Head of Communication (AfCFTA)

The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African states as well as developing a new partnership worldwide. Our Headquarters are located in Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia. The vision of the African Union is that of: An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena. Our mission is to become An efficient and value-adding institution driving the African integration and development process in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. The values that guide and govern our function and operations are: Respect for diversity and team work Think Africa above all; Transparency and accountability Integrity and Impartiality; Efficiency and Professionalism; and Information and Knowledge sharing
About The Job
Purpose of Job:

Responsible for the overall supervision and management of the Division. Leads formulation of communications strategies on priority issues and carries out campaigns to create awareness about the activities of the departments, directorate and institution to support their substantive goals

Main Functions:

Manage and supervise employees within the division with regard to the department goals objectives including performance evaluation.
Design strategies and policies consistent with the Department’s goal in order to address the pertinent issues in the relevant area.
Contribute to the development of the departmental communication plan and ensure implementation at division level
Manage communication risk within the division and recommend mitigation strategies
Design and plan institutional and Directorate policies programs to achieve strategies.
Develop new and existing activities as components of the strategies and policies.
Address problems in arising to current approaches to relevant area.
Engage stakeholders within Members States and RECs in designing and implementing communication strategies.
Represent the organisation and explain its position at Press briefing.
Mobilise funding from all donors to use to execute strategies and activities.
Contribute to the preparation of periodic financial and budget execution reports and monitor budget execution at division level.
Ensure creation of an inspiring work environment to enable staff development and professional progression.

Specific Responsibilities:

Develop and execute communications strategies – including writing communications plans and developing key messages
Engage with State Parties, stakeholders and partners on various issues, including handling crisis communications situations
Spearhead the establishment of modern data processing system for the AfCFTA Website and managing websites, internal and external
Determine and execute Directorate strategy on the implementation of AfCFTA and overall Agenda 2063 and coordinate the implementation of continental and regional priority programmes and projects
Mobilize resources and partners in support of the implementation of AfCFTA’ s priority programmes and projects
Devise policies and priorities of the AfCFTA’ s actions to media external audiences and the public, ensuring that AfCFTA’ s messaging reflects its policies and priorities appropriately
Ensure the efficient running of communication and media operations, providing guidance, advice and specialized training as needed, and responding to any emerging issues
Lead knowledge management, information systems, the web system, projects and programmes to develop and/or update the information, communication and knowledge management strategy based on AfCFTA overall strategic plan.
Advise and support AfCFTA on implementation of technology-based projects, media and public outreach activities in relation with their conferences, workshops, public events and activities and delivering media and online messages in a timely and effective manner
Promotes communication and engagement that encourages and build strategic partnerships with the AU specifically: Private Sector, Academia, Development Partners, African Youth Associations, Diaspora & Civil Society
Promotes correct use AU Brand and its identities on all communication developed for AU departments, institutions and in collaboration with partners.
Overseeing the editorial content and production of all publications and public information materials, public statements and other communication material from AfCFTA
Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the immediate Supervisor.

Academic Requirements And Relevant Experience:

A Master’s in Communications, Public Relations and Advertising, Marketing or Business Administration with twelve (12) years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in the area of corporate communications of which Seven (7) years should be at senior management level and 5 (five) should involve supervisory roles.
Professional qualification in marketing / or public relations will be an added advantage
Regional / international experience managing communication for large national or regional or international organizations
Experience in producing high quality advertising and content creation in-house or working with media and advertising agencies
Experience in conceptualizing and implementing high impact digital marketing campaigns
Computer literacy and use of modern means of communication tools is an added advantage.

Required Skills:

Corporate Marketing and Brand Strategy development and communication implementation
A demonstrated ability to initiate and promote collaborative approaches between 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 manage budgets and determine financial impact
Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development
Ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff
Proficiency in one of the AU working languages, fluency in another AU language 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 Results
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.

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 ( 57% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 27,290.88.00 (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.

Only candidates who have met all the requirements of the post and have been selected for an interview will be contacted.

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