Principal Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) was established in 2010 with the mission to enhance the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, particularly in the areas of peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization aims to provide coordinated and consistent advice to the African Union, focusing on both long-term capacity-building and short-term operational support. UNOAU plays a pivotal role in implementing the Joint UN-AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, which was signed on April 19, 201

• The office is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and is dedicated to streamlining the UN's presence in the region to deliver assistance more effectively and efficiently. UNOAU operates with a commitment to fostering collaboration and support for peace initiatives across the African continent.

Job Overview:
The Principal Programme Management Officer will serve as the focal point for overall peace support operations (PSOs) planning and will provide strategic advice and technical support to the African Union (AU). This role involves coordinating and supervising the activities of the Institutional and Operational Partnerships Service, ensuring that expert advice and technical support are effectively integrated into military and police operations, mine action, and security-related matters. The incumbent will be responsible for translating operational outputs into strategic inputs for decision-making regarding the planning, deployment, management, and liquidation of ongoing AU PSOs. The position requires strong leadership and management skills to ensure that all operational activities align with political imperatives and contribute to the strategic engagement with the AU and its partners on peace and security issues in Africa. The officer will also be tasked with developing collaborative relationships with relevant UN peacekeeping operations and other stakeholders to ensure a harmonized approach to support AU PSOs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Principal Programme Management Officer include serving as the primary contact for peace support operations planning, providing technical support to the AU, and ensuring coherence and consistency in support activities. The officer will manage day-to-day interactions with the AU on peacekeeping matters, maintain coordination with Member States and other stakeholders, and provide strategic leadership for operational activities. Responsibilities also include contributing to political and operational engagement with the AU, providing policy guidance to senior UN officials, and developing partnership strategies with the AU. The officer will oversee the preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting and evaluation of staff performance, as well as participate in recruitment processes. Additionally, the officer will conduct programmatic reviews and contribute to reporting on budget and program performance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in management studies, social sciences, public administration, military studies, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with four additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires at least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, military, police, public or business administration, with a strong emphasis on planning and providing strategic advice. Operational experience with peacekeeping missions is essential, and relevant experience within the UN system or similar organizations is desirable. A proven track record of leadership and management in multicultural settings is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as management studies, social sciences, public administration, or military studies. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of peace and security operations and for effectively engaging with various stakeholders in the field.

Experience:
The position demands a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to political affairs, military, police, public or business administration. Candidates should have substantial experience in planning and providing strategic advice, as well as operational experience with peacekeeping or peace support missions. Experience within the United Nations system or similar organizations, particularly in peace and security matters, is highly desirable. The role also requires a demonstrated ability to lead and manage interdisciplinary teams in diverse cultural settings.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required at UN Level IV, which includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations and is initially for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and budgetary approval. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from female candidates and individuals from underrepresented member states. The recruitment process adheres to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and candidates will be subject to reference checks to verify their qualifications. The UN Secretariat is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.