JOB TITLE: Chief Executive Officer (AUDA-NEPAD)
POSTING START DATE: 15 December 2025
JOB GRADE: SP3
LOCATION: Johannesburg, South Africa
ORGANIZATION INFORMATION
Organ: African Union Development Agency – NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD)
Reports to: Chairperson of the African Union Commission
Office: Office of the CEO
Direct Reports: 6
Indirect Reports: 6
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) oversees the delivery of the core functions and key strategic objectives of the African Union Development Agency – NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD). The CEO executes the mandate as stipulated in the Statute of AUDA-NEPAD and any other tasks assigned by the Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC).
The CEO shall ensure full compliance with the AUDA-NEPAD Statute and all applicable African Union administrative and operational rules and regulations.
The AUDA-NEPAD mandate includes:
• Coordinating and executing priority regional and continental projects to advance Agenda 2063
• Strengthening the capacity of Member States and regional bodies through advisory support, knowledge development, and resource mobilisation
The CEO is also responsible for managing AUDA-NEPAD’s relationships with other AU Organs and Institutions and for implementing the Agency’s strategic priorities.
MAIN FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The CEO of AUDA-NEPAD shall:
• Encourage innovation, creativity, research, knowledge management, and data analytics
• Lead technical and implementation support to Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
• Develop and manage flexible financing models to support development agendas
• Support Member States in priority sectors including infrastructure, ICT, energy, water, food systems, climate change, governance, and innovation
• Provide advisory support on AU norms, standards, and policy frameworks
• Monitor and assess Africa’s development trends and progress toward Agenda 2063 and global goals
• Lead research, policy development, and dissemination
• Coordinate partnerships with development partners, academia, and the private sector
• Strengthen cooperation across AU Specialized Agencies and institutions
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead and manage strategic partnerships at continental, regional, and international levels
• Ensure African ownership of development processes
• Represent AUDA-NEPAD in engagements with multilateral institutions such as the UN, World Bank, IMF, and WTO
• Provide leadership and oversight of AUDA-NEPAD administration, finance, and human resources
• Ensure compliance with AU Financial Rules, Staff Regulations, and Procurement policies
• Lead performance management, organisational culture development, and accountability systems
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE
• Advanced/Post-Graduate Degree or Master’s Degree in Economics, International Cooperation, Engineering, Development Studies, or related disciplines
• Executive development qualifications are an added advantage
• Minimum of 15 years senior managerial experience in institutions of comparable scale and complexity at regional or international level
• Proven experience managing large programmes, multi-disciplinary teams, and development initiatives in Africa
• Experience working in highly politicised environments and at senior decision-making levels
• Demonstrated resource mobilisation, policy development, and strategic leadership experience
• Extensive relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a postgraduate degree
REQUIRED SKILLS
• Strong leadership, organisational, financial, and people management skills
• Excellent communication, reporting, and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Strategic planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation expertise
• Proven commitment to accountability, transparency, and zero tolerance to corruption
• Strong change management, diplomatic, and political skills
• Deep understanding of Agenda 2063, SDGs, and African development frameworks
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
• Strategic Focus
• Developing Organisational Capability
• Change Leadership
• Strategic Risk Management
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Building Partnerships
• Driving Accountability
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Impact
FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES
• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge Sharing
• Drive for Results
• Fostering Innovation
TENURE OF APPOINTMENT
Four (4) years, renewable once, in accordance with the AUDA-NEPAD Statute.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Proficiency in one African Union working language (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, or Spanish). Knowledge of additional AU working languages is an advantage.
GENDER MAINSTREAMING
AUDA-NEPAD is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
REMUNERATION
Indicative basic salary: USD 143,306 per annum (SP3 Step 1)
Additional benefits include:
• Post adjustment (57% of basic salary)
• Housing allowance: USD 27,290.88 per annum
• Education allowance: up to USD 10,000 per child per annum (international staff) and USD 3,300 per child per annum (local staff)
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
• Applications must be submitted online only
• A complete CV and a mandatory Manifesto must be attached
• The Manifesto must not exceed five (5) pages, font size 12
Only candidates who meet all requirements and are shortlisted will be contacted.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
14 January 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (EAT)