Program Officer - Change Management (OSPD)

Purpose of Job

The African Union launched the Second Ten Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of the Agenda 2063 at a time when other significant reforms to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen governance, and improve service delivery by institutionalizing Results Based Management were ongoing. OSPD led the development of the first-ever AU Strategic Plan (2024 – 2028), which must be cascaded to several Organs and the Specialized Technical Offices, in addition to aligning with the AUC Plan. Systematic institutionalization of RBM and appropriate delivery of the Strategy requires a Programme Management Officer, experienced in Change Management, to support this pillar of RBM through the design, implementation, and review of the Change Management Pillar.

Transitioning to RBM is a huge change that should be well managed to minimize disruptions. OSPD therefore needs to recruit an expert to facilitate transitioning the AU to Results Based Management.

This position shall fall under the supervision of the Principal Management Officer (P5) under the Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division. The Program Officer – Change Management will lead the development and implementation of change management strategies to support the African Union’s transition to Results-Based Management (RBM). The Officer will be responsible for:

• Designing and implementing the change management framework
• Organizational transformation, policies, and strategies
• Ensuring the smooth adoption of the RBM
• Identifying policy systems and processes requiring amendment to the principles of RBM
• Managing implementation of the adopted change management framework across the African Union
• Reporting on the progress of its implementation

Main Functions

• Develop a change management strategy based on the assessed readiness to transition to RBM
• Apply a structured change management approach to manage changes caused by projects and change efforts
• Identify potential people-side risks and anticipated points of resistance, and develop specific plans to mitigate or address the risks
• Support conducting readiness assessments, evaluation of results, and presentation of findings
• Develop a set of actionable and targeted change management plans
• Ensure all components of the Change Management Pillar as outlined in the RBM component are functional
• Communicate the Change Strategy throughout AU for uptake and alignment

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and implement change management strategies to support the adoption of RBM practices, including the assessment of the AU Readiness to improve RBM
• Design and implement a comprehensive change management strategy based on assessed organizational readiness to transition to Results-Based Management (RBM)
• Lead the communication and dissemination of the Change Management Strategy across the African Union
• Apply structured change management methodologies to effectively manage organizational change
• Identify potential barriers to change and develop strategies to address them
• Conduct impact assessments to identify potential risks and mitigation strategies
• Monitor the progress of change initiatives and develop corrective strategies
• Prepare project progress reports on implementation of change initiatives and assess impact
• Report on lessons learned and best practices to refine future change management efforts
• Assist in preparing meetings, seminars, and workshops with relevant stakeholders on OSPD initiatives
• Develop communication strategies to effectively raise awareness on reform processes across the AU organs and institutions
• Perform any other relevant functions as assigned

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Strategy/Change Management, Organizational Development, Human Resources, or related field
• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in change management, organizational development, or related roles
• Or Master’s degree with seven (7) years’ experience as noted above
• Three (3) years should be in a supervisory role
• Demonstrated understanding of Results-Based Management principles
• Professional certification in Change Management is desirable

Required Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent judgment and sound decision making
• High levels of discretion and confidentiality
• Knowledge of change management principles, practices, and methodologies
• Good time management and organizational skills
• Presentation skills
• Ability to work across business units with cultural sensitivity
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages is required

Skills Required:

• Hr / Public / Admin
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development