FINANCE OFFICER (GMES & AFRICA) - The African Union

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. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In seeking to attain this objective, the African Union intends to build its capacity to deliver, among others, the implementation of its organizational structure. Being cognizant of the role that Earth Observation sector plays in socio-economic development, the Commission is now implementing the Global Monitoring of the Environment and Security in Africa (GMES & Africa) initiative.
In this pursuit, the commission invites applicants who are citizens of Member States to fill the position of Finance Officer for GMES & Africa project in the Science and Technology Division.

1. Post:
Job Title: Finance officer
Grade: P2
Supervisor: Project Coordinator
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2. Background
The Global Monitoring for Environment and Security in Africa (GMES & Africa) initiative seeks to establish a long term capacity development and partnership between the African Union Commission and the European Union with an aim of providing sustainable, reliable and timely services to the public and public policy makers related to environmental and security issues. GMES & Africa is an extension of the European Copernicus programme to Africa. Launched in Lisbon, Portugal on December 7, 2007 during the 2nd EU - Africa Summit in response to the Maputo Declaration signed in October 2006. The initiative also seeks to set-up an overall framework in Africa for Earth Observation (EO) applications with a goal to support national and regional policies through systematic exploitation of Earth Observation data, technologies and services; making use of spin-offs offered by the Copernicus programme.

An Action Plan has been developed with an objective to allow Africa to make full use of the potential of space systems for sustainable development and reinforcing Africa’s capacity and ownership in using and contributing to remote sensing applications. Nine thematic areas were identified: (1) long term management of natural resources, (2) marine and coastal management, (3) water resource management, (4) climate variability and change, (5) disaster risk reduction, (6) food security and rural development, (7) infrastructure and territorial development, (8) conflicts resolution, (9) health. Additionally, five cross-cutting sectors, namely: (a) policy and institutional framework, (b) infrastructure framework, (c) capacity building, (d) financial issues, (e) monitoring and evaluation were identified. The first three thematic areas have already been validated and an identification study for implementation completed. Under this formulation, implementation will commence with identification of a consortium of Regional Implementation Centers. A call for grants application will be rolled out. In preparation, the Commission is seeking a competitive candidate to fill the position of the Finance Officer.
3. Major duties and responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of Project Coordinator, the responsibilities and duties of the successful candidate shall include the following:

a. Managing calls for grants to implement services and applications specified in GMES & Africa guidelines;

b. He/she shall be responsible for all GMES & Africa’s financial transactions;

c. Providing detailed guidance to applicants, grant holders, and other stakeholders on the application process and management of awards;

d. Undertaking the task of processing grant applications, including:
i. general correspondence with applicants
ii. management of eligibility checks;
iii. checking of costing;
iv. checking classification;
v. Preparation and dispatch of Interview Committee packs to Committee members.

e. Providing information to designated Review Groups and Decision-makers to ensure that financial decisions are implemented effectively and transparently;

f. Forging and maintaining relationships with grant applicants or award holders, through regular rapport and external visits as appropriate;

g. Working closely with colleagues and regularly update partners to ensure the effective delivery of GMES & Africa initiative;

h. Producing regular financial reports as required or requested;

i. Attending Decision-making and Interview Committee meetings as well as keep track of budgetary implications;

j. Undertaking any other duties that may be assigned;

k. Participating in relevant workshops, seminars and regional meetings.
4. Qualifications and experienced required:

a. A minimum of first degree in Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Management, Finance or related discipline;

b. At least two years’ progressive experience, with at least one year in M&E related job preferably in a multinational organization;

c. Experience working at an international level and knowledge of African Union Commission working procedures is an added advantage;

d. Fluency in English and/or French is required. Working knowledge of other official languages of the African Union will be an added advantage;

5. Skills and Competencies

a. He/she should have the knowledge of recent financial programmes and tools and be willing to learn operation of new emerging tools;

b. He/she should be able to keep constant communication with the Regional Implementation Centres to track financial agreements and works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;

c. He/she should be keen to details related to financial agreements and should have the ability to strictly follow guidelines;
d. He/she should be familiar with the financial regulations related to major international projects;

e. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases;

f. He/she should be able to give independent opinions whether positive or negative in a professional manner;

g. Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;

h. Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments

i. Computer literacy is desired such as knowledge of generic software applications: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other useful financial accounting software;

j. Knowledge of the African Union system will be an added advantage

6. Gender Mainstreaming:

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

7. Remuneration:
The salary attached to the position is a fixed lump sum of US$.69, 044 (P2 Step 1) per annum inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff. The successful candidate will be covered under the AU medical scheme

8. Tenure of appointment
The duration of the appointment will be 2 years renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

Applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website
http://www.aucareers.org not later than 14th May 2016

Directorate of Administration and Human Resource Management
African Union Commission