Head of Agriculture and Food Security Division

Purpose of Job

Directs and manages the daily operations of the Agriculture and Food Security Division in order to achieve the strategic objectives of the directorate and the AU’s overall goals.

Main Functions and Responsibilities

• Designs and implements policies, programs and projects to achieve the directorate’s strategic objectives.
• Manages and supervises employees within the division, ensures the timely delivery of the directorate’s goals and effective staff performance evaluation;
• Designs policies, strategies and programs to contribute to the effective implementation of relevant AU Policy Organs Decisions;
• Ensures the delivery of the division’s annual targets in line with the directorate’s overall goals and ensures robust and timely monitoring and reporting;
• Provides technical leadership and ensures efficient functioning of all Units within the Division
• Manages the work of the Division and supervises direct reports to ensure their effective performance in line with the organization’s performance management policy and system;
• Engages stakeholders within Members States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs)/Regional Mechanisms(RMs) and relevant international organisations in designing and implementing strategies.
• Maintains thematic partnerships in support of the mandate of the Division;
• Maintains regular working relations with senior stakeholders in Member States and partner institutions in the execution of the Division’s mandate.
• Represents the organisation and communicates its position at conferences.
• Contributes to the preparation of periodic financial and budget execution reports and monitor budget execution at division level.
• Ensures the effective management of funds contributed to the organization;
• Manages risk within the division and recommends mitigation strategies
• Contributes to the development of the departmental business continuity plan and ensures implementation at division level
• Maintains a positive work environment that facilitates collaboration and information sharing and is conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating diverse talent
• Initiates and develops policies, strategies and programmers that contribute to the goals of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment consistent with AUC vision and mandates;
• Provides support for the implementation of policies, strategies and programs in terms of advocacy, coordination and guidance that contribute to effective implementation of relevant AU decisions;
• Provides overall guidance and management for the human, financial and material resources of the Agriculture and Food Security Division;
• Liaises with other departments of the AU Commission as well as RECs, Member States and other relevant stakeholders to identify and promote synergies across initiatives and to ensure a coordinated development and implementation of such initiatives.
• Coordinates with the Head of Rural Development Division to ensure coherence and synergy in the Directorate’s strategies and plans;
• Builds and strengthens strategic partnerships to harness technical and financial resources necessary for effective implementation of policies, strategies and programs;
• Creates and strengthens various forums for stakeholders’ consultations, exchange of experiences, lessons, and capacity building; and represent the AUC in such forums.
• Prepares periodic reports on implementation of programs of the Division;
• Represents the Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development in AU missions as well as in taskforces/committees and meetings;
• Provides support to the Director of Agriculture and Rural Development in preparing statements, proposals, reports and other relevant tasks;
• Leads the development and implementation of Strategic initiatives and programs to contribute towards the achievement of AU/ARBE mandates, roles and strategies;
• Oversees the development of mechanisms to enhance capacity for evidence based planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation;
• Oversees strengthening capacity in terms of skills development, and streamlined/enhanced organizations, networks, and systems;
• Oversees and strengthening partnerships with relevant development institutions and stakeholders
• Leads strategy for advocacy, and broadening support for initiatives, and resources mobilization for implementation of the programs;
• Ensures effective and efficient management of human, financial and material resources at the disposal of the Division;
• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Director of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Animal Sciences, Food Policy, and Development Studies or related fields with twelve (12) years of relevant work experience working in progressively responsible positions, with seven (7) years of at managerial level and five (5) years at supervisory level.
• A higher degree qualification would be an added advantage.

Required Skills

•    Leadership and management skills
•    Interpersonal and Negotiation skills
•    Analytical and research skills
•    Planning and organizational skills
•    Knowledge in the use of Microsoft Office suite and AU computer systems
•    Communication, report writing and presentation skills
•    Ability to work in teams and in a multi-cultural environment
•    Knowledge and understanding of the policies, strategies and programmes of AU
•    Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese or Spanish) is a must. Knowledge of one or all of the other working languages would be an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies

Core Competencies

Functional Competencies