African Union (AU)

Position: Head of Division, Ombudsman and Mediation

Job Time: Full-Time

Job Type: Contract

Place of Work: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Salary: $50,746.00 per annum

Posted date: 1 day ago

Application Deadline: Dec, 24/2021 (28 days left)

Organization Information

Reports to: AUC Chairperson through Deputy Chairperson

Directorate/Department: Autonomous Office in the Directorate of Ethics, Integrity & Standards

Autonomous Office: Ombudsman and Mediation

Number of Direct Reports: 2

Number of Indirect Reports: 0

Job Grade: P5

Contract Type: Regular 

Purpose of Job

Directs and manages the daily operations of the Ombudsman and Mediation Division in order to achieve the strategic objectives of the directorate and the AU’s overall goals.

Main Functions

• Designs and implements policies, programs, and projects to achieve the directorate’s strategic objectives. 
• Manages and supervises employees within the division, ensures the timely delivery of the directorate’s goals and effective staff performance evaluation; 
• Designs policies, strategies and programs to contribute to the effective implementation of relevant AU Policy Organs Decisions; 
• Ensures the delivery of the division’s annual targets in line with the directorate’s overall goals and ensures robust and timely monitoring and reporting; 
• Provides technical leadership and ensures efficient functioning of all Units within the Division 
• Manages the work of the Division and supervises direct reports to ensure their effective performance in line with the organization’s performance management policy and system; 
• Engages stakeholders within Members States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs)/Regional Mechanisms(RMs) and relevant international organizations in designing and implementing strategies. 
• Maintains thematic partnerships in support of the mandate of the Division; 
• Maintains regular working relations with senior stakeholders in the Member States and partner institutions in the execution of the Division’s mandate. 
• Represents the organization and communicates its position at conferences. 
• Contributes to the preparation of periodic financial and budget execution reports and monitor budget execution at the division level. 
• Ensures the effective management of funds contributed to the organization; 
• Manages risk within the division and recommends mitigation strategies 
• Contributes to the development of the departmental business continuity plan and ensures implementation at the division level 
• Maintains a positive work environment that facilitates collaboration and information sharing and is conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating diverse talent.

Specific Responsibilities

The AU Ombudsman addresses matters arising from administrative decisions and actions taken against a staff member in violation of his or her terms and conditions of employment.

He/She mainly:

• Designs strategies and policies consistent with the administration of justice in addressing employment relations.
• Addresses challenges arising through the application of regulations and rules.
• Undertakes all such work and duties as may be necessary for the effective execution of the functions and objectives of the Office within the framework of its mandate.
• Facilitates and coordinates the implementation and monitoring of the Office’s strategic plan.
• Coordinates the mainstreaming of the Office into relevant programs and ensures linkages, synergies, and opportunities for joint programming.
• Coordinates the preparation and development of reports, budget, and work programs related to the functioning of the Office.
• Prepares budgets for the Office in accordance with relevant frameworks.
• Develops training materials and provides the necessary training and support to all AU Organs and Offices
• Provides technical resource allocation and policy guidance on matters relating to system implementation projects and maintenance.
• Coordinates activities, supervises, and manages staff members.
• Promotes non-adversarial means of managing employment-based relations between Staff Members and Management through conciliation, mediation, and negotiation.
• Provides advice to staff members, elected officials, and administrative bodies on mediation and conciliation issues.
• Receives, inquires, and addresses conflict and other grievances staff members may file with the Office
• Offers services that are impartial, objective, neutral, independent, and fully confidential.
• Addresses conditions of employment, administration of benefits, managerial practices, as well as professional and staff-related matters.
• Leads in the drafting of the Ombudsman policy and other relevant policies and guidelines.
• Drafts rules and procedures regarding the filing and addressing of complaints.
• Prepares work plans and budgets for the Office
• Sets up a hotline and manages online reporting of cases by staff members.
• Advises the Chairperson and administration on the outcome of each matter brought before the Office of the Ombudsman.
• Prepares an annual report of cases handled and submits to the Chairperson through the Deputy Chairperson.
• Performs any other function assigned to him or her by the Chairperson.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A Master’s Degree in Law, Management, Business Administration, Human Resources, or any other relevant area with twelve (12) years of relevant work experience out of which seven (7) years should be at a managerial level and five (5) need to relate to a supervisory role.
• Proven experience in policy formulation

Required Skills

• Leadership and management skills
• Communication, report writing, and presentation skills
• Research and analytical skills
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Ability to work in teams and in a multi-cultural environment
• Knowledge in international educational reforms and strategies
• Knowledge and working understanding of AU policies, systems, and standards
• Planning, Budgeting, and Organization skills.
• Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages; fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies

Strategic Perspective:

Developing Others:

Change Management:

Managing Risk:

Core Competencies

Building relationships:

Foster Accountability Culture:

Learning Orientation:

Communicating with impact:

Functional Competencies

Conceptual thinking:

Job Knowledge and information sharing:

Drive for result:

Fosters Innovation:

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.

How to apply

CLICK HERE

GENDER MAINSTREAMING:

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

REMUNERATION:

Indicative basic salary of US$ 50,746.00 (P5 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment ( 46% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 26,208.00 (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.