Deadline: 13 August, 2021
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The African Union Commission (AUC) is seeking to fill the position of Head of Division, Science, Technology and Space (STS).
The AU is a continental body that consists of 55 member states. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
Responsibilities
- Formulate appropriate policies, strategies and action plans for development programmes, and project proposals at continental level in line with the ten phases of the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (STISA) and other related strategies to contribute to the AU Agenda 2063
- Promote intra-African and international cooperation in the area of STI and development for mutual benefit, networks, knowledge sharing and ensuring a strong African position
- Liaise with other AUC units and directorates for programmatic synergies and quality assurance in science, technology and innovation, to maximise impact and elimination of duplications
- Provide policy support to strengthen alignment of regional STI protocols in close collaboration with the RECs in order to effectively support member states
- Mobilise financial and technical resources with accountable management to support science, technology and innovation programmes
- Ensure overall management of science and technology division personnel
- Advise the directorate on matters of science and technology, and space policy
- Coordinate the work of African Union Technical Agencies (AUTAs) in the area of science and technology, ensuring internal coherence and adherence to continental policies
- Develop institutional linkages and policy mechanisms to promote regional collaboration and integration in the areas of science, technology research and capacity-building
- Provide technical advice to member states on realisation of their continental and global commitments in science and technology and regular reporting
- Provide strategic and technical support to the directorate so that it delivers in accordance with its plans
- Promote science, technology and innovation diplomacy
- Facilitate recruitment of officers, consultants, and procurement of services, and manage staff of the division
- Promote the development and retention of high caliber scientific personnel in science, especially women and young professionals
- Promote scientific research networks and expert mobility in Africa and the diaspora
- Network with regional and international organisations in the area of science and technology and development for mutual benefit, ensuring a strong African position
- Ensure the production and submission of periodic reports on the activities of the division
- Ensure production of working documents and draft decision in science and technology for the STC-EST and the AU relevant policy organs
- Represent the department or the commission in conferences, bilateral and multilateral engagements as instructed
- Oversee the development and implementation of mechanisms to enhance the relevance and responsiveness of science and technology
- Provide capacity building and mentorship for science and technology staff, especially youths
- Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the commission
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Science, Technology, Innovation, or a closely related field
- 12 years, minimum, of postgraduate work experience, with seven years, minimum, in a managerial role, and five years in supervisory position
- Proven experience in assessing, monitoring, and evaluating research and development programmes, and training in Project Management will be an added advantage
- 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 multicultural environment
- Knowledge of international educational reforms and strategies
- Knowledge and working understanding of AU policies, systems and standards
- Planning, budgeting and organisation skills
- Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic, and Spanish)
- Fluency in another AU language(s) will be a plus
To apply and for more information, click here.
Photo source: Henrik Berger Jørgensen
