Senior Policy Officer African Union Addis Ababa
SENIOR POLICY OFFICER,
CLIMATECHANGE
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
Land degradation and desertification are growing scourges in Africa, which have
serious implication on rural livelihoods. Though Africa has relatively large land area
but most of this land is fragile and thus prone to degradation if not managed
properly. Recent demographic changes have resulted in overexploitation of land
resources resulting in low yield productivity at the farm level. Land degradation is
therefore a serious global issue that affects two-thirds of the African continent and
that has significant impacts on food security, biodiversity loss and resilience of rural
communities to climate change. It thereby impacts seriously development and
poverty alleviation efforts in Africa.
With Africa projected to get even hotter and drier in the years ahead, the need for
coordinating and harmonizing Africa’s activities in the field of desertification, land
degradation, forestry and drought seems obvious; as does the need for fresh
approaches aiming at enhancing and strengthening synergies and
complementarities between various stakeholders.
The African continent has the second largest mass of tropical forest after the
Amazon. The forests of the Congo Basin cover about 140 million hectares. These
forests provide economic and social and environmental services to over 100 million
inhabitants. The African continent is also endowed with abundant tropical forests
resources and there are large tracts of natural forests and woodlands.Despite their
enormous importance, the forest and biodiversity resources of Africa are not properly
managed and are consequently being degraded at an alarming rate.
AFRICAN UNION UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃO AFRICANA
Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA P. O. Box 3243 Telephone +251 11 5517700 Cables:
AUC
Website : www.africa-union.org
2
The 8th Ordinary Session of the African Union held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in
January 2007 considered appropriate strategy to address the menace of land
degradation, desertification and the accompanying social deprivation in the Sahel
and Sahara zones of the continentand the African Leaders successfully the Great
Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel Initiative to combat land degradation. The
Initiative fully complements the Rio family of conventions of the United Nations. It will
particularly strengthen and promote the implementation of the National Action
Programmes (NAPs) formulated by Member States under the aegis of the United
Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Climate change is also having adverse effects in Africa ranging from declining water
resources, forest degradation, drop in fish population and increased flooding and
heavier rainfall among others. 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, issues of land degradation and forestry 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 desertification, biological
diversity 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 the Executive Committee
EX.CL/Dec.500 (XV) Rev. 1 on the establishment of the Climate Change and
Desertification Control Unit (CCDU) in the Directorate of Rural Economy and
Agriculture. The same decision also mandated the African Union to accede to two
conventions, the UNFCCC and the UNCCCD. The CCDU will facilitate the work of
the Regional Economic Communities and Member States in the harmonization of
climate change policies, strategies, plans, programmes and activities on climate
change adaptation and mitigation.
1. Post:
Job Title: Senior Policy Officer, Land and Forestry
Grade: P3
Department: Rural Economy and Agriculture
Immediate Supervisor: Head, Division of Environment, Climate Change,
Water and Land Management
Duty Station Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
3
2. Major duties and responsibilities:
Specifically, the Job holder shall perform the following tasks:
? Assist the Head of Division 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 Head of Division;
? Assist in formulation of appropriate strategies, policies and plans of action
related to land degradation, forestry and desertification in Africa;
? Promote sustainable and collaborative forest management in and amongst
Member States and Transboundary Forest Management.
? Build awareness on land degradation, forestry and desertification control
issues in Africa and support project implementation on adaptation and
mitigation actions;
? Promote and support the development of African common positions in the
meetings of the UN Convention to combat Desertification (UNCCD);
? Promote the work of the African Forest Forum and African common positions
on the issue of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest
Degradation (REDD) and REDD plus Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land
Use (AFOLU) and Land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF)
activities relating to carbon stocks;
? 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 various positions on key issues such as
REDD and REDD+, AFOLU and LULUCF activities, desertification control
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 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 forestry, land degradation 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 forestry and land degradation 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;
4
? Promote publication of simplified guidelines and fact sheets on the scientific,
political and economic aspects of forestry, land degradationand 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 forestry, land
degradation and desertification talks and negotiations; and
? Undertake any other duties assigned on forestry, land degradation and
desertification control.
3. Qualifications and Experience Required
? Candidates must have at least a Post-graduate (Masters) degree in the
Environmental or Natural Sciences (i.e. Water Resources Management,
Forestry, Land Degradation, Biology, Botany, Environmental Technology)
and/ or equivalent discipline.
? A qualification in project management and negotiation skills (recognised
diploma or certificate) would be an added advantage.
4. Professional experience required:
? Candidates must have at least ten (10) years of appropriate experience in
Senior Management position, including experience in design and
development of policies and strategies; and management of international
organizations.
? Strong experience on issues of Land use, land-use change and forestry
(LULUCF,) Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation
(REDD) and REDD plus Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU)
and Land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) activities
? Substantial experience with international, Intergovernmental, regional and
national policy processes related to multilateral environment agreements,
forestry, desertificationand degradation.
? Knowledge of the on-going 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.
5
? 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 35 and 50 years
old.
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 could be for a period of two years renewable,
subject to satisfactory performance
9. Gender Mainstreaming: The AU Commission is an equal opportunity
employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
10. 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 ($16,819.20 perannum), education allowance (75% of
tuition and other education related expensesfor every eligible dependent up
to a maximum of US$7,800.00 per child per annum),etc for I internationally
recruited staff of the Commission.
Applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website
http://www.aucareers.orgnot later than 5th June 2012.
Directorate of Administration and Human Resource Management
African Union Commission
CLIMATECHANGE
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
Land degradation and desertification are growing scourges in Africa, which have
serious implication on rural livelihoods. Though Africa has relatively large land area
but most of this land is fragile and thus prone to degradation if not managed
properly. Recent demographic changes have resulted in overexploitation of land
resources resulting in low yield productivity at the farm level. Land degradation is
therefore a serious global issue that affects two-thirds of the African continent and
that has significant impacts on food security, biodiversity loss and resilience of rural
communities to climate change. It thereby impacts seriously development and
poverty alleviation efforts in Africa.
With Africa projected to get even hotter and drier in the years ahead, the need for
coordinating and harmonizing Africa’s activities in the field of desertification, land
degradation, forestry and drought seems obvious; as does the need for fresh
approaches aiming at enhancing and strengthening synergies and
complementarities between various stakeholders.
The African continent has the second largest mass of tropical forest after the
Amazon. The forests of the Congo Basin cover about 140 million hectares. These
forests provide economic and social and environmental services to over 100 million
inhabitants. The African continent is also endowed with abundant tropical forests
resources and there are large tracts of natural forests and woodlands.Despite their
enormous importance, the forest and biodiversity resources of Africa are not properly
managed and are consequently being degraded at an alarming rate.
AFRICAN UNION UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃO AFRICANA
Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA P. O. Box 3243 Telephone +251 11 5517700 Cables:
AUC
Website : www.africa-union.org
2
The 8th Ordinary Session of the African Union held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in
January 2007 considered appropriate strategy to address the menace of land
degradation, desertification and the accompanying social deprivation in the Sahel
and Sahara zones of the continentand the African Leaders successfully the Great
Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel Initiative to combat land degradation. The
Initiative fully complements the Rio family of conventions of the United Nations. It will
particularly strengthen and promote the implementation of the National Action
Programmes (NAPs) formulated by Member States under the aegis of the United
Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Climate change is also having adverse effects in Africa ranging from declining water
resources, forest degradation, drop in fish population and increased flooding and
heavier rainfall among others. 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, issues of land degradation and forestry 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 desertification, biological
diversity 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 the Executive Committee
EX.CL/Dec.500 (XV) Rev. 1 on the establishment of the Climate Change and
Desertification Control Unit (CCDU) in the Directorate of Rural Economy and
Agriculture. The same decision also mandated the African Union to accede to two
conventions, the UNFCCC and the UNCCCD. The CCDU will facilitate the work of
the Regional Economic Communities and Member States in the harmonization of
climate change policies, strategies, plans, programmes and activities on climate
change adaptation and mitigation.
1. Post:
Job Title: Senior Policy Officer, Land and Forestry
Grade: P3
Department: Rural Economy and Agriculture
Immediate Supervisor: Head, Division of Environment, Climate Change,
Water and Land Management
Duty Station Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
3
2. Major duties and responsibilities:
Specifically, the Job holder shall perform the following tasks:
? Assist the Head of Division 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 Head of Division;
? Assist in formulation of appropriate strategies, policies and plans of action
related to land degradation, forestry and desertification in Africa;
? Promote sustainable and collaborative forest management in and amongst
Member States and Transboundary Forest Management.
? Build awareness on land degradation, forestry and desertification control
issues in Africa and support project implementation on adaptation and
mitigation actions;
? Promote and support the development of African common positions in the
meetings of the UN Convention to combat Desertification (UNCCD);
? Promote the work of the African Forest Forum and African common positions
on the issue of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest
Degradation (REDD) and REDD plus Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land
Use (AFOLU) and Land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF)
activities relating to carbon stocks;
? 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 various positions on key issues such as
REDD and REDD+, AFOLU and LULUCF activities, desertification control
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 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 forestry, land degradation 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 forestry and land degradation 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;
4
? Promote publication of simplified guidelines and fact sheets on the scientific,
political and economic aspects of forestry, land degradationand 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 forestry, land
degradation and desertification talks and negotiations; and
? Undertake any other duties assigned on forestry, land degradation and
desertification control.
3. Qualifications and Experience Required
? Candidates must have at least a Post-graduate (Masters) degree in the
Environmental or Natural Sciences (i.e. Water Resources Management,
Forestry, Land Degradation, Biology, Botany, Environmental Technology)
and/ or equivalent discipline.
? A qualification in project management and negotiation skills (recognised
diploma or certificate) would be an added advantage.
4. Professional experience required:
? Candidates must have at least ten (10) years of appropriate experience in
Senior Management position, including experience in design and
development of policies and strategies; and management of international
organizations.
? Strong experience on issues of Land use, land-use change and forestry
(LULUCF,) Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation
(REDD) and REDD plus Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU)
and Land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) activities
? Substantial experience with international, Intergovernmental, regional and
national policy processes related to multilateral environment agreements,
forestry, desertificationand degradation.
? Knowledge of the on-going 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.
5
? 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 35 and 50 years
old.
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 could be for a period of two years renewable,
subject to satisfactory performance
9. Gender Mainstreaming: The AU Commission is an equal opportunity
employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
10. 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 ($16,819.20 perannum), education allowance (75% of
tuition and other education related expensesfor every eligible dependent up
to a maximum of US$7,800.00 per child per annum),etc for I internationally
recruited staff of the Commission.
Applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website
http://www.aucareers.orgnot later than 5th June 2012.
Directorate of Administration and Human Resource Management
African Union Commission
Post a Comment