[Job Vacancy] Senior Legal Counsel – General Legal Affairs (AfCFTA) at the African Union

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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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Legal Counsel – General Legal Affairs (AfCFTA)

Requisition ID: 1658Location: Accra, GhanaReports to: Dispute settlement and legal affairs DirectorDirectorate/Department : Dispute settlement and legal affairs Directorate (AfCFTA)Number of Direct Reports: 10Number of Indirect Reports: 6Number of Positions: 1Job Grade: P5Contract 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
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.    
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                     

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
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
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 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.

RemunerationIndicative 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.

How to ApplyInterested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply

Application Deadline  8th March, 2023.

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