Apply Now: Head of Communication Division Job at the African Union (P5, Addis Ababa)

Organization Information

The African Union (AU) is hiring a Head of Communication Division to be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

• Reports to: Director of ICD (Information and Communication Department)
• Department: ICD (Information and Communication Department)
• Division: Communication
• Contract Type: Regular
• Job Grade: P5
• Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Apply directly here: Head of Communication Division – Apply Now

AU Values

The African Union is guided by these values:

• Respect for Diversity and Teamwork
• Think Africa Above All
• Transparency and Accountability
• Integrity and Impartiality
• Efficiency and Professionalism
• Information and Knowledge Sharing

Purpose of Job

The Head of Communication Division directs and manages daily communication activities of the AU. The purpose is to:

• Provide strategic leadership for communication strategies.
• Build awareness about AU activities across Africa and the world.
• Support AU departments, organs, and institutions to reach their goals.
• Make sure AU messages are clear, professional, and widely shared.

Main Functions

The role has several big functions:

• Design and implement communication policies and programs.
• Supervise employees in the division and check performance.
• Ensure delivery of yearly goals and targets.
• Liaise with AU Member States, RECs, and international partners.
• Represent the AU at conferences and events.
• Manage risks, budgets, and division funds.
• Maintain a positive work environment that promotes teamwork.

Specific Responsibilities

Promoting AU Priority Areas

Publicise AU programs in key areas like:

• Agriculture and Environment
• Trade, Industry, and Mining
• Education, Science, and Innovation
• Infrastructure and Energy
• Peace and Security
• Health and Social Development

Promoting AU Institutions and Organs

Create strategies for AU institutions such as:

• Pan African Parliament
• AU Development Agency
• African Peer Review Mechanism
• African Financial Institutions

Outreach

• Build dialogue with students, teachers, private sector, civil society, and media.
• Work with partners to develop content that promotes AU’s image.
• Create educational materials for schools to spread AU awareness.

Strategic Partner Management

• Coordinate with partners like the United Nations (UN) and others.

Internal Communication

• Lead internal communication for AU staff and leadership.
• Support staff training, orientation, and updates on policies.

Publications and Storytelling

• Research, write, and publish AU reports, editorials, and case studies.
• Collect and share stories from the field to show AU’s impact.
• Work with media, film, and photography teams.
• Ensure AU branding is correctly used in all communication.

Research

• Conduct market and opinion research.
• Share findings in one-pagers, reports, or opinion papers.

Division Administration and Budget

• Supervise division staff and support professional growth.
• Manage and report on the division’s budget.
• Submit regular activity reports to supervisors and stakeholders.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

You must have:

• Master’s Degree in Communication, Marketing, or related field.
• At least 12 years of relevant experience in corporate communications.
• At least 7 years at senior management level.
• At least 5 years in supervisory roles.

Other helpful qualifications:

• Professional qualification in Marketing or Public Relations.
• International or regional experience in large organizations.
• Experience with digital marketing campaigns.
• Skills in producing high-quality advertising content.
• Strong computer literacy.

Required Skills

The AU looks for:

• Strong corporate marketing and branding skills.
• Ability to build partnerships internally and externally.
• Budget management skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership ability.
• Capacity to delegate and motivate staff.
• Writing, editing, and storytelling expertise.
• Use of Microsoft Office and modern communication tools.
• Proficiency in one AU working language (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish).
• Fluency in another AU language is a plus.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Perspective
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies

• Building Relationships
• Fostering Accountability
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Impact

Functional Competencies

• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge and Sharing
• Drive for Results
• Innovation

Tenure of Appointment

• Regular contract of 3 years.
• First 12 months = probation.
• Renewable for 2 more years based on performance.

Gender Mainstreaming

The AU is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Languages

• Proficiency in one AU language (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, Spanish).
• Fluency in another AU language is an advantage.

Remuneration

• Basic Salary: US$ 50,746.00 per year (P5 Step 1, indicative).
• Post Adjustment: additional percentage of salary.
• Housing Allowance: approx. US$ 26,000 per year.
• Education Allowance: up to 75% of tuition (US$ 7,800 max per child for international staff). 

Least Represented Countries

Priority is given to candidates from:
Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Comoros, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Sahrawi DR, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Somalia.

Deadline

Applications close on September 22, 2025 (11:59 PM EAT). Apply directly here: Apply for Head of Communication Division

How to Apply

1. Download the AU CV Template link on AU site.
2. Fill in correctly with your experience and education.
3. Upload to the “Resume” tab in your AU profile.
4. Attach diplomas, degrees, certificates, and passport.
5. Submit online before the deadline.

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Final Words

The Head of Communication Division is a high-level leadership job. It is for someone who can shape AU’s message, build partnerships, and lead strong teams. With an attractive salary, allowances, and the chance to influence Africa’s image globally, this is one of the most important AU roles.

Don’t wait, apply before September 22, 2025, and be part of building “The Africa We Want.”