Job: Space Sciences Expert

Location: Addis Ababa 
Deadline: Thursday, 07 November 2013 

Description
AFRICAN UNION

UNION AFRICAINE UNIÃO AFRICANA

P. O. Box 3243, Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA Tel.: (251-11) 5517700 Fax: (251-11) 5517844 www.au.int The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa's rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a New Partnership worldwide. Its Headquarters is located at Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia. The Commission is cognisant of the urgent need for Africa to develop a well-structured policy framework that guides the implementation of a strategic space programme that will enable the continent to exploit its space resources in a more coordinated and systematic manner with the overarching objective of contributing to Africa's socio-economic development. Africa has to build its capabilities in space exploration, constellation programs, earth observation systems, navigation and positioning, satellite systems, communication and education in a global perspective. Space further presents a unique opportunity for cooperation and sharing of enabling infrastructure (including data) in proactively managing, among others, disease outbreaks; our natural resources and the environment; our response to natural hazards and disasters; weather forecasting (meteorology); climate change mitigation and adaptation; our agriculture and food security; peacekeeping missions and conflicts. In this regard the Commission wishes to recruit a Space Sciences Expert to support the implementation and systematic coordination of its space initiatives; to incorporate space science and its applications into the Commission's cooperation, development and political strategies at the regional and continental levels and ensure enhanced intra-Africa and international cooperation in space science and technology. In 2012 the Commission established a Space Working Group (WG) as a mechanism to assist the continent to develop a holistic space policy and strategy. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: Title of Post: Post Level: Duty Station: Division: Department: Supervisor: Space Sciences Expert P4 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Science and Technology Department of Human Resources, Science and Technology Head, Science and Technology Division

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

2 Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of Science and Technology Division, the Space Sciences Expert will provide technical services to the Commission's Space Task Force; the Space Working Group; and support the coordination and implementation of space programmes including the GMES and Africa program. More specifically the Space Sciences Expert will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Provides coordination services of the various space initiatives within the AUC with a view to create synergies and complementarities so that space systematically contributes to Africa's sustainable development efforts. 2. Participate in the activities of the AU Space Working Group and contribute in the drawing-up of an African Space policy and strategy to enable the African Union to exploit its space resources. 3. Promotes international strategic partnerships aligned to the African Union long-term objectives in space and its applications. 4. Specifically coordinates and expedite the development and validation of a GMES and Africa Programme Implementation Action Plan with clearly expected outputs and impact; and in the process enhances the international and intra-Africa cooperation and promotes strategic partnerships aligned to the African Union long-term objectives in space and its applications. 5. Promotes intra-Africa regional cooperation with a view to share various space facilities, infrastructure and benefits through forging strong alliances with the Regional Economic Communities, NEPAD Planning Agency, Member States and other key regional space institutions 6. Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (work programme, programme budgets, etc.) 7. Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. 8. Provides expertise and advice to assist portfolio heads and top political leadership regarding the AU space science and technology policy. 9. Performs any other relevant duties.

3 Qualifications and skills Degree type Advanced University Degree ( At least a Masters Degree or Equivalent) in space science or a related field Languages Mastery of English and/or French, (both oral and written) is required) and working knowledge of other official languages of the African Union will be an added advantage Personal Skills and

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to space science and Competencies applications. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
• Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time and resources efficiently.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments
• Computer Literacy: Sound Computer literacy is desired such as knowledge of generic software application: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc Professional &
• At least ten years of progressive experience in space sciences or related area General experience
• Experience working at an international level
• Project cycle Knowledge of the African Union system will be an added advantage Experience in project cycle management, especially monitoring

4 management and evaluation of space science and technology related projects and development programmes Candidate must have knowledge of Earth Observation and demonstrate the role of Earth Observation technologies as essential tools for environmental monitoring, and how they support sustainable development.

Earth Observation

6. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages. Knowledge of one or several other working languages would be an added advantage. 7. AGE REQUIREMENT: Candidates must preferably be between 35 and 50 years old. 8. TENURE OF APPOINTMENT: The appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of two (2) years, of which the first twelve months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a annually subject to satisfactory performance and fund availability. 9. REMUNERATION: The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$ 95,508.24 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 83,902.99 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff Applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website http://www.aucareers.org not later than 7th November 2013. Directorate of Administration and Human Resource Management African Union Commission Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)

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