Head Division of Intellectual Property Rights – IPR (AfCFTA) at African Union

Purpose of Job

The role would be to have oversight, set policy direction for the development of the Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights, and formulate the strategy for the subsequent implementation of the Protocol, and to provide leadership for effective management and technical efficiency within the Intellectual Property Rights Division at the AfCFTA Secretariat.

Main Functions

• Oversight, design strategy and programme management of the development, negotiation and implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights negotiations;
• Lead the design and management of strategies and policies for the operations of the Intellectual Property Rights Division in order to align with and achieve the overall objectives of the Directorate and the AfCFTA Secretariat;
• Ensure the Division makes inputs into policy formulation in line with Intellectual Property Rights and integration strategies of the AfCFTA;
• Represent the AfCFTA Secretariat at meetings, conferences, seminars and etc;
• Engage stakeholders within State Parties and RECs in designing strategies for the implementation of the Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights;
• Lead the preparation of the annual action plan and its corresponding resources for the Division;
• Supervise staff of the Division with regard to organisation and performance evaluation.

Specific Responsibilities

• Coordinate and direct the strategic planning, organisation and services of the AfCFTA Secretariat and Division in the area of Intellectual Property Rights;
• Supervise staff within the Division to ensure timely achievement of objectives of the Division and effective performance evaluation;
• Ensure the achievement of the Division’s annual goals in line with the Directorate’s overall objectives and goals;
• Liaise with other divisions at the AfCFTA Secretariat on issues pertinent to Intellectual Property Rights within the AfCFTA or on any issues necessary to enhance the effective and efficient functioning of the Division;
• Contribute to the preparation of periodic financial and budgetary implementation reports and monitors budget implementation at the Division level;
• Coordinate and supervise the initiation and development of policies, programmes and projects aimed at achieving the Directorate’s objectives for the negotiation and/or implementation of the Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights;
• Provide primary administrative and technical support and capacity building to State Parties and non-State Parties in the negotiation and/or implementation of the Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights and its associated legal instruments;
• Coordinate and supervise the preparation of technical reports, publications, analysis, and policy papers on issues pertaining to or affecting Intellectual Property Rights under the AfCFTA, in particular, working closely with State Parties, RECs and other key partner institutions;
• Provide policy advice, strong intellectual guidance and direction on Intellectual Property Rights issues within the AfCFTA;
• Coordinate the preparation of presentations, speeches and regular briefs on Intellectual Property Rights for the senior staff, and ensure sound and timely monitoring and reporting;
• Provide technical leadership and ensure the effective functioning and performance of officers within the Division;
• Performs any other duties that may be assigned and/or required by the Director

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

Master’s degree in Economics, International Trade, International Relations, International Law, Intellectual Property Rights related disciplines, and/or related areas with twelve (12) years of relevant experience at increasingly senior levels in trade or Intellectual Property Rights related area, five (5) of these years should be at senior management level and three (3) should involve a supervisory role.

Required Skills

• 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
• High degree of independence, maturity and initiative
• Ability to manage time and prioritize work
• Ability to handle challenging questions and difficult stakeholders
• Ability to manage time and prioritize work
• Be flexible, adaptable and open to change
• 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