Title of the Post: AU Liaison, Programme Policy and Partnerships Officer

Org. Unit: African Risk Capacity (ARC)

Duty Station: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Contract type: Consultancy

Duration: 6 months

Reporting to: Head of Policy and Technical Advisory Services’ Department

The African Risk Capacity was established as a Specialized Agency of the African Union (AU) in November

2012 with 39 countries that are currently signatory to the ARC Establishment Agreement. The aim of ARC is to help Member States improve their capacities to better plan, prepare and respond to extreme weather events and disasters and to assist food insecure populations. Operating under the privileges and immunities of the AU, the ARC Agency, through its Secretariat, provides Member States with capacity building services for early warning, contingency planning and risk finance.

In 2014 ARC Agency established a financial affiliate, ARC Insurance Company Limited (ARC Ltd) which is a specialist hybrid mutual insurance company that issues policies to governments, and which aggregates and transfers risk to the international market. ARC, through ARC Ltd. and after its capacity building activities, provides financing in the form of insurance to African governments to execute pre-approved contingency plans in the event of severe disasters. In order for a country to purchase an insurance policy through ARC Ltd. and thus become a member of the Company, the country must demonstrate through a peer review process its ability to effectively use potential payouts.

As ARC scales up its efforts to reach more countries, the institution is seeking to fill the position of an AU Liaison Officer, Programme Policy and Partnerships Officer.

The ideal candidate should have a track record of experience in supporting and monitoring the implementation of strategic partnerships and agreements on the African continent with specific experience with the African Union Commission (AUC) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Additional experience in providing protocol for senior officials in support of missions is also essential.

The Partnership & Protocol Officer will report directly to the Head of the Policy & Technical Advisory Services Department within ARC and will be responsible for the following key duties:

• Contribute to the management of a portfolio of partnerships including the existing partnership between ARC and the AUC and UNECA;

• Support the implementation of the engagement strategy and plan with the AUC and UNECA, including related yearly activities that maintain and develop these partnerships;

• Proactively contribute to the identification of areas and opportunities for collaboration with various departments within the AUC and UNECA by developing and supporting the negotiation of joint agreements and associated implementation;

• Foster effective working relations with the AU and UNECA counterparts, government representatives and other relevant national and international partners on information-sharing, policy and coordination matters;

• In partnership with relevant AUC and UNECA departments, initiate and coordinate ARC outreach activities (conduct workshops, make presentations on assigned topic/activities), and ensure that these are aligned with the general intent of ARC;

• Support relationship with the AUC and UNECA on communication activities, including identification of high–visibility, results-oriented communication opportunities – in order to mainstream understanding of ARC within the AUC and UNECA;

• Represent ARC in meetings with Member States and other stakeholders as needed and ensure that ARC Senior Management has ongoing information on the activities of the AUC and UNECA and key developments;

• Support the coordination of ARC’s reporting to the AUC and UNECA including associated participation in the AU summit and other meetings as hosted by the Commission and ECA, and their Departments and Organs.

• Collate, policy documents and other materials on areas of mutual interest between ARC and other policy bodies such as AUC, RECS, and UN Agencies including on issues related to Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Risk Management, climate change, gender, etc;

• Analyse continental and regional policy and strategic frameworks including emerging initiatives and prepare timely and accurate briefs to advise ARC executive team and technical departments on possible implications and approach for how ARC can align with them

• Provide protocol services for ARC senior management and Board members by assisting at the airport, with accommodation, transport, accompanying on missions and ensuring protocol coverage and necessary security for official activities such as meetings, high level missions and visits;
• Support the planning, organisation management and coordination of ARC high level missions;
• Prepare draft documents, memoranda, note verbales or correspondence relating to his/her duties and generally in all tasks entrusted to him/her by the Head and in line with institutional missions and events;
• Assist ARC Administrative and Legal staff with matters relating to administrative formalities and processes;
• Ensure that ARC outreach to AU Member States is conducted according to official, recognized processes of the African Union and is aligned with the general intent of ARC;
• Manage protocol responsibilities for ARC related to major events inside the AU;
• Manage visits by high-level guests to ARC offices.

Perform other related duties as requested by the Head of PTS

Advanced university degree or university degree and equivalent experience in one or more of the following disciplines: social sciences, international development, development economics or another relevant field.

At least 5 years of postgraduate professional experience in international development, policy or international relations, protocol management.

Specific experience working with AUC and UNECA is greatly welcomed.

Fluency in English required. Limited knowledge (intermediate/level B) of another AU official language – French, Arabic or Portuguese – desirable.

• Excellent communications technique such as to approach partnerships in a creative and entrepreneurial manner. A keen sense of initiative and anticipation as well as a rigorous and methodical approach.
• Excellent presentation and problem-solving skills
• Strong organization and planning ability
• Ability to think and plan strategically
• Ability to work independently, as well as to organize, assess and coordinate activities
• Ability to work harmoniously with people of different national and cultural backgrounds
• Good knowledge of diplomatic norms and practices
• Specific experience of implementing protocol arrangements for government officials
• Experience discussing technical issues with high level government officials
• General knowledge of the AU, UN and Donor system policies, rules, regulations and procedures governing administration is an asset
• Strong writing, research and analytical skills
• Strong computer skills, including excellent skills in MS Office based word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database and other standard software packages and systems.