Director - Conflict Management October 2025 - African Union

Director - Conflict Management

African Union

Job Type

Full Time

Location

Overseas

Experience

Executive Level

Salary

Negotiable

Additional Details

40

views

Application Deadline

20 October 2025, 11:59 AM WAT (Expired)

Job Description

Req Id: 2842
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Reports to: Commissioner Political Affairs, Peace & Security
Department: Conflict Management
Number of Direct Reports: 13   
Number of Indirect Reports: 19
Job Grade: D1

Purpose of Job

  • To provide strategic direction and leadership in managing the operations of the Conflict Management Department in order to achieve the AU strategic objectives and goals. 

Main Functions

  •  Develops and executes the overall strategy for the Department and ensures alignment with overall organizational strategy; 
  • Manages and supervises employees within the Department, ensures the timely delivery of the directorate’s goals and effective staff performance evaluation;
  • Drives the implementation and monitoring of policies, strategies and programs to contribute to the effective implementation of relevant AU Policy Organs Decisions;
  • Ensures the delivery of the Department’s annual targets in line with the organization’s overall goals and maintains robust departmental monitoring and evaluation systems;
  • Provides technical leadership and ensures efficient functioning of all Divisions within the Department; 
  • Manages the work of the Department and supervises direct reports to ensure their effective performance in line with the organization’s performance management policy and system; 
  • Leads the Department and ensures effective management of personnel, budget, performance, program quality, employee relations matters and training in conformity with relevant rules, policies and procedures; 
  • Builds and maintains good working relations and collaboration with other Directorates/Departments; 
  • Develops and maintains regular working relations with senior stakeholders in Member State and partner institution; 
  • Coordinates meetings between the organization and relevant partners; 
  • Ensures the preparation of periodic financial and budget execution reports and other reports; 
  • Ensures the effective management of funds contributed to the organization; 
  • Implements and Maintains thematic partnerships in support of the mandate of the Department;
  • Develops and oversees policy development and guidelines in line with the organization’s legal framework; 
  • Designs policies consistent with the AU’s strategic goals and mandate in order to address the pertinent issues in the relevant area; 
  • Prepares and oversees integrated programs, projects and overall activities of the organization.
  • Maintains a positive work environment that facilitates collaboration and information sharing and is conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating diverse talent.
  • Develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for the Department
  • Manages risks, develops mitigation measures and ensures business continuity of the Department.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Strategic, tactical and operational advice and management
  • Provides strategic advice on conflict and crisis management in Africa to the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) of the African Union Commission
  • Co-ordinates the development of Common African Positions on relevant political, peace and security issues and the provision of technical support to AU member states
  • Develops overarching strategies and provide tactical and strategic direction to African Union-led peace support operations, mediation and dialogue interventions 
  • Oversees and ensures effective execution of activities of the AU Agenda 2063 Flagship projects in the field of governance and peace and security, ensuring complementarity and synergy in the implementation of the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA)
  • Identifies, analyzes and monitors developments and emerging issues with respect to the implementation of African Peace and Security Architecture and other African Union Governance, Peace and Security Instruments
  • Assesses implications, make recommendations to the Commissioner for PAPS and to the African Union Leadership as well as Members of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union on possible strategies, policies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated and assigned objectives.
  • Provides strategic guidance to the Crisis Management components of the PAPS Department.
  • Ensures regular, timely and high-quality reporting to the African Union Leadership and the Peace and Security Council on developments and issues pertaining to the mandate.
  • Reviews inputs and reports of the Crisis Management Department to ensure synergy and complementarity in the implementation of the PAPS Department and the African Union’s mandate.
  • Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with all stakeholders involving in crisis and conflict management matters in Africa and other national and international partners on coordination and peace and security policy matters.
  • Liaises /Coordinates with the UN, RECs/RMs and other international organization on matters related to Political Affairs, Peace and Security in Africa.
  • Ensures adequate support to relevant decision-making organs on crisis and conflict management related matters / Coordinate and maintain good working relations with the Directorate for Governance and Conflict Preventions and other Departments/Directorates/Offices of the Commission and other Agencies of the African Union;
  • Develops and maintains appropriate working relations with partners of the African Union, in the fields of Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
  • Ensures overall quality and timeliness of the services and solutions provided by the PAPS Department
  • Manages the Conflict Management Directorate, set goals and determine priorities, ensure a cohesive effort, reallocate resources as needed, appraise performance, promote and facilitate staff development and training, including ensuring compliance with mandatory training;
  • Any other related assignments as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

  • Master’s Degree in Political Science, Peace and Security Studies, Law, International Relations, or other related Social Sciences studies, with 15 years experience out of which 8 years are at managerial level and 5 at supervisory level.  
  • Experience in political engagement, planning, analysis, reporting and negotiation in an international setting is required. 
  • Experience in managing a large team or office is required. 
  • Experience working in an intergovernmental  system handling peace and security related field operations (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and programmes) within UN agencies,) a similar international organization or non-governmental organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required. 

Required Skills:

  • Leadership and management skills 
  • Research and analytical skills 
  • Interpersonal and negotiation skills 
  • Planning and organizing skills 
  • Knowledge and working understanding of AU policies, standards and processes 
  • Communication, presentation and report writing skills 
  • Knowledge in the use of Microsoft Office suite and AU computer software systems 
  • Ability to actively seek, identify and apply appropriate technology to improve programme delivery 
  • Proficiency in one of the AU working languages  (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

  • Strategic Focus
  • Developing Organisational Capability
  • Change Leadership
  • Strategic Risk Management

Core Competencies:

  • Building Partnerships
  • Drives Accountability Culture
  • Communicating with impact
  • Learning Orientation

Functional Competencies:

  • Drive for Results
  • Job Knowledge Sharing
  • Conceptual Thinking
  • 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.

Gender Mainstreaming:

  • The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Languages:

  • Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, and Spanish) is mandatory and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Remuneration

  • Indicative basic salary of US$ 78,138.00 (D1 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (46% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 26,208.00 (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.

How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should apply using the Employer's link. 

Step in with confidence, speak with clarity, and let your excellence shine through. We’re rooting for you every step of the way, go make it happen! 🚀 – The Thrive Team

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What is Thrive Campus Community about?

As a law student in Nigeria, you're no stranger to the grind. Late nights poring over case law, endless moot court preparations, and that nagging question: What comes next? With thousands of graduates emerging from Nigeria's 45 accredited law faculties and the Nigerian Law School each year, the competition for those elusive spots in top-tier law firms is fierce. But what if there was a way to not just survive, but thrive? Enter THRIVE, the game-changer from TechRetina Innovation Lab, designed to bridge the gap between ambitious law students like you and the wealth of opportunities waiting across Nigeria and beyond.In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the THRIVE Campus Community Programme, a transformative initiative tailored for Nigerian law students. Whether you're a 100-level fresher navigating your first torts lecture or a 500-level finalist eyeing bar finals and beyond, this programme equips you with the tools, networks, and mindset to build a stellar legal career. We'll cover everything: from THRIVE's core offerings to how the Campus Community works, the burning challenges it addresses, and, crucially, step-by-step instructions on how to join. Ready to level up? Let's get started.Why Thrive?THRIVE, from TechRetina Innovation Lab, empowers Nigerian law students with tools like a job portal for internship matches, CV/Resume Generator for standout CVs, law-related events, scholarship alerts, law games, plus undergrad mentorship with pros and paid internships, all rooted in values of excellence, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, and community. We tackle your core fears: job scarcity for 9,000+ yearly grads, rote curricula lacking exposures, resource shortages, and internship barriers, lack of scholarship information, and unclear career paths, among others. We are a dedicated platform specially built for law students and lawyers.The Nigerian Legal LandscapeUndergraduate law students in Nigeria grapple with profound career fears, including intense anxiety over post-graduation job scarcity amid a saturated market where thousands of annual graduates compete for limited spots in top firms, often leading many to abandon mainstream legal practice for unrelated fields due to mismatched skills and unclear pathways. This uncertainty is exacerbated by socioeconomic pressures and a demanding curriculum heavy on rote learning but light on practical skills for emerging areas such as tech law, fostering a pervasive dread of unemployability despite strong academic performance. Compounding these fears are glaring support issues: inadequate mentorship, with young lawyers struggling to acquire essential informal skills for professional integration, leaving students without guidance on niche selection or networking in a profession that values connections over credentials alone. Access to internships remains a nightmare, hindered by financial barriers, remote locations, and a lack of structured opportunities, delaying real-world exposure until late in one's degree. Programme Objectives: Your Roadmap to ThrivingThe THRIVE Campus Community isn't a one-off event; it's a sustained movement to:Raise awareness of THRIVE's resources among law students.Grant exclusive access to opportunities, training, and mentorship for standout legal careers.Embed THRIVE's presence in South-West Nigerian universities, empowering student ambassadors and supporting the community through several programmes, internships, funding support among others.Our ultimate mission? To see you, every law student, THRIVE.Scope: Where It's Happening FirstPhase One kicks off in six powerhouse universities across South-West Nigeria:University of Ibadan (UI)University of Lagos (UNILAG)Lagos State University (LASU)Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA)University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)Each campus will host five ambassadors – one per level (100 to 500) with a regional brand rep!How to Join: Your Step-by-Step GuideGetting involved is straightforward, inclusive, and open to all law students at these universities. Here's how:1. Indicate Your InterestCreate an account on Thrive here. Ensure you proceed to your profile page and update your university details using either of the following: University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).2. Drive Referrals for Ambassador StatusOnce signed up, rally your mates! Share the link in faculty chats, WhatsApp groups, and social media. Make sure to invite people using your invite link. Get it from your profile page.Track your referrals, the student with the highest number per level (100–500) on each campus becomes the Level Ambassador for each level. This shows us you are willing to represent Thrive to support your level and there are super cool incentives for you.The top referrer across all South-West universities? That's your Regional Ambassador, extra perks await!3. Secure a RecommendationAfter the application closes in November, we will send an email to the students with the highest number of referrals per level for each school. If you get any email from us, approach your LSS (Law Students' Society) or LAWSAN (Law Students Association of Nigeria) President for a letter vouching for your leadership and engagement.This adds weight to your application, ensuring fairness and merit.4. Timeline to WatchWeeks 1–2: Partnerships with LSS/LAWSAN Presidents confirmed.Week 3: Applications open, fliers hit noticeboards, social media buzzes.Weeks 4–6: Submit and refer away!Week 7: Recommendations reviewed, ambassadors announced.Week 8: Receive your welcome kit.Week 9+: Dive into activities.Applications are merit-based, with inclusivity at the core, no level plays second fiddle.Awareness and Publicity: Spreading the WordWe're teaming up with LSS/LAWSAN Presidents for maximum reach. Expect:Digital fliers on Instagram, Twitter (X), and Telegram.Print versions pinned to faculty boards.Amplified shares in school groups, your Presidents are on board to hype it up. We have been in touch with them and we could see their passion to see you succeed!Perks for Ambassadors: What You Stand to GainAs an ambassador, you're not just repping THRIVE, you're investing in your future:Branded Merch: THRIVE T-shirt, water bottle, jotter, and pen, style meets utility.Exclusive Internships: Paid opportunities with THRIVE and partner firms, based on performance.Commitment Rewards: School fees scholarships for top performers.Event Invites: Priority access to trainings, webinars, and networking dos.Recognition: Certificates to boost your CV.For all community members? Seamless access to THRIVE's MVP tools, plus a supportive network.Planned Activities: Hands-On GrowthOnce you're in, the real fun begins. Expect a calendar packed with value:Mentorship for Postgraduate Scholarships: Guidance on overseas apps, essays, funding, and interviews.LSS/LAWSAN Support: Co-hosting moots, debates, and society events.Webinars Galore: Sessions on CV drafting, job hunting, personal branding, niche selection (e.g., fintech law), and career pivots.Competitions: Essay and public speaking showdowns with prizes.Workshops: Masterclasses on snagging competitive internships.Networking Events: Fireside chats with seniors from top firms.Career Fairs: On-campus expos linking you to recruiters.Thrive Courses: Free modules on everything from NYSC prep to legal tech.These aren't lectures – they're interactive, practical, and Nigeria-focused.What We Expect: A Two-Way StreetFrom Ambassadors and Community Members:Dedication, accountability and willingness to succeed!Promote via socials and referrals.Organise and participate in career activities.Use and showcase THRIVE tools like the Legal Connections Game.Offer feedback for continuous improvement.Embody our values as brand reps.Conclusion: Your Time to Thrive is NowThe THRIVE Campus Community Programme isn't hype, it's a lifeline for Nigeria's next generation of legal eagles. In a sector ripe for disruption, it arms you with resources to sidestep the scramble and soar. Sign up now and update your university details in the profile section.

Thrive Admin
Oct 11
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