Programme Assistant (ARBE)

Purpose of Job

The African Union Commission (AUC) has secured funding from the European Union for the implementation of the Natural Disaster Risk Reduction Programme through the Intra-ACP 11th EDF. The programme intends to strengthen disaster risk governance for resilience in African regions and countries, contributing to creating an enabling policy environment that will facilitate the implementation of DRR Programmes in RECs and Member States.

The AUC is responsible for the overall continental coordination of the programme implementation, which includes:

• Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for Resilience
• Facilitating capacity building for RECs and Member States
• Reinforcing and operationalizing the continental monitoring and reporting framework
• Prudent management of financial resources
• Monitoring and evaluation

Main Functions

Under the direct supervision of the DRR Technical Coordinator, the Programme Assistant will:

• Support programme development, planning, and implementation
• Assist in organizing workshops, conferences, and meetings
• Coordinate data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Facilitate communication with Member States, partners, and stakeholders
• Provide administrative, procurement, and logistical support
• Assist in preparation of financial documents and reports, and perform various clerical duties

Specific Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of periodic Financial Statements
• Maintain and generate accurate financial records in line with AU Financial Rules and Regulations and IPSAS
• Analyze all financial supporting documents received and ensure their proper filing
• Reconcile receivables and payables from the DRR programme
• Review financial documents to ensure all payments, receipts, and adjustments are adequately supported
• Assist with preparation of information and documentation for audits
• Prepare responses to audit queries and assist in implementing audit recommendations
• Prepare payments and ensure all documentation is available and payments are done in accordance with AU Rules and Regulations
• Participate in DRR Programme Management Unit (PMU) meetings
• Support in facilitating training on grants management
• Perform any other related duties assigned by supervisors

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, with two (2) years of professional work experience in accounting/finance
• Experience in program management, preferably in project planning, coordination, and implementation
• Demonstrable experience working with standard software (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint)
• Possession of professional qualification/certification will be considered an advantage
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages is required; fluency in another AU language, particularly French, is an added advantage

Required Skills

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Conscientious in observing deadlines and achieving results
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment
• Sound planning and organizational skills
• Ability to negotiate diplomatically
• Ability to travel extensively
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Flexibility and adaptability

Skills Required:

• Accounting / Finance