Information Technology (IT) Expert (STATAFRIC) (Req ID: 3068)
Organization: African Union Institute for Statistics (STATAFRIC)
Reports to: Executive Director, STATAFRIC
Directorate/Department: African Union Institute for Statistics (STATAFRIC)
Division: STATAFRIC
Number of Direct Reports: 0
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: P2
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Location: Tunis, Tunisia
Purpose of Job
STATAFRIC (African Union Institute for Statistics) is the African Union’s central organ for statistical development, established in 2013 by the AU Summit of Heads of State and Government. Headquartered in Tunis, Tunisia, it serves as the continent’s reference center for producing high-quality, harmonized statistics to support evidence-based policymaking and regional integration, through partnership support by the World Bank. The position is supported under the East African Regional Statistics Program for Results (P176371).
STATAFRIC would like to recruit a Fixed-term IT Officer with strong experience in database management, management of significant data, data science, cybersecurity, and software development. The ideal candidate will design and secure robust data systems, develop analytical tools, and ensure compliance with confidentiality standards. Furthermore, the incumbent will ensure publication and dissemination of data on dedicated online platforms. This role requires a blend of technical mastery, problem-solving agility, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
The IT Officer should be an experienced professional specializing in database design, data integrity, and systems performance management. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing robust big data and database solutions aimed at optimizing operational efficiency. Additionally, the role requires ensuring the highest standards of cybersecurity to protect organizational assets against cyber threats and attacks.
Main Functions
This position shall be under the authority and supervision of the Executive Director, STATAFRIC as first supervisor and the AUC MIS Director as second supervisor, and shall work in close collaboration with internal AUC/STATAFRIC counterparts.
The tasks and responsibilities of the IT Officer will be to:
Database Management & Optimization
- Design, implement, and maintain scalable relational (SQL) and NoSQL databases.
- Optimize database performance, ensuring high availability, data integrity, and disaster recovery.
- Develop data models and streamline integration workflows.
- Automate maintenance tasks and collaborate for data accessibility.
Big Data & Data Science Solutions
- Build and manage big data pipelines using advanced tools.
- Apply statistical analysis and machine learning for insights.
- Develop interactive dashboards for decision-making.
- Perform predictive modeling, correlation analysis, and trend identification.
Security & Confidentiality
- Implement security protocols, including encryption, access control, and compliance.
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and lead governance initiatives.
Development & DevOps Integration
- Develop internal tools, APIs, and scripts for workflow efficiency.
- Manage IT infrastructure, networks, servers, and data backups.
- Build and deploy software solutions, integrating databases with cloud platforms.
Collaboration & Leadership
- Align IT solutions with organizational goals through cross-team collaboration.
- Mentor team members and facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions.
- Lead communication, visibility, and knowledge management initiatives.
Specific Responsibilities
- Implement and support network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, copper, fiber, wireless, data center, cabling, network hardware (switches, hubs, routers, access points, controllers), and network security (firewall, access control, and VPN).
- Prepare statistical reports on IT-related data and metrics. As needed, implement measures to ensure required standards are met.
- Ensure successful server backup, routine testing of disaster recovery planning, and backup and restore procedures for local drives. Maintain logs, determine critical versions of data, and execute related archiving procedures.
- Make hardware and software acquisition recommendations, including helping users assess needs and providing justification for equipment and services, as well as training and orientation.
- Handle all computer and related installations, diagnosis, and network connections during the sessions and other meetings of the STATAFRIC office.
- Support management of network and database infrastructures, software, servers, and web applications, troubleshooting, and strengthening IT equipment and backup routines.
- Develop a feedback tool for users.
- Develop, test, implement, and maintain websites and portals and update information such as newsletters, event information, feedback, etc.
- Produce communication and visibility materials in collaboration with the program team; manage network and database infrastructures, software, servers, and web applications; troubleshoot; and strengthen IT equipment and backup routines.
- Monitor database performance and identify potential issues to ensure operational reliability.
- Execute communication, visibility, and knowledge management actions.
- Perform any other related duties as may be assigned.
Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience
Candidates must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in ICT, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field with a minimum of five (5) years’ relevant work experience.
Or
- A Master’s degree in ICT, Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields of study with a minimum of two (2) years’ relevant work experience.
Relevant work experience relates to the following:
Software & Database Management
- Hands-on experience managing Microsoft Office tools, implementing cybersecurity measures, developing secure software, and designing database architectures, including work with big data technologies such as Hadoop and Spark.
Programming & Data Analysis
- Experience in applied programming knowledge of Python, Java, and PHP, while utilizing frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch for data analysis projects.
- Worked extensively with SQL and NoSQL databases, as well as cloud-based solutions such as AWS RDS and Azure SQL.
Statistical Data Handling
- Demonstrated practical experience in SDMX data modeling and standards, contributing to the development and use of Open Data Platforms.
Compliance & Methodologies
- Worked with international and regional definitions, methodologies, and standards to ensure compliance and alignment in statistical and technical projects.
Required Skills
Management & Interpersonal Skills
- Management experience, interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate effectively while assuming responsibilities with diligence.
Strategic Planning & Organization
- Strong planning, problem-solving, and analytical mindset.
Negotiation & Communication
- Ability to negotiate diplomatically and communicate effectively in both oral and written formats, including report writing and presentations.
Performance Driven & Professionalism
- Teamwork and accountability.
- Critical thinking, collaboration, and conscientiousness in meeting deadlines.
Linguistic Proficiency
- Proficiency in at least one of the African Union working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish) is required.
- Knowledge of one or more additional working languages would be an added advantage.
Additional Skills
- Good organizational and time-management skills.
- Good interpersonal relationship practices to meet and deal with persons of diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to deliver under tight deadlines and work well under pressure.
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to operate in a multicultural environment.
- High level of autonomy at work, yet with profound team spirit.
- Adaptive, patient, resourceful, resilient, and flexible.
- Proactive and solutions-oriented.
Leadership Competencies
- Change Management
- Managing Risk
Core Competencies
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Accountability Awareness and Compliance
- Learning Orientation
- Communicating with Influence
Functional Competencies
- Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Job Knowledge and Information Sharing
- Drive for Results
- Continuous Improvement Focus
Gender Mainstreaming
The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Tenure of Appointment
The appointment will be made on a fixed-term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract may be renewed for a similar period subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance, and agreed deliverables.
Languages
Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, and Spanish) is mandatory, and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.
Remuneration
The salary attached to the position is an annual lump sum of US$85,975.58 (P2 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$66,045.08 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted no later than 8th September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EAT.