African Union Job Vacancy For Director, Admin & HRM Department

Job purpose:

Reporting to the Deputy Chairperson, the Director of Administration and Human Resources Management is the principal adviser to the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson and other members of senior management and staff, on Administration and Human Resources matters. The role supports the work of the Commission by leading the development and implementation of effective, responsive and efficient administrative and human resource strategies, policies and management systems that are aligned to organisational needs and best practice.

The Director is a member of the Senior Management Group, in the capacity of a strategic institutional partner, policy advisor, employee advocate and a supporter of change management and performance improvement. The Director will participate in Policy Organs, the Commission and other governing bodies as required. She/ he has direct responsibility for Human Resources, Facilities Management, Security and Safety, Procurement and Stores, Management Information Services and general administration functions of the Commission.

In the area of Human Resources, the Director is responsible for overseeing Human Resources planning (including, recruitment and selection, learning and development, and exit management), performance management, reward management, and employee relations. The Director promotes a responsive work environment in which employee engagement, growth, development and productivity is optimized through appropriate organizational culture, people philosophy and values, diversity management, equal opportunities, terms and conditions of service, consistent policy interpretation and application, staff management/relations, team work and regular Human Resources administrative reviews to ensure continuing responsiveness of the AUC’s Human Resources management practices to the dynamism of the AUC’s operating environment and changing mandates.

The Director oversees Human Resources management for the AUC Headquarters, regional offices in Africa, Representational offices in Europe and the Americas, as well as the process for the engagement of consultants and experts.

In order to strengthen in-house capacity, the Director will be expected in particular to play a collaborative and strategic role in the review, development and delivery of an overarching Human Resources management strategy. This includes the development and delivery of improved performance and reward management policies; an enhanced contribution on the Human Resource aspects of organisational design and strategic planning; and, enhanced input to change management. The Director will also be expected to make substantive contributions, as well as leading others in the development, implementation and review of policies that reflect best contemporary international practice.

In Administration, the Director will provide seasoned, effective specialized advice in a broad range of logistical, procurement, safety and security, IT, and broad office administration services. In this regard, she/ he must have a track record of accountability by delivering high-quality results; Strong managerial/leadership skills; recognized as having successfully managed large teams in specialized areas; demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complex financial, logistical or administrative management policy and program issues; proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling work environment, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff and identify training/skills enhancement initiatives to ensure effective transfer of knowledge/skills; ability to manage performance by establishing priorities and plans, good judgment and decision-making skills; demonstrated ability and committed to provide leadership and take responsibility for incorporating diversity and gender perspective goals including that of achieving gender balance in staffing.

The Director is accountable for leading a team of professionals and administrative support staff, and for the effective management of the Department.

The Director works in close partnership with fellow Directors and other senior management officials in order to support the achievement of the Commission’s wider goals.

The Director will have a strong leadership and management role to ensure that the Directorate delivers consistently at an increasing performance level.

SPECIFIC DELIVERABLES

1. HUMAN RESOURCES - KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Act as the Human Resources advisor and strategic partner to the Deputy Chairperson and Directors, with a view to provide strategic, technical and tactical advice on Human Resources matters as an important aspect of overall management of the Commission’s activities and operations;

Design, implement and continually review an overarching Human Resources management strategy, aligned with the Commission’s Vision and Strategic Plan and ensure that the roles of individual employees are aligned accordingly;

Develop a comprehensive Human Resource planning system aligned with the program planning and budgeting cycles, and oversee the provision of support to other Departments’ Human Resource planning, resourcing and deployment;

Monitor, revise, and lead in institutionalising Human Resources regulations and rules, philosophy, values, policies, and practices that embrace and drive the Commission’s core values and objectives;

Review, develop and deliver human resource policies that reflect best contemporary international practice. Develop and lead implementation of qualitatively enhanced performance measurement and management systems, including initiating policies to strengthen performance management, training, and reward management;

Conduct Human Resource risks analysis and make recommendations to senior management;

Lead and deliver a continuous successful change management process that responds to changing delivery expectations on the Commission;

Manage relations with the Staff Association and promote good employee relations through dialogue, consultation and continuous staff engagement on Human Resources issues;

Direct and manage Human Resources services, and ensure their timely provision and quality;

Co-ordinate diagnostic surveys, Human Resource audits, stakeholder and employee surveys as needed in order to monitor and evaluate organisational culture and climate;

Oversee and participate in recruitment of staff consistent with the diversity of the Commission membership and operational needs and priorities;

Monitor, manage and explore ways of reducing the cost of recruitment policies, practices and procedures and identify areas for specific improvement;

In collaboration with the Office of Legal Counsel, ensure that Human Resources policies and management is consistent with international administrative law requirements;

Represent the Commission externally including managing relations with partners, external Human Resource service providers, etc.;

Provide guidance, effective performance management and evaluation, supervision and mentoring of all staff in the Directorate, supporting the professional and personal development of staff, motivation and engagement at all times;

Supervise HR line management responsibilities performed under the direct supervision of the Head of HR.

2. ADMINISTRATION SERVICES - KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director supports the Commission’s mission by working closely with the Deputy Chairperson in providing effective, efficient and economical administrative services. The post holder will be expected to:

Provide strategic advice to the Deputy Chairperson that contributes to the development of Commission’s policy direction, plans, programmes and resource allocation;

Provide vision and professional leadership for the Directorate’s work, continuously seeking to achieve improvements in quality and value for money;

Ensure AUC and support organs strictly comply with the requirements of the African Union Procurement Manual;

Establish and continually review the Commission’s policies, procedures, practices, standards and tools that deliver services effectively, including on supply chain management, security of the Commission, etc.;

Manage and ensure that the common service areas effectively support AUC objectives; harness the Directorate’s resources to deliver to time, budget and quality;

Formulate appropriate solutions to incorporate ICT and administrative service matters;

Ensure that the Commission uses ICT appropriately to provide streamlined cost effective business processes and financial information systems;

Prepare and present timely and effective management reports and statutory reports to the Leadership, Management, and other governing bodies;

Oversee the preparation and management of the annual budget of the Directorate and its execution while ensuring compliance with established Rules, Regulations, Procedures as well as AUC decisions;

Provide leadership in the development and application of appropriate Safety & Security policies;

Within delegated authority, liaise, negotiate and coordinate with national authorities and /or member governments with respect to administrative and logistical matters to enhance understanding and endorsement of the Commission’s corporate service policies and objectives;

Supervise Administrative line managers responsible for the various segments of the Directorate.