Head of Compliance, Protection of Civilians and Gender at AUSSOM (African Union) (Req ID: 3003)
Somalia
PAPS
Fixed Term
Closing Date: 13 July 2026
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: Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission (DSRCC)
- Directorate/Department/Organ: Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security
- Division: AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia
- Number of Direct Reports: 1
- Number of Indirect Reports: 7
- Job Grade: P5
- Contract Type: Fixed Term
- Location: Mogadishu, Somalia
Purpose of Job
The Head of Compliance, Protection of Civilians and Gender reports to the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission (DSRCC) and provides strategic leadership, policy guidance, oversight, and coordination on compliance, protection, gender, conduct and discipline, and accountability-related matters within the Mission area. The role ensures compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Human Rights Law (IHRL), AU frameworks, Protection of Civilians (PoC) obligations, child protection requirements, and gender mainstreaming commitments in support of the AUSSOM mandate.
Main Functions
- Leads development, implementation, oversight, and monitoring of Mission-wide compliance, protection, gender, conduct and discipline, and accountability frameworks
- Provides strategic policy guidance on IHL, IHRL, PoC, child protection, gender mainstreaming, and accountability
- Oversees integration of compliance and protection across civilian, police, and military components
- Strengthens compliance with AU frameworks and international legal standards
- Oversees SOPs, policies, and accountability mechanisms
- Provides compliance monitoring, risk mitigation, and investigation support oversight
- Coordinates with AU structures, UN agencies, humanitarian actors, and civil society
- Oversees training, capacity-building, and awareness programs
- Provides strategic reporting and advisory support to Mission leadership
Specific Responsibilities
- Lead Mission-wide compliance, protection, gender, conduct and discipline, and accountability activities
- Provide technical guidance on IHL, IHRL, PoC, child protection, and gender mainstreaming
- Oversee development and implementation of policies, SOPs, and compliance mechanisms
- Strengthen compliance with AU Compliance Frameworks and HRDDP
- Oversee investigation support and accountability processes including SEA/SH matters
- Oversee civilian harm mitigation systems and tracking mechanisms (e.g. CCTARC processes)
- Provide oversight on protection of civilians, women, children, and vulnerable groups
- Coordinate with stakeholders including AU, UN, governments, and civil society
- Lead training and capacity-building initiatives
- Support integration of compliance into mission planning and operations
- Prepare strategic reports and briefings
- Provide leadership and supervision to compliance and gender teams
- Represent the Mission in relevant technical and strategic engagements
Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience
- Master’s degree in Law, Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, International Relations, Political Science, Gender Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or related field
- Minimum 12 years of progressively responsible experience
- At least 7 years at managerial level and 5 years at supervisory level in complex field environments
- Experience in AU, UN, or international peace support operations is highly desirable
- Strong background in compliance, protection, gender, accountability, and policy development
Required Skills
- Strategic leadership and policy advisory skills
- Strong knowledge of IHL, IHRL, PoC, child protection, and gender frameworks
- Risk assessment and compliance monitoring skills
- Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation abilities
- Ability to manage multidisciplinary mission structures
- Strong reporting, analytical, and coordination skills
- Leadership, mentorship, and team management capabilities
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and reporting systems
- Proficiency in one AU language required; another is an advantage
Tenure of Appointment
The appointment will be made on a fixed-term contract for one (1) year, with the first three (3) months as a probationary period. Renewal is subject to performance and funding availability.
Gender Mainstreaming
The African Union Commission is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages qualified women to apply.
Remuneration
Annual salary: US$ 173,672.59 (P5 Step 5) for internationally recruited staff, inclusive of all allowances.
US$ 127,823.64 for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission, inclusive of all allowances.
Application Information
Applications must be submitted no later than 13 July 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EAT.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applications must include a CV, African passport, and required academic qualifications.
Women and candidates from underrepresented AU member states are strongly encouraged to apply.