Program Officer - Accountability & Learning (OSPD)

Purpose of Job

The African Union launched the Second Ten Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of the Agenda 2063. Simultaneously, the African Union Commission (AUC) is undergoing significant reforms to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen governance, and improve service delivery by institutionalizing Results Based Management (RBM).To institutionalize the RMB, OSPD led the development of the AU-wide Implementation Plan (2024 – 2028), which must be cascaded to several Organs and Specialized Technical Offices. Additionally, the AUC Plan must align with internal portfolios. Systematic institutionalization of RBM and appropriate delivery of the Strategy requires a departmental planner experienced in planning the respective guidance frameworks. OSPD needs to recruit a departmental planning expert to facilitate transitioning the AU into RBM, which requires effective coordination of a wide spectrum of stakeholders. Under the supervision of the Head of Division – Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Division (P5), the Officer will also be responsible for periodic review and management of the AU frameworks, implementation of specified initiatives to ensure the appropriate adoption of RBM, including recommendations for aligning leadership, organizational culture, systems, and processes.

Main Functions

• Identify consequential changes needed to transition to RBM in terms of culture, policies, systems, and processes related to organizational management.
• Support design and management of the projects and program results framework, ensuring it is implemented, monitored, and assessed.
• Ensure all components of the Accountability and Learning Management Pillar are functional, including recommending and re-engineering key business processes.
• Provide expert advice on lessons learned for implementing programs and projects within the African Union institutions.
• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of strategic initiatives.
• Ensure effective coordination of the RBM transition process across the AU and contribute to the development of the change management strategy.

Specific Responsibilities

• Support the integration of change management principles in learning, monitoring, and accountability processes across programs.
• Provide technical support to departments and stakeholders in designing and implementing adaptive learning mechanisms.
• Create a culture of monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Support internal capacity-building initiatives by fostering organizational understanding and technical confidence.
• Identify knowledge gaps that may hinder the adoption of organizational change.
• Enhance the quality of program management through the development of accountability and learning quality assurance systems.
• Lead training and facilitation of sessions to impart knowledge on RBM content.
• Prepare project progress reports on program implementation.
• Lead and coordinate knowledge management and capacity-building sessions.
• Develop all components of strategy management to effectively raise awareness on RBM.
• Perform any other relevant functions as assigned.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social science, Organizational Development, or related field with ten (10) years of experience in facilitating organizational change.
• Master’s degree in social science, Organizational Development, or related field with seven (7) years of experience.
• Three (3) years of accrued expert experience in facilitation and training skills.
• Experience in organizational development theories and tools applied in complex institutional settings.
• Demonstrated ability to translate organizational goals into training frameworks.
• Experience designing blended learning initiatives for diverse audiences.
• Experience in conducting organizational needs assessments.
• Professional certification in Training/facilitation is desirable

Required Skills

• Expert knowledge in facilitation and interpersonal skills to engage diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to design user-friendly training materials and learning content tailored to different audiences, with adjustable depth and focus.
• Strong analytical skills to support adaptive management and evidence-based planning.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Sound decision making.
• High levels of discretion and confidentiality.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work across business units/geographies; awareness of embracing workplace diversity and inclusion within an international organizational context.
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages is required; fluency in another AU language and/or French is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies

• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk
• Strategic Insight

Core Competencies

• Building Relationships
• Foster Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies

• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge and Information Sharing
• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Orientation

Skills Required:

• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development