Head of AU Liaison Office

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Organization Information

Reports To: Director, Coordination and Programmes

Directorate/Department: Coordination and Programmes

Number of Direct Reports: 2

Job Grade: P5

Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

The Head of Liaison Office is responsible for leading and coordinating activities, designing strategies, and liaising with stakeholders.

Main Functions

• Coordinate activities, supervise and manage employees on the delivery of the Unit's mandate and performance objectives.
• Provide legal and institutional support on policy programs to achieve these strategies; lead, guide and supervise the implementation of planned activities.
• Contribute to the development of the AfCFTA Secretariat's business continuity plan and ensure implementation at the AU Liaison Office.
• Manage risk within the Division and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Provide legal guidance to the operationalization of the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund.
• Develop new and expand on existing activities as components of these strategies and policies.
• Address problems arising from current approaches to relevant areas.
• Supervise the engagement with stakeholders on designing and implementing AfCFTA strategies.
• Contribute to the preparation of periodic financial and budget execution reports and monitor budget execution at the Division level.
• Undertake research, drafting, or representation assignments, and any other tasks.
• Ensure creation of an inspiring work environment to enable staff development and professional progression.
• Foster and ensure implementation of large-scale and long-term initiatives related to strategic partnerships.
• Mobilize resources from donors to support the implementation of AfCFTA Secretariat strategy.
• Identify best practices and monitor effectiveness of the Unit's support to the AfCFTA Secretariat.

Specific Responsibilities

• Liaise between the Commission, AU Policy Organs in Addis Ababa and the AfCFTA Secretariat, in addition to facilitating coordination with partners and stakeholders.
• Deliver legal advice and assistance to adjudicators ensuring consistency with AfCFTA law and other jurisprudence while considering systemic implications.
• Contribute to the reporting to AU bodies on budget, programme and overall implementation of the AfCFTA goals.
• Represent the AfCFTA Secretariat at meetings of Policy Organs.
• Supervise, coordinate and monitor the implementation of the decisions of the AfCFTA Liaison Unit.
• Ensure proper coordination in the harmonization of AfCFTA activities with those of the AUC.
• Coordinate and monitor the implementation of policy guidance in close collaboration with all AU Organs.
• Build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between the AfCFTA Secretariat and other agencies and organizations.
• Support on the coordination and harmonization of AU activities with those of the AfCFTA Secretariat.
• Support legal matters related to the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund.
• Represent the organization and explain its position at conferences and other relevant platforms.
• Ensure RECs are well informed on decisions undertaken to avoid any duplication.
• Perform any other relevant tasks that may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master's degree in Law, International Law (Public International Law, Law of the Sea, International Trade Law, International Economic Law and Intellectual Property Rights) or relevant studies with twelve (12) years of relevant work experience, of which seven (7) years in a managerial role in an international organization dealing with relevant issues and four (4) years in a supervisory role.
• Training in policy analysis, research, policy review and formulation.
• Proven experience in policy formulation, research and programme management/coordination.

Required Skills

• Ability to initiate and promote collaborative approaches between various stakeholders and partners, as well as geographically and culturally disparate partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations both internally and externally.
• Ability to develop and delegate clear program goals, plans and actions, including budgets, that are consistent with agreed strategies.
• Ability to prepare budgets, progress reports and work plans and present for adoption.
• Ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff.
• Ability to effectively use the African Monitoring and Evaluation Reporting Tools.
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili); fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Competencies

Leadership Competencies: Strategic Insight, Developing Others, Change Management, Managing Risk.

Core Competencies: Building Relationships, Foster Accountability Culture, Learning Orientation, Communicating with Influence.

Functional Competencies: Conceptual Thinking, Job Knowledge and Information Sharing, Drive for Results, 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.

Remuneration

Indicative basic salary of USD 50,746.00 (P5 Step 1) per annum plus other related entitlements, including post adjustment (57% of basic salary), housing allowance of USD 27,290.88 per annum, and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of USD 10,000 per child per annum for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of USD 3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff).

Gender Mainstreaming

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

Application Information

• Applications must be submitted no later than July 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC.
• Only candidates who meet all job requirements and are selected for interviews will be contacted.
• Consideration will be given only to those candidates who have submitted a fully completed online application with a curriculum vitae (CV), an African passport, and the required academic qualifications.
• Candidates from less represented countries within the African Union are strongly encouraged to apply for positions that fit their profiles.

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