Project Management and Planning Specialist

The African Civil Aviation Commission hereby announces, in accordance with the AFCAC Service Code, that the following vacant position will be available at its headquarters based in Dakar, Senegal.

2026/04/P Project Management and Planning Specialist

The Commission invites all interested persons to submit their applications directly to AFCAC through one of the following channels:

Email: vacancy@afcac.org

Fax: +221 33 820 70 18

Address: Route de l’Aéroport Militaire Léopold Sedar Senghor

Application deadline: 30 April 2026

For the Attention of Applicants

1.    AFCAC reserves the right to decide at any time to discontinue the recruitment process for the position covered by this publication, in the event of force majeure.

2.    Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

3.    Applications that do not comply with the indicated format may also be rejected.

4.    Applications submitted electronically must be in Word and PDF format and duly signed.

5.    Applications from qualified and relevant African women are strongly encouraged.

6.    Only candidates whose applications are deemed worthy of interest will be contacted for an interview.

7.    AFCAC will not respond to enquiries regarding the progress of the recruitment process.

Fixed-term contract of three years, with no career commitment (subject to a probationary period of six months).

Obligations and Privileges

• Only candidates whose States comply with the Constitutional Provisions of AFCAC, in particular Article 18, at the date of submission of their application, are considered for this recruitment.
•  AFCAC staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Secretary General and may be assigned to any activity.
• AFCAC staff members are required to comply with the AFCAC Constitution, Service Code, and Regulatory Texts.
• AFCAC staff members must conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants.
• Benefits for AFCAC Staff Members shall be those contained in the Headquarters Agreement between AFCAC and the Host State (Senegal).
• The mandatory retirement age for staff entering or re-entering service after 1 January 2014 is 62 years. For external candidates, only those who are expected to complete the duration of their contract will in principle be considered.

Position and Staff Categorization

The categorization of positions and staff shall be in accordance with the AFCAC Service Code.

Salaries and Allowances

The remuneration offer includes an annual net base salary of USD 70,212, plus a post adjustment currently set at 46.4% of net salary, subject to periodic adjustments in accordance with applicable regulations.

Allowances shall be in accordance with the AFCAC Service Code.

Position Information

Position Title:

Project Management and Planning Specialist

Vacancy Notice:

2026/04/P 010426

Level:

Level: P3

Publication Period:

1 April 2026 – 15 May 2026

Duty Station:

Location: Dakar, Senegal

Start Date:

15 June 2026 (as soon as possible)

About AFCAC

As the Executing Agency (EA), AFCAC’s primary responsibility is to ensure the harmonized and integrated implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and to ensure the establishment of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in order to contribute to the realization of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Its objective is, among other things, to facilitate the transparent and harmonious operationalization of SAATM to ensure the sustainable development of air transport, and to ensure that the efforts of the Executing Agency (EA) contribute to the growth of the intra-African air transport market.

The role of the Executing Agency (EA) is therefore to guarantee impartial application of the Air Transport Convention (YD) and to ensure regulatory oversight across all Member States of the African Union, in order to ensure consistent application and compliance with the regulatory, legal, and institutional instruments of the YD as well as its operational rules and procedures, and to ensure that the implementation of SAATM creates an environment conducive to the sustainable development of air transport in Africa.

AFCAC’s regulatory oversight responsibilities are not only of an economic and technical nature, but also extend to all AU Member States, just as its mandate empowers it to provide technical assistance, in collaboration with partners, to States Parties engaged in the establishment of SAATM, in order to improve the effective implementation of ICAO SARPs aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of air transport.

Purpose of the Position – Impact of Expected Results

In accordance with the above, the Project Management and Planning Specialist plays a central role in achieving 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 this position is measured by the production of high-quality, timely, and results-oriented deliverables, including:

• Comprehensive project management plans, incorporating results frameworks, risk management, procurement, financial and human resource planning to ensure effective project execution
• A harmonized and integrated AFCAC institutional work plan, aligning programmes, projects, and resources with strategic priorities and regulatory mandates
• Annual and periodic performance reports, enabling rigorous 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 concrete follow-up actions, to facilitate institutional coordination and implementation monitoring
•  High-quality Terms of Reference (TORs) for consultants and technical experts, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and optimization of resources in project implementation
• Technical reports and synthesis documents from project implementation and capacity-building initiatives, contributing to institutional learning and policy development
• Comprehensive project closure deliverables, including exit strategies and final reports, ensuring sustainability, accountability, and effective knowledge transfer
• Through these deliverables, this position contributes to strengthening AFCAC’s project governance, improving institutional planning and coordination, and consolidating results-based management, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness, visibility, and impact of the organization.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic and Managerial Responsibilities

•  Ensure 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 resource allocation.
• Ensure the effective implementation of projects and initiatives in accordance with AFCAC’s strategic objectives and 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 compliance with approved frameworks.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of consultants and technical experts, ensuring quality, efficiency, and timely delivery of results.
• Draft and manage project 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 narrative and financial reports (monthly, quarterly, and annual) to the Secretary General and relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor project implementation progress and expenditure, ensuring compliance with AFCAC rules and donor requirements.
•  Ensure that project activities, decisions, and results are properly documented and recorded to guarantee accountability and institutional memory.
• Synthesize 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 implementing partners to support AFCAC’s 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 results.

5. Other Responsibilities

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

Required Expertise and Competencies

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

Practical experience with project planning and monitoring tools (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Gantt charts, Jira) and the ability to leverage digital solutions for tracking 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 documents.

Knowledge of the African Air Transport Sector

Good understanding of air transport policies, regulatory frameworks, and industry challenges in the African context, particularly regarding SAATM implementation.

Donor Relations and Funding Mechanisms

Knowledge of 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, analyse, 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.

Qualifications and Experience Education

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

Experience

• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in the field of project management and planning.
• Proven experience within regional or international organizations.
•  Experience in the implementation of donor-funded projects and reporting.
• Proven ability to liaise with senior officials and high-level 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

Proven ability to manage the entire project lifecycle, from planning to closure, ensuring delivery of results on time, 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 results orientation, with the ability to track performance, evaluate outcomes, and ensure accountability in accordance with institutional and donor requirements.

Financial Management and Risk Management

Ability to oversee budget execution within projects, 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 draft clear and 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 fostering 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 function effectively in a multicultural environment, demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and respect for diversity in all interactions.

Professional Relationships and Interactions

Within the Organization

• Secretary General (direct supervision)
• Directors and Heads of Units
• Sector Experts and Project Teams
• General 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
•  Donors and Development Partners
• Project Consultants and Technical Experts

Performance Indicators

Timeliness and Quality of Deliverables

Percentage of project and institutional planning outputs delivered on time and meeting established quality standards.

Budgetary Rigour and Schedule Compliance

Budgetary discipline and adherence to approved implementation timelines for projects, including variance analysis.

Performance Management Cycle Implementation

Completion rate of key human resource planning milestones (objective setting, mid-year reviews, annual appraisals) within set deadlines.

Stakeholder Engagement and Satisfaction

Level of satisfaction of internal and external stakeholders, including effective coordination with partners, consultants, and Member States.

Effectiveness in Project Coordination

Timely delivery and quality of consultant and partner outputs, aligned with agreed Terms of Reference and project objectives.

Risk Management and Problem Solving

Effectiveness in identifying, mitigating, and resolving operational and project risks, with minimal disruption to implementation.

Strategic Alignment and Planning Coherence

Level 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 Results

Extent of project results achieved, their sustainability, and their contribution to AFCAC’s long-term objectives and institutional effectiveness.