLITICAL OFFICER – HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS, REFUGEES, RETURNEES & DISPLACED PERSONS (10001239)

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.

The Commission of the African Union invites applicants who are citizens of Member States to apply for the post of Political Officer – Human Affairs, Refugees, Returnees & Displaced Persons within the Department of Political Affairs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

1. POST

Post title: Political Officer – Humanitarian Affairs, Refugees, Returnees & Displaced Persons

Post level: P2

Department: Department of Political Affairs

Unit/Division Humanitarian Affairs, Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (HARDP)

Immediate Supervisor: Head of Division, Humanitarian Affairs, Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons

Duty station: Addis Ababa – Ethiopia

2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The African Union Commission (AUC) is mainly a policy setting and advisory organ within the African continent. Advocating for and supporting the AU Political Affairs Department in the formulation, development and sustenance of an international protection regime including its implementation at the national, regional and continental levels, mainly during the following forums and processes but not limited:

· The AU Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa – IDP Convention and campaigning for its ratification and entry into force;

· The implementation of the OUA Convention on the Specific Aspects of Refugees in Africa;

· Monitoring the situation of refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons: preparation of briefings and participation in field missions with the Sub Committee of the Permanent Representative Committee on Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons to Member States most affected by the problem of forced displacement;

· Follow up actions of AU conferences and summits’ recommendations on refugees, returnees, IDPs and other victims of forced displacement;

· Provide information and analysis relating to humanitarian situations within the continent;

· Work with AU partners on the humanitarian situation, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response;

· Prepare and present timely written reports and documents on the refugees, returnees and IDIs situations in Africa;

· Establish contacts and facilitate coordination with Member States Experts on Forced Displacement in Africa for the implementation of AU Instruments and Plan of Action relating to humanitarian situation;

· Be able to organize workshops, seminars and symposiums;

· Have a good capacity to handle policies and legal matters.

3. EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Candidates must have at least a Bachelor degree in Social Sciences, Law, Political Sciences, International Relations or related discipline. Candidates with post-graduate degrees are preferred.

4. WORK EXPERIENCE:

Candidates must have at least five (5) years of relevant experience in the field of Humanitarian work, with most of them in International Protection, Law, Refugees/IDPs camps.

5. OTHER RELEVANT SKILLS:

· Experience in projects design, implementation and monitoring;

· Excellent writing and oral communications skills;

· Excellent training and group facilitation skills, with due regard for cultural and gender issues;

· Proven ability to work with a large of persons, including national staff, international, government officials and high level personalities;

· Excellent report writing and drafting skills.

6. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT:

Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages (Arabic, English, French and Portuguese) is required. Knowledge of one or more of the other AU working languages would be an added advantage.

7. AGE: Candidates must preferably be aged between 25 and 35 years.

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

9. GENDER MAINSTREAMING: The African Union Commission is an equal opportunities employer. Qualified women are encouraged to apply.

10. APPLICATION: To apply, please submit the following:

a. A letter stating reasons for seeking employment with the AUC;

b. A detailed and updated CV, stating the candidate’s nationality, age and sex;

c. Names and contact details (including e-mail addresses) of three references;

d. Certified copies of degrees, diplomas and other academic certificates.

11. REMUNERATION: Indicative basic salary of US$27,892.00 per annum plus other related entitlements- e.g. Post adjustment (46% of basic salary), Housing allowance ($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), etc for internationally recruited staff of the commission.

Applications must be received not later than 20 April 2011 and should be addressed to:

The Director of Administration and Human Resource Development

AU Commission

P.O. Box 3243

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Fax: 00251-11-5525840/5510430

E-mail: au-recruits@africa-union.org.