The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.
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We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Senior Legal Counsel – General Legal Affairs (AfCFTA)
Requisition ID: 1658
Location: Accra, Ghana
Reports to: Dispute settlement and legal affairs Director
Directorate/Department : Dispute settlement and legal affairs Directorate (AfCFTA)
Number of Direct Reports: 10
Number of Indirect Reports: 6
Number of Positions: 1
Job Grade: P5
Contract Type: Regular
Purpose of Job
- Advise on general law issues and manage the legal issues of all areas of AfCFTA Secretariat
Main Functions
- Provide advice to ensure the proper implementation of the AfCFTA Staff Regulations and related laws covering the working conditions of AfCFTA Secretariat staff
- Assist in the fundraising process, prepare materials, partnership agreements, advise and document management and compensation agreements, and conclude fundraising transactions
- Mitigate labor disputes, including assisting the General Secretary in handling administrative matters
- Manage, monitor and provide proactive support and advice on all aspects of existing and emerging legal issues and risks
- Advising on data protection legislation and ensuring compliance with the applicable legal framework
- Advise the Legal Department in the performance of its duties on general legal matters.
- Responsible for the overall supervision and management of the Division.
- Ensure creation of an inspiring work environment to enable staff development and professional progression.
Specific Responsibilities
- Provides strategic and tactical advice to, and working as an integral member of AfCFTA Secretariat negotiating teams on particular transactions towards:
- negotiating a relationship;
- drafting and/or revising and advising on the content of contractual documents setting out the terms and conditions of particular relationships;
- negotiating on the specific terms and conditions of contractual documents,
- advising on legal aspects of the termination or wind-down of ongoing relationships.
- Advises on a range of current legal issues impacting AfCFTA Secretariat by reviewing issues, ascertaining applicable and appropriate legal and risk management practices, and recommending courses of action to AfCFTA management.
- Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the immediate Supervisor.
Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience
- Master’s Degree or equivalent in International Law (Public International Law, Law of International Organizations) with Twelve (12) years of relevant and progressively more responsible experience in the legal field.
- Seven (7) of these years should be at the senior management level and five (5) should involve a supervisory role
Required Skills:
- A demonstrated ability to initiate and promote collaborative approaches between geographically and culturally disparate partners
- Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations both internally and externally
- Ability to develop and delegate clear program goals, plans and actions, that are consistent with agreed strategies
- Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development
- Ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff
- Proficiency in one of the AU working languages, fluency in another AU language is an added advantage
- High degree of independence, maturity and initiative
- Ability to handle challenging questions and difficult stakeholders
- Ability to manage time and prioritize work
- Be flexible, adaptable and open to change
- Proficiency in one of the AU officials working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage;
Leadership Competencies:
- Strategic Perspective
- Developing Others
- Change Management
- Managing Risk
Core Competencies:
- Building Relationships
- Foster Accountability Culture
- Learning Orientation
- Communicating with impact
Functional Competencies:
- Conceptual Thinking
- Job Knowledge and information sharing
- Drive for Results
- Fosters Innovation
Tenure of Appointment
- The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.
Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$ 50,746.00 (P5 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment ( 57% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 27,290.88.00 (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.
Application Closing Date
8th March, 2023.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online
Note
- Only candidates who have met all the requirements of the post and have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
- Only applications registered online with a complete curriculum vitae (CV) attached will be considered.
- The Africa Union is an equal opportunity employer, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Gender Mainstreaming: The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
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