Senior Public Relations and Information Officer (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: Senior Public Relations and Information Officer (ACHPR)

Requisition ID: 1583
Location: Banjul, Gambia
Reports to: Executive Secretary to the Commission 
Directorate: African Commission on Human and People’s Rights ACHPR
Number of Direct Reports: 2
Number of Indirect Reports: 1
Contract Type: Regular 
Job Grade: P3

Purpose of Job

• To ensure that the public is properly informed of the work of the Commission and that the message and work of the Commission is properly communicated to the outside world. 

Main Functions

• Provide strategic guidance on the communication activities of ACHPR including coordination, advocacy and communication strategies, planning and implementation 
• Provide technical and intellectual support in the management of various elements related to the area of expertise
• Provide support to the implementation of initiatives related to area of specialization;
• Assist in the organization of thematic networks, make contributions during consultations and meetings 
• Contribute in development of materials and provide necessary training and support to Organization Units as required.
• Provide technical guidance on matters relating to system review and implementation project in area of specialization, as required.
• Provide leadership guidance to the ICT Officer and Documentation Officer 
• Provide advocacy, communication and social mobilization support to ACHPR projects and activities to promote Information sharing and Communication.
• Identify best practices and monitor effectiveness of the Office’s support to AU.
• Assist in the development of the strategies and business continuity plan and contribute to their implementation
• Contribute to development of guidelines, policies and manuals that can guide programmes, system improvement initiatives and overall decision making by higher management in the respective area of expertise.

Specific Responsibilities

• Working under the Executive Secretary to the Commission, Leads in the following areas: 
• Increase awareness and raise the visibility of ACHPR in the media, thereby positioning the Organization to be recognized as the key Human Rights Organ of the African Union.
• Position ACHPR as a central actor in national public opinion, developing a close relationship with the media, through its editors, journalists and columnists, among others, so ACHPR activities have continental and global visibility.
• Promote the organization's mandate and areas of work guided by the ACHPR’s Strategic Plan and Communications Strategy.
• Foster greater information and knowledge exchange with key stakeholders, State Parties, NHRI’s and NGOs and Civil Society in the Human Rights sector.
• Participate in workshops, meetings, trainings scheduled and conducted by the ACHPR or its stakeholders and prepare communication products on same, as appropriate
• Manage the ACHPR’s Social Media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube) and develop and solicit content from Legal Officers and Commissioners as necessary to update posts in the accounts.
• Ensure the website of the ACHPR by updating with all relevant articles and press releases generated 
• Develop and publish monthly, quarterly or biannual newsletter covering important news, activities and updates from Commissioners activities.
• Revise, edit texts and/or documents to be published using relevant ACHPR guidelines
• Create visual products and design graphic products as needed for the representation using ACHPR guidelines
• Disseminate results of programs, projects and activities undertaken by Commissioners to relevant partners as requested
• Ensure regular communication and updates with the National Correspondents on the continent to promote the activities of the ACHPR.
• Reinforce the internal communication of the ACHPR, including conducting or organising communications related training for staff, as relevant
• Prepare communication material such as press releases and social media posts on ACHPR's work on the continent to disseminate in the media and social media platforms

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Must hold Master’s Degree in Communications, International Relations, Human Rights, Public Relations, or related field from an accredited university with seven (7) relevant years’ experience within a human rights framework, preferably in a regional, continental or international organisation, with three (3) years at supervisor level.

   OR

• Must hold Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, International Relations, Public Relations, or Journalism from an accredited university with ten (10) years’ experience, out of which three (3) years should be at supervisory level, in a similar role preferably in a regional, continental or international organisation.

Required Skills:

• Must be computer literate with a working knowledge of common computer applications and systems; Excellent drafting, reporting, communication and presentation skills 
• Experience in planning and implementing campaigns/strategies, including involving digital communications is required.
• Concentration, accuracy, and ability to work under minimum supervision and under pressure
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to organize and work under pressure in a multi-cultural environment
• Respect for confidentiality and good public relations
• Demonstrable knowledge of international organizations
• Ability to work across business units / geographies; culturally sensitive environment 
• Applicants must be proficient in one of the African Union working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese or Spanish).
• Knowledge of one more or several other working languages would be an added advantage
• Prior demonstrated relevant experience in strategic communication, digital content creation and information dissemination
• Previous work with an international organization preferred
• Knowledge of the African Union policies and procedures
• Strong analytical skills and ability to prepare legal submissions and opinions

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight..
• Developing Others..
• Change Management..
• Managing Risk...

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationship...
• Foster Accountability Culture...
• Learning Orientation...
• Communicating with Influence...

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual thinking...
• Job Knowledge and information sharing...
• Drive for result...
• Continuous improvement orientation...

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.

Languages:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Remuneration

• Indicative basic salary of US$ 37,453.00 (P3 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment ( 46% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 15,897.60 (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  26th January, 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