Administrative Assistant (ACERWC) at African Union

The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) is the continent’s premier guardian of children’s rights. Born from the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, we monitor, protect, and promote the rights of over 600 million African children. From investigating violations to shaping groundbreaking policies, our small but mighty Secretariat in Addis Ababa drives real change across 55 nations.

We’re looking for an exceptionally organized, discreet, and proactive Administrative Assistant (GSA5) to become the operational heartbeat of the Committee. If you thrive in a high-impact diplomatic environment and believe every child deserves a voice, this is your chance to serve at the center of continental child-rights advocacy.

What You’ll Do Every Day

• Be the first point of contact: manage correspondence, phone calls, and visits with warmth and absolute professionalism.
• Keep the Committee moving: arrange travel, visas, accommodations, and logistics for 11 Experts and Secretariat missions across Africa.
• Own the calendar: schedule sessions, drafting meetings, State reviews, and high-level events with zero overlap.
• Master documentation: prepare, edit, proofread, translate (if needed), and securely distribute reports, decisions, and Concluding Observations.
• Handle finances with precision: process payments, track budgets, prepare financial reports, and liaise with AU finance teams.
• Organize knowledge: maintain physical and digital filing systems so critical child-rights documents are always at our fingertips.
• Support events & sessions: coordinate venues, interpretation, live-streaming, and protocol for twice-yearly Ordinary Sessions and urgent Extraordinary Sessions.
• Keep everything compliant: ensure all actions align with African Union Staff Rules, Financial Rules, and diplomatic protocols.

This is mission-critical support work that keeps child-rights advocacy alive and effective across the continent.

Who We’re Looking For

• A Bachelor’s degree OR a Diploma with longer relevant experience in Administration, Office Management, Secretarial Studies, or related fields.
• At least 5 years (Bachelor’s) or 8 years (Diploma) of progressive administrative experience, ideally within international organizations, NGOs, or government.
• Fluency in English AND working knowledge of French, Portuguese, or Arabic (the AU’s working languages) – extra languages are a huge advantage.
• Rock-solid command of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and willingness to master AU systems (SAP, etc.).
• Impeccable discretion – you’ll handle sensitive child-abuse cases and State communications.
• Proven ability to work under pressure in a multicultural environment with grace and accuracy.
• Immediate availability and willingness to relocate to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

What We Offer

• Salary: GSA5 Step 1 – approximately USD $18,500+ per year (tax-free for most nationalities) + generous AU benefits
• Full medical coverage, pension contribution, dependency allowances, education grant for children, home leave travel, and installation/relocation support
• Fixed-term 3-year contract, renewable based on performance and funding
• The pride of knowing your efficiency directly protects millions of African children

How to Apply

Submit your application exclusively through the official African Union careers portal: https://jobs.au.int/job/Addis-Ababa-Administrative-Assistant-ACERWC-GSA5/834159055/

Deadline: 22 December 2025 (Addis Ababa time)

Applications must include:

• Updated CV (maximum 4 pages)
• Cover letter explaining your motivation
• Copies of degrees/diplomas
• Three professional references

The African Union is an equal opportunity employer. Women and nationals of under-represented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.

Join us. Keep the engine of child-rights protection running smoothly across Africa. Because every child’s future starts with someone who refuses to let the paperwork fail them.