Executive Secretary (ACHPR) at the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Executive Secretary (ACHPR)

Requisition ID: 1581
Location: Banjul, Gambia
Reports to: Chairperson of AUC 
Directorate: African Commission on Human and People’s Rights ACHPR
Number of Direct Reports: 6
Number of Indirect Reports: 30
Contract  Type: Regular 
Job Grade: P6

Purpose of Job

• 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.
• The promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights within the framework of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter) is recognized under the Constitutive Act establishing the AU as an important avenue for the pursuit of these ends.
• The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights is the premier institution for the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa established as an organ of the AU under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter), In view of the above background, the ACHPR invites qualified and competent applicants who are citizens of Member States of the African Union with relevant skills, competencies and experiences to submit their applications for the position of the EXECUTIVE SECRETARY of the ACHPR based at its headquarters in Banjul, The Gambia.
• Under the supervision of the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, the Secretary is responsible for the effective and innovative implementation of the strategies and activities of the ACHPR, in discharge of its duties in accordance with the terms of the African Charter and the programs and plans defined by the ACHPR.

Main Functions

• Develops and executes the overall strategy for the Commission and ensures alignment between its various elements;  
• Manages and supervises employees within the Commission directly and indirectly, ensures the timely delivery of the Commission’s goals and effective staff performance evaluation;
• Drives the implementation and monitoring of policies, strategies and programs to contribute to the effective implementation of relevant AU Policy Organs Decisions;
• Ensures the delivery of the Commission’s annual targets in line with the its overall goals and maintains robust monitoring and evaluation systems;
• Provides technical leadership and ensures efficient functioning of all Units and functions within the Commission;  
• Leads the Commission and ensures effective management of personnel, budget, performance, program quality, employee relations matters and training in conformity with relevant rules, policies and procedures;  
• Builds and maintains good working relations and collaboration
• Develops and maintains regular working relations with senior stakeholders in Member States and partner institutions;  
• Prepares and oversees integrated programs, projects and overall activities of the organization as per approved ACHPR Strategic Plan, AU 2063 agenda and other plans approved by Policy Organs.
• Maintains a positive work environment that facilitates collaboration and information sharing and is conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating diverse talent.
• Provides leadership in the process of developing and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for the Commission
• Manages risks, develops mitigation measures and ensures business continuity of the department/directorate.
• Coordinates meetings between the organization and relevant partners;  
• Provides leadership to ensure timely preparation and submission of periodic performance and other reports;  
• Ensures the effective and efficiency management of funds contributed to the organization;  
• Implements and maintains thematic partnerships in support of the mandate of the Commission;  
• Develops and oversees policy development and guidelines in line with the organization’s legal framework
• Designs policies consistent with the AU’s strategic goals and mandate in order to address the pertinent issues in the relevant area;  

Specific Responsibilities

• Leading the overall Organization, management and supervision of the ACHPR Secretariat;
• Organizing the legal, administrative and financial services that enable the African Commission to deliver on its mandate of promoting and protecting the rights guaranteed in the African Charter and interpreting the Charter;
• Undertakes statutory responsibilities as Executive Secretary to the Commission
• Supervising and coordinating the institutional arrangements and processes for the receipt and adjudication of complaints on alleged violations of Charter rights, the receipt and processing of communications from and to states parties to the African Charter, and the receipt and review of periodic reports under Article 62 of the African Charter;
• Coordinating the preparation of the plans and activities as well as the budgets of the Commission, including the preparation, in consultation with the members of the Commission, of the reports and working documents of the African Commission;
• Overseeing, in consultation with the supervisor and other relevant bodies of the Commission, the implementation of the activities, budgets and other decisions of the Commission;
• Have custody of all the accounts, the seal, the official stamp and all the records and archives of the Comission;
• Provides advice to the Commission, the Bureau and the Members on the procedure (formal and informal rules of its operations.
• Formally records decisions of the Commission in the Plenary and the Committees.
• Responsible with preparing for the sessions comprising the Plenary and the Committees and gives advice on procedures.
• Assisting the Bureau and other Members of the Commission in the exercise of their functions;
• Chairs management meetings, which discuss corporate issues, enters into contracts on behalf of the Commission, acquires and manages properties of the Commission.
• Leads and facilitates the development and implementation of frameworks, systems and policies for managing administrative services in Commission in accordance with AU rules and regulations.
• Guides, analyses and reviews processes and working methods and recommends procedure and policy changes to improve operations.
• Provides oversight of the administrative budget, ensuring that it is utilized in an effective and efficient manner and in accordance with the African Union Financial Rules & Regulations and Policies.
• Interfaces with the host country’s Government in liaison with the Legal Officer on privileges and immunities matters for Commission and its staff.
• Facilitates and guides the provision and implementation of effective procurement framework, systems, policies and guidelines.
• Advises and supports the provision of quality facilities management services, security services, as well as asset management framework, policies and systems.
• Leads and facilitates the provision and implementation of an effective IT framework, system and policies.
• Provides overall leadership for all financial operations, including resource accounting, budgeting, payroll, financial reporting and internal controls, cash flow management, forecasting, short- and long-term financial planning, and reporting functions in compliance with AU frameworks.
• Oversees preparation of ACHPR budgets, budget execution reports, financial reports, including quarterly financial statements and ensures that financial statements are prepared on time and in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and AU guidelines.
• Provides overall guidance to auditors, the legal services officer and funding partners.
• Leads and facilitates the development of an effective financial performance management and reporting system that allows for the production of updated information for line managers, regular reports for the Bureau and ensures compliance with statutory reporting requirements.
• Leads and facilitates the development and implementation of an effective grants management system and policies and provide effective oversight on project finances to ensure sound financial management, timely call for pledged funds and compliance with ACHPR’s financial management guidelines.
• Maintains the authentic verbatim record of proceedings of the Commission and signs or endorses all orders and official communication of the Commission.
• Examine documentation submitted to the Court to establish authenticity and adequacy;
• Transmit documents to the members of the Court, Member States and to the Chairperson of the AU Commission as well as other organs of the Union where required;
• Ensure that interpretation and translation services, as may be required for the work of the Court are timely done;
• Be present personally (or delegate the Deputy Registrar) at all sittings of the Commission and be responsible for drawing up the minutes of the sessions
• Prepare and keep up to date, in the form prescribed by the Commission, the Cause list of all communications submitted to the Commission;
• Ensures that ACHPR attracts and retains a highly competent multicultural, multilingual and gender-balanced staff with the qualifications, skills, competencies and orientation required to fully and successfully implement its activities.
• Responsible with creating and maintaining an effective organizational structure that supports the overall operations of ACHPR.
• Provides guidance and counsel on staff relations issues.
• Leads and supports the development and implementation of an effective performance management system that aligns institutional performance with individual performance
• Provides strategic leadership in the development and management of an institutional framework for the implementation of ACHPR’s budgetary and financial policies, systems, processes and procedures in accordance with AU financial policies, regulations and controls.
• Provides guidance in the development and implementation of ACHPR’s resource  mobilization, income generation and investment management strategies.
• Leads and facilitates the development and implementation of an overall human resources (HR) strategy and administration system that are aligned with the strategic vision and objectives of ACHPR and in accordance with AU Regulations and Rules.
• Provides overall direction for the implementation of HR policies and procedures.
• Advises the Bureau and staff honestly and clearly on HR issues, promotes and facilitates teamwork and the maintenance of a positive internal environment within ACHPR.
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor from time to time.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master's Degree in Law, Public Administration or Social Sciences  is required.
• Master’s Degree in Law on Human Rights Studies, from a recognized educational institution will be preferred.
• Minimum of fourteen (14) years relevant work experience, with at least seven (7) years at Senior Managerial level and five (5) years should involve at direct supervision of staff at professional staff level.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the African Union system and capacity to coordinate, manage, monitor and evaluate the work of the ACHPR
• A sharp and analytical mind imbued with creative thinking, innovation-generating and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interact with officials and professional colleagues at the highest levels of government, private sector, civil society, and international organizations.
• Excellent oral and written communication, facilitation and presentation skills, proven ability to clearly and concisely prepare, present, discuss and defend issues,  findings and recommendations; strong editing skills.
• Excellent strategic visioning, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting skills.
• Ability to work with enthusiasm and commitment under pressure and minimal supervision, multi-task with a wide range of individuals and institutions and be proactive and creative with sound judgment.
• Ability to leverage limited resources and staff for maximum impact.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-national organizational environment.
• High ethical and accountability standards, impeccable integrity and a deep sense of fairness.
• Highly refined diplomatic skills, exceptional interpersonal skills and possession of a teamwork orientation and ability to interact harmoniously and effectively with colleagues from diverse disciplines, perspectives, countries and cultures.
• Ability to make objective decisions and resolve  problems,  exercising  the  highest  sense  of responsibility and maturity in the handling of confidential and sensitive issues.
• Ability to generate innovative, practical solutions to challenging situations, with tact and emotional maturity without losing composure and focus.
• Ability to identify opportunities and build strong relationships with partners and other external parties.

Other Relevant Skills:

• Strong networking and representation skills and ability to mobilize support on behalf of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
• Excellent computer application skills  (Microsoft  Office  package  -  MS  Word,  Excel  and PowerPoint; knowledge and information sharing platforms, e.g., Teamwork).

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Focus
• Developing Organizational Capability
• Change Leadership
• Strategic Risk Management

Core Competencies:

• Building Partnerships
• Drives Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with impact

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge and information sharing:
• Drive for Results
• Fosters Innovation

Languages:

• Proficiency in English and French languages is the requirement. Fluency in additional AU language(s) (Arabic, Spanish, Kiswahili, Portuguese) is an added advantage

Tenure of Appointment

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

Gender Mainstreaming

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

Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$ 61,023.00 (P6 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment ( 46% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 17,514.00    (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

Application Deadline  13th February, 2023.

Note

• Only candidates who have met all the requirements of the post and have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
• Only applications registered online with a complete curriculum vitae (CV) attached will be considered. 
• The Africa Union is an equal-opportunity employer, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply