Head of AU Liaison Office at the African Union (AU) (Req ID: 3017)
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Liaison Office
Regular
Closing Date: 18 July 2026 (23:59 UTC)
Job Description
AU Values
- Respect for Diversity and Teamwork
- Think Africa Above All
- Transparency and Accountability
- Integrity and Impartiality
- Efficiency and Professionalism
- Information and Knowledge Sharing
Organization Information
- Reports to: Director Coordination & Programmes
- Directorate/Department: Coordination & Programmes
- Number of Direct Reports: 2
- Number of Indirect Reports: 0
- Job Grade: P5
- Contract Type: Regular
- Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Purpose of Job
The Head of AU Liaison Office is responsible for leading and coordinating activities, designing strategies, and liaising with stakeholders in support of AU and AfCFTA-related objectives.
Main Functions
- Coordinate activities and supervise staff within the unit
- Provide legal and institutional support on policy programmes
- Lead implementation of planned activities
- Contribute to business continuity planning and implementation
- Manage risk and propose mitigation strategies
- Provide legal guidance on the operationalization of the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund
- Develop and expand strategic initiatives and programmes
- Supervise stakeholder engagement on AfCFTA strategy implementation
- Prepare financial and budget execution reports
- Undertake research, drafting, and representation assignments
- Ensure staff development and performance growth
- Foster long-term strategic partnerships
- Mobilize resources from donors
- Identify best practices and monitor effectiveness of unit activities
Specific Responsibilities
- Act as liaison between AU organs and AfCFTA Secretariat in Addis Ababa
- Provide legal advice ensuring consistency with AfCFTA law and jurisprudence
- Report to AU bodies on budget and programme implementation
- Represent AfCFTA Secretariat at policy meetings
- Supervise implementation of AfCFTA Liaison Unit decisions
- Ensure coordination of AfCFTA activities with AU Commission
- Harmonize AU and AfCFTA policy implementation
- Maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders
- Support coordination of AU and AfCFTA activities
- Provide legal support on AfCFTA Adjustment Fund matters
- Represent the organization at conferences and platforms
- Ensure RECs are informed of decisions to avoid duplication
- Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor
Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience
- Master’s degree in Law (including International Law, Trade Law, Economic Law, Intellectual Property Rights, or related field)
- Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience
- At least 7 years in managerial roles within an international organization
- At least 4 years in supervisory roles
- Experience in policy analysis, research, and programme management required
- Strong experience in coordination and policy formulation desirable
Required Skills
- Strong stakeholder coordination and partnership-building skills
- Ability to develop and manage programmes, budgets, and work plans
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and staff management abilities
- Ability to prepare reports, budgets, and presentations
- Experience in policy analysis and implementation
- Ability to use AU monitoring and evaluation tools
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Proficiency in at least one AU language and another is an advantage
Tenure of Appointment
The appointment will be made on a regular contract for three (3) years, with the first twelve (12) months as probation. Renewal is subject to performance.
Gender Mainstreaming
The African Union Commission is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages qualified women to apply.
Remuneration
Basic salary: US$ 50,746.00 per annum (P5 Step 1)
Plus post adjustment (57%), housing allowance (US$ 27,290.88), and education allowance up to US$ 10,000 per child per annum (international staff), or US$ 3,300 per child per annum (local staff).
Application Information
Applications must be submitted no later than 18 July 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applicants must submit a CV, African passport, and relevant academic qualifications.
Candidates from underrepresented AU member states are strongly encouraged to apply.