Project Management and Planning Specialist

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT 

The African Civil Aviation Commission wishes to announce, in line with the AFCAC Service Code, that the following vacancy will be available at its Headquarters based in Dakar, Senegal.

2026/04/P Project Management and Planning Specialist 

The Commission encourages all interested persons to forward their applications directly to AFCAC using any of the following:

Email: vacancy@afcac.org

Fax number: + 221 33 820 70 18

Address: Leopold Sedar Senghor Military Airport Road 

The deadline for receiving applications is 30 April 2026

Please note that :

1. AFCAC may decide at any time not to continue with the recruitment process regarding current position taking into consideration the prevailing circumstances at the relevant time;
2. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered;
3. Applications not submitted in accordance with the indicated format may also be rejected;
4. Applications submitted electronically should be in Word and PDF format dully signed on the latter;
5. Suitably qualified African women are strongly encouraged to apply;
6. Only applicants who are under serious consideration will be contacted and interviewed;
7. AFCAC will not respond to queries regarding information on the status of the vacancies.

DURATION OF APPOINTMENT:

• Appointment will be on three years fixed-term non career basis (probationary period of 6 months).

OBLIGATIONS AND PRIVILEGES:

• Applicants are considered for the recruitment process, if his/her State only meets the Constitutional provisions of AFCAC, in particular Article 18 on the date of submission of application.
• AFCAC staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Secretary General and may be assigned to any activities.
• AFCAC staff members are required to adhere to the Constitution, Service Code and Manuals of AFCAC.
• AFCAC staff members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants.
• The Benefits of AFCAC Staff Members will be those included in the Seat Agreement between AFCAC and the Host State (Senegal).
• The statutory retirement age for staff entering or re-entering service after 1 January 2014 is 62. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete a term of appointment will normally be considered. 

CLASSIFICATION OF POSTS AND STAFF:

• The classification of posts and Staff will be in accordance with the AFCAC Service Code.

SALARIES AND ALLOWANCES:

• The remuneration package comprises an annual net base salary of USD 70,212, plus a post adjustment, currently set at 46,4% of the net salary, subject to periodic adjustment in accordance with applicable regulations.
• The allowances will be in accordance with the AFCAC Service Code.

THE ORGANIZATION SETTINGS:

AFCAC’s main responsibility as the Executing Agency (EA) is to ensure the consistent and full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and the realization of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) towards contributing to the African Union Agenda 2063. The objective is, amongst others, to facilitate seamless and smooth operationalization of the SAATM to ensure the sustainable development of air transport and that activities of the Executing Agency (EA) facilitates the growth of the intra-African Air Transport Market.

The EA’s role, therefore, ensure the even-handed enforcement of the YD and the EA’s regulatory oversight responsibilities across all AU member States is to ensure consistent application of and adherence to the Regulatory and Institutional Legal Instruments of the YD and its Operational Rules and Procedures thus ensure that the operationalization of the SAATM creates a conducive environment for sustainable development of air transport in Africa.

AFCAC’s regulatory oversight responsibilities are not only economic and technical in nature but also span across all AU member States as does its mandate to render technical assistances, in collaboration with Partners to State Parties that subscribes to SAATM to enhance the effective implementation of ICAO’s SARPs aimed at sustainable development of air transport. 

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES – IMPACT OF OUTCOME OF THE POSITION :

In line with the above, the Project and Planning Manager plays a pivotal role in driving AFCAC’s strategic and operational performance by ensuring the effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and closure of projects and institutional initiatives. The position directly supports the achievement of SAATM objectives by translating strategic priorities into actionable programmes and measurable results.

The impact of the role is demonstrated through the delivery of high-quality, timely, and results-oriented outputs, including:

• Comprehensive Project Management Plans, integrating results frameworks, risk management, procurement, financial and human resource planning to ensure effective project execution
• A coherent and integrated AFCAC Institutional Work Plan, aligning programmes, projects, and resources with strategic priorities and regulatory mandates
• Annual and periodic performance reports, enabling robust monitoring, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making by Management and governing bodies
• Accurate and compliant financial and narrative reports, meeting AFCAC standards and donor requirements
• Structured documentation of high-level meetings, including minutes and actionable follow-up points to support institutional coordination and implementation tracking
• High-quality Terms of Reference (ToRs) for consultants and technical experts, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and value for money in project delivery
• Technical reports and knowledge products generated from project implementation and capacity-building 2 initiatives, contributing to institutional learning and policy development
• Comprehensive project closure outputs, including exit strategies and final reports, ensuring sustainability, accountability, and effective knowledge transfer.

Through these deliverables, the role strengthens AFCAC’s project governance, enhances institutional planning and coordination, and reinforces results-based management, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness, visibility, and impact of the organization. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. Strategic and Managerial Responsibilities

• Provide overall coordination and oversight of AFCAC’s project portfolio and institutional planning processes under the authority of the Secretary General.

• Lead the development, consolidation, and monitoring of AFCAC’s annual institutional work plan, ensuring alignment across directorates and optimal allocation of resources.

• Ensure effective implementation of projects and initiatives in line with AFCAC’s strategic objectives, SAATM priorities.

• Coordinate with internal units and external partners to maintain coherence between project activities and institutional priorities.

• Identify and manage risks related to projects and planning processes, and propose appropriate mitigation measures.

• Promote the application of results-based management and change management principles to strengthen organizational performance and coordination.

2. Project Planning, Implementation, and Oversight

• Plan, implement, monitor, and close projects using structured project management methodologies and tools.

• Develop and oversee project work plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and adherence to approved frameworks.

• Supervise and coordinate the work of consultants and technical experts, ensuring quality, efficiency, and timely delivery of outputs.

• Draft and manage project-related documentation, including Terms of Reference (ToRs), contracts, and partnership agreements.

• Coordinate the organization of project activities such as workshops, technical meetings, and stakeholder consultations.

3. Reporting, Monitoring, and Compliance

• Prepare and submit periodic (monthly, quarterly, and annual) narrative and financial reports to the Secretary General and relevant stakeholders.

• Monitor project implementation progress and expenditures, ensuring compliance with AFCAC rules and donor requirements.

• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping of project activities, decisions, and outputs to support accountability and institutional memory.

• Consolidate technical inputs and stakeholder feedback to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

4. Resource Mobilization and Sustainability

• Identify and engage with potential donors and implementation partners to support AFCAC projects and initiatives.

• Contribute to the development of project proposals and ensure alignment with funding requirements and strategic priorities.

• Develop project exit strategies and sustainability plans to ensure long-term impact and continuity of 3 results.

5. Other Duties

• Perform any other related duties as may be assigned by the Secretary General.

REQUIRED EXPERTISE AND SKILLS :

• Project and Programme Management Expertise .
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects and institutional planning processes, including the application of structured methodologies and frameworks.
• Proficiency in Project Management Tools and Systems
• Hands-on experience with project planning and tracking tools (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Gantt charts, Jira) and ability to leverage digital solutions for monitoring and reporting.
• Technical Writing and Reporting
• Strong ability to produce high-quality technical documents, including project proposals, reports, Terms of Reference, and policy or analytical papers.
• Knowledge of Air Transport Sector in Africa
• Sound understanding of air transport policies, regulatory frameworks, and industry challenges within the African context, particularly in relation to SAATM implementation.
• Donor Relations and Funding Mechanisms
• Familiarity with the requirements, procedures, and expectations of development partners and donor institutions (e.g., AfDB, EASA, World Bank).
• Data Analysis and Performance Monitoring
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to support project monitoring, evaluation, and evidence based reporting.
• Contract and Partnership Management
• Experience in managing contracts, consultants, and institutional partnerships, including drafting and reviewing agreements and ensuring compliance with applicable procedures. 

QUALIFICATION AND EXPRIENCE:

Education :

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Air Transport Management, Business Administration, or a related field (required)
• Advanced university degree or professional certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is an advantage

Experience :

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant project and planning experience
• Demonstrated experience working with regional or international organizations
• Experience with donor-funded project implementation and reporting
• Proven ability to liaise with high-level officials and institutions

COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic Planning and Execution Ability to translate organizational priorities into coherent plans and actionable programmes, ensuring alignment with AFCAC’s strategic objectives and regulatory mandate.
• Project Management and Delivery 4 Proven capacity to manage the full project lifecycle, from planning to closure, ensuring timely delivery of results within scope, budget, and quality standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Member States, partners, and donors, fostering collaboration and consensus. •Results-Based Management and Accountability Strong orientation towards results, with the ability to monitor performance, evaluate outcomes, and ensure accountability in line with institutional and donor requirements.
• Financial and Risk Management Capacity to oversee project budgets, ensure compliance with financial rules, and identify, assess, and mitigate operational and strategic risks.
• Communication and Reporting Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise reports and deliver effective presentations to diverse audiences.
• Leadership and Coordination Ability to lead, coordinate, and guide multidisciplinary teams, including consultants and experts, while promoting collaboration and high performance.
• Analytical Thinking and Decision-Making Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex information, provide sound advice, and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Diplomacy and Cultural Sensitivity Ability to operate effectively in a multicultural environment, demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and respect for diversity in all interactions.

WORK RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTACTS:

INSIDE THE ORGANIZATION

• Secretary General (direct supervision)
• Directors and Heads of Units
• Subject Matter Experts and Project Teams
• Corporate Services and Finance Units

OUTSIDE THE ORGANIZATION:

• Member States and Civil Aviation Authorities
• African Union Commission (AUC)
• Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
• ICAO Regional Offices and RSOOs
• Donor and development partners
• Project consultants and technical experts 

PERFORMANC INDICATORS:

• Timeliness and Quality of Deliverables: Percentage of project and institutional planning outputs delivered on schedule and meeting established quality standards. • Budget and Timeline Compliance: Degree of adherence to approved project budgets and implementation timelines, including variance analysis.
• Implementation of Performance Management Cycle: Completion rates of key HR planning milestones (objective setting, mid-year reviews, annual appraisals) within established timelines.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Satisfaction: Level of satisfaction of internal and external stakeholders, including effective coordination with partners, consultants, and Member States.
• Project Coordination Effectiveness: Timely delivery and quality of outputs from consultants and partners, aligned with agreed Terms of Reference and project objectives.
• Risk Management and Issue Resolution: Effectiveness in identifying, mitigating, and resolving project and operational risks, with minimal disruption to implementation.
• Strategic Alignment and Planning Coherence: Degree of alignment between institutional work plans, project activities, and AFCAC’s strategic priorities, including SAATM.
• Reporting Accuracy and Compliance: Timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of narrative and financial reports, including compliance with AFCAC procedures and donor requirements.
• Impact and Sustainability of Outcomes: Extent to which project results are achieved, sustained, and contribute to AFCAC’s long-term objectives and institutional effectiveness.

POST INFORMATION

Post Title: Project Management and Planning Specialist

Vacancy Notice:2024/06/P 010624

Level: P3

Publication Period:1 April 2026 – 30 April 2026

Duty Station: Dakar, Senegal

Entry on Duty: 15 June 2026 -As soon as possible

Apply on the following email address ONLY:

Email: vacancy@afcac.org