Deadline: 04 September, 2020
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The African Union (AU) is seeking to fill the position of Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS).
Under the authority of the chairperson of the AU Commission, this position is responsible for driving the formulation and implementation of political affairs, peace and security policies, programmes and strategies in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the associated medium-term plans and other key continental legal and policy frameworks.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of continental policy frameworks and programmes that promote good governance, democracy, human rights, justice, the rule of law, peace and security
- Lead engagement efforts in following up and in implementing all AU decisions relating to the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts and crises, as well as those relating to peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction and development in Africa
- Provide political and strategic advice to the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union on matters relating to the promotion of peace and security in Africa
- Lead efforts to ensure that the PSC secretariat, as the repository and institutional memory of the work of the PSC, is adequately staffed to effectively and efficiently provide the required technical and logistical support for the PSC to effectively discharge its mandate
- Drive the coordination of the work of relevant institutions under regional economic communities, regional mechanisms for prevention and management and resolution of conflicts and crises in Africa to ensure harmonisation and complementarity of efforts in line with the provisions in the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture
- Strengthen and enhance cooperation between the PSC and the UN Security Council, as well as with other relevant international organs in promoting peace and security in Africa in line with the framework agreement on the partnership in the area of peace and security
- Ensure effective AU election monitoring missions to independently monitor elections in member countries to ensure strict adherence to relevant electoral rules and regulations, reinforce confidence in electoral processes and prevent post-election violence; (ensuring the integrity of electoral process)
- Drive the promotion of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law amongst member states by facilitating political integration and establishment of national and continental level governance institutions to enhance democratic practices
- Lead the development and ratification of relevant continental policies and programmes, such as the African passport and freedom of movement, to achieve the objectives of an integrated African continent
- Identify potential conflicts affecting member states and initiate preventive diplomacy interventions to prevent conflict or violence
- Strengthen cooperation with governance partners such as Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and UN on UN Security Council reforms to consolidate efforts towards achievement of good governance, democracy and conflict prevention
- Promote ratification of AU legal frameworks related to peace and security, good governance, democratisation
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Peace and Security Studies, Global Diplomacy, International Relations, Development Studies or a closely related field from a recognised institution
- A PhD in Law, Political Science, Public Policy, Peace and Security Studies, Global Diplomacy, International Relations, Development Studies or a closely related field from a recognised institution is an added advantage
- Eighteen years, minimum, of relevant professional experience with at least ten years served in a senior leadership role (preferably in an intergovernmental organisation or national government/public service, international or regional institution)
To apply and for more information, click here.
Photo source: GovernmentZA