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SENIOR POLICY OFFICER, CLIMATE CHANGE AND DESERTIFICATION CONTROL

VACANCY ANNOIUNCEMENT : SENIOR POLICY OFFICER, CLIMATE CHANGE AND DESERTIFICATION CONTROL
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 of Ethiopia.
In seeking to achieve the above objectives, the African Union seeks to fill the vacant position of the Climate Change and Desertification Unit in the Directorate of Rural Economy and Agriculture to strengthen its capacity to deliver by, among others, the implementation of a new organizational structure and the filling of all vacant posts.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Climate change is having adverse effects in Africa ranging from declining water resources, reduced agricultural productivity, spread of vector-borne diseases to new areas, drop in fish population and increased flooding and heavier rainfall among others. Climate variability lies behind much prevailing poverty, food insecurity, and weak economic growth in Africa. The official goals of the climate change convention “are to stabilize the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous man-made climate changes. Climate Change and Development was the sub – theme of the January 2007 Summit held in Addis Ababa. Following the Summit deliberations, the Commission became increasingly involved in the global climate change talks and negotiations considering the vital stakes Africa has in these dialogues; the Commission continues to steer efforts of AU Member States and Regional Economic Communities as well as other stakeholders in dealing with multiple challenges including climate change by engaging both regional and global partners in promoting and defending the continent’s interest.

A landmark Summit Decision was adopted in January 2009, which mandated the AU Commission among other things to facilitate the building of a common Africa Position in preparations for the Fifteenth Conference of Parties (COP15) in Denmark, Copenhagen in December 2009. Subsequently, the July 2009 Summit in Sirte, Libya adopted the recommendation of the decision of thee Executive Committee EX.CL/Dec.500 (XV) Rev. 1 on the establishment of the Climate Change and Desertification Control Unit in the Directorate of Rural Economy and Agriculture.
1. Post
Post title: Senior Policy Officer, Climate Change and Desertification Control
Post level: P3
Duty Station: AUC Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Immediate Supervisor: Coordinator, Climate Change and Desertification Unit
2. Major duties and responsibilities
Specifically, the Job holder shall perform the following tasks:
• Assist the Coordinator in the overall management of the activities of the Climate Change and Desertification Control Unit;
• Assist in preparation of reports, budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Unit, in consultation with the Coordinator of the Unit;
• Assist in formulation of appropriate strategies, policies and plans of action related to climate change in Africa;
• Build awareness on climate change and desertification control issues in Africa and support project implementation on adaptation and mitigation actions;
• Promote and support the development of African common positions on climate change;
• Liaises with Member States, RECs, and relevant Stakeholders including International Organizations, Development Partners on issues of climate change and desertification control;
• Ensure Policy harmonization on climate change and desertification control and various positions on key issues under negotiations in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) processes;
• Coordination of various efforts on climate change and desertification, ensuring linkages and synergies with complementarities of different initiatives, sectors and collaborations;
• Ensure effective coordination and implementation at continental and regional levels;
• Ensure the development of a Resource Mobilization Strategy with donor coordination for Climate Change and Desertification Control Programmes;
• Ensure networking and facilitation of peer reviews, information sharing and exchange;
• Promote studies and researches on local indigenized technologies on mitigation and adaptation measures to climate change in Africa including increased participation of Africa Member States in global carbon market as well as foster collaboration among Member States to combat drought and desertification;
• Ensure better coordination with other Regional and United Nations conventions;
• Promote publication of simplified guidelines and fact sheets on the scientific, political and economic aspects of climate change and desertification control in Africa.
• Support production and submission of periodic reports of activities of the Unit;
• Support the Commission in its coordination efforts of global climate change talks and negotiations; and
• Undertake any other duties assigned on climate change and desertification control.
3. Educational Qualifications:
• Candidates must have at least Post-graduate (Masters) degree in the Environmental or Natural Sciences (i.e. Water Resources Management, Forestry, Land Degradation) and/ or equivalent discipline.
• A qualification in project management and negotiation skills (recognised diploma or certificate) would be an added advantage.
4. Work Experience:
• Candidates must have at least eight (8) years of appropriate experience in Senior Management position, including experience in design and development of policies and strategies; and management of international organizations.
• Substantial experience with international, regional and national policy processes related to environment, climate change and desertification or land degradation.
• Knowledge of the regional and global climate change, desertification and disaster risk reduction processes is an asset with a track record of diplomatic negotiations.
5. Other relevant skills
• Strong experience in public sector with related experience dealing with private sector and civil society bodies.
• Familiarity with international and regional policy processes related to climate change and desertification.
• Computer literacy.
• Working knowledge of policy analysis and development and programme/project management, implementation and monitoring.
• Management experience, excellent interpersonal skills and ability to organize and motivate others and to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Excellent drafting and reporting skills.
• Good planning and organizational skills.
• Conscientious and efficient in observing deadlines and achieving results.
• Takes accountability for goals and challenges.
• Effective and distinct communication ability with excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to defend, explain with tact and diplomacy difficult positions addressing key policy issues.
• Ability to work under pressure and collaboratively with and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues of different nationalities and culture backgrounds, in order to achieve organizational goals.
• Track record of excellent time management and ability to meet tight deadlines.
6. Language requirement: Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages. Knowledge of one or several other working language(s) would be an added advantage.
7. Age Requirement: Candidates should preferably between 30 and 45 years old.
8. Tenure of Appointment: The appointment will be made on an initial period of two (2) years, of which the first twelve months will be considered as a probationary period. It shall be renewable subject to performance and availability of funds.
9. Gender Mainstreaming: The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
10. Application: To apply, please submit the following:
a. A detailed and updated CV,
b. Names and contact details (including e-mail addresses) of three references;
c. Certified copies of degrees, diplomas and other academic certificates

11. Remuneration: The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$ 79,903.40 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 68,299.81 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff.
Applications must be received not later than 28 February 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