Principal Programme Management Officer

About the role

The Principal Programme Management Officer is based in the IOPS Section of the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) in Addis Ababa. Reporting to the Director of Political Affairs, the incumbent provides strategic advice and technical support to the African Union on peace support operations, security, and related policy matters.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the focal point for overall peace support operations (PSOs) planning, strategic advice, and technical support to the AU.
• Coordinate and supervise the Institutional and Operational Partnerships Service in delivering expert advice on military, police, mine action, security sector reform, and DDR.
• Translate operational outputs into inputs for strategic decision‑making on AU PSOs within the African Peace and Security Architecture.
• Manage day‑to‑day interaction with the AU, Member States, EU, UN partners, regional organisations, and donors on peacekeeping matters.
• Provide policy guidance to the Special Representative of the Secretary‑General and produce analyses, reports, briefing notes, and other documentation.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in management studies, social sciences, public administration, military studies or related field; or a first‑level degree with four additional years of relevant experience.
• At least fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, military, police, public administration or related business administration.