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SENIOR POLICY OFFICER (DIVISION OF RURAL ECONOMY)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT : SENIOR POLICY OFFICER (DIVISION OF RURAL ECONOMY) - 10001398

The African Union (AU) 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 new partnerships worldwide. Its headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

In seeking to achieve this objective, the African Union Commission (AUC) intends to strengthen its capacity to deliver, among others, the implementation of its new organizational structure by filling up vacant posts.

The Commission, therefore, invites applicants who are citizens of the Member States of the African Union to apply for the position of Senior Policy Officer (Division of Rural Economy). The Department of Rural economy and Agriculture is responsible for Pan African strategies, policies and programmes of cooperation, development and integration in the fields of Rural Development, Natural Resources, Environment, Agriculture and Food Security.

1. Post
Title: Senior Policy Officer (Division of Rural Economy)
Level: P3
Duty Station: Addis Ababa
Unit: Rural Economy & Agriculture
Immediate Supervisor: Head of Division, Rural Economy and Agriculture

2. Job Summary

The primary purpose of the Senior Policy Officer (rural economy) is to formulate appropriate policies, programmes and plans of action necessary for the promotion of economic diversification and value-addition, improve rural livelihoods and empowerment in Africa.

3. Major Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 development of rural institutions.
• Promote policies through the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and relevant specialized agencies for implementation with the aim of improving rural livelihoods.
• Promote and facilitate, at continental and regional levels, agreements for the improvement of agro-pastorals and the free movement of livestock and people across borders.

• Promote the establishment of farmer's Forum for enhanced empowerment, productive and beneficial engagement at various levels.
• Promote the development of rural-urban linkages for expansion of remunerative rural employment opportunities.
• Support the activities of relevant specialized technical committees of the AU Commission in matters related to rural development.
• Participate in development of programmes, plans of action, and budgets of the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture.
• Monitor, supervise and evaluate implementation of projects and programmes in rural economy.
• Organize and service workshops, seminars, and meetings.
• Produce and submit period reports on activities and specific missions.

4. Educational Requirement

Candidates must have a minimum of Masters Degree in agricultural or agri-business fields and specialized post-graduate training in policy analysis, projects/programme preparation, monitoring and evaluation, rural development, and institutional analysis.

5. Work Experience

Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in rural development, agri-business, policy and institutional analysis.

6. Other relevant skills

• Working knowledge of policy and institutional analysis and development and programme/project management, implementation and monitoring;

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to organize and motivate others and to work in a multi-cultural environment;

• Excellent report writing and presentation skills;

• Good communication and negotiating skills;

• Good planning and organizational skills;

• Computer literacy (processing of word, data and graphic).

7. Language Requirement:

Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages. Knowledge of other working languages would be an added advantage.



8. Age Requirement:

Candidates must preferable be between 30 and 45 years old.

9. Tenure of Appointment:

The appointment will be made on fixed term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months be consider as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance.

10. Gender Mainstreaming:

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


11. Application:

To apply, please submit the following:

 A letter stating reasons for seeking employment with the AU Commission;
 A detailed and updated CV, indicating nationality, age and gender;
 Names and contact details (including e-mail, address) of three references;
 Certified copies of Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates.

12. Remuneration: Indicative basic salary of US$33,619.00 per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. post adjustment (46% of basic salary), housing allowance (US$14,414.4 per annum), education allowance (75% of tuition and other 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 addresses to:

AU Commission
P.O. Box 3243
Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
Fax: 00251-11-5525840/5510430
E-mail: au-recruits@africa-union.org