Under its Oil and Gas Programme, AFREC is implementing the Methane Emissions Management and Capacity Building in the African Oil and Gas Sector Project . The Commission is recruiting a Methane Project Assistant to support this work.
Job Summary
- Employer: African Energy Commission (AFREC), African Union
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Energy
- Salary: USD 4,000 inclusive of insurance and all costs
- Closing Date: 2026-10-05
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with implementation of AFREC’s overall Oil and Gas Programme.
- Support the technical evaluation and selection of service providers for the methane mitigation project.
- Coordinate with African Union Member States to support implementation of the methane project in accordance with agreed terms and conditions.
- Participate in researching, preparing, reviewing and disseminating policy briefs relating to oil and gas methane mitigation.
- Provide analysis and information on project implementation to internal and external stakeholders.
- Support the organisation of workshops, conferences, meetings and seminars.
- Draft concept notes, speeches and meeting reports.
- Assist in preparing reports, budgets and work programmes.
- Support preparation of contracts, agreements and procurement documentation.
- Provide information and documentation required for internal and external audits.
- Coordinate with AU Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and contribute to reviews of continental oil and gas policies.
- Undertake other relevant duties assigned by the Division of Policy Strategy and Support in support of AFREC’s strategic programmes.
Requirements
- A university Master’s degree in Oil and Gas Management, Petroleum Engineering, Petroleum Geoscience, Energy Management, Environmental Management, or another related science or engineering field, together with at least four years of relevant professional experience .
- A university Bachelor’s degree in Oil and Gas Management, Petroleum Engineering, Petroleum Geoscience, Energy Management, Environmental Management, or another related science or engineering field, together with at least six years of relevant professional experience .
- Good knowledge of Africa’s energy sector.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
- Competence in standard office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Proficiency in at least one AU official working language: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish or Arabic .
- Applicants must be nationals of an African Union Member State .
Salary
USD 4,000 inclusive of insurance and all costs
How to Apply
REF Code: AFREC/PRO/06.26
About the Company
The African Energy Commission (AFREC) is a specialised agency of the African Union headquartered in Algiers, Algeria, with operational reach across member states including Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, AFREC engages with national energy stakeholders to support policy harmonisation, data collection, and capacity building within the Southern African Power Pool framework. The commission works with Zimbabwe's Ministry of Energy and Power Development and the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority to advance renewable energy integration and regional electricity trade. AFREC's activities in Zimbabwe align with its continental mandate to develop the African Energy Information System and promote sustainable energy access. The organisation coordinates with Harare-based institutions to implement the African Union's Agenda 2063 energy targets, including universal electrification and clean cooking solutions.
Coordinating Africa's energy development for sustainable growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Methane Project Assistant at AFREC?
A bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, geology, or energy studies is typically required. Additional certifications in methane management, carbon accounting, or renewable energy from institutions like the University of Zimbabwe or regional bodies strengthen your application. Practical experience in energy projects or research is highly valued by African Union agencies.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Methane Project Assistant?
You will assist in data collection on methane emissions, prepare technical reports, coordinate with national energy stakeholders, and support project monitoring activities. Field visits to energy sites and participation in regional workshops are common. Administrative tasks like drafting correspondence and maintaining project databases also form part of the role.
How does the work culture at African Union institutions like AFREC differ from typical Zimbabwean workplaces?
AFREC operates with pan-African bureaucratic protocols, emphasizing formal reporting lines, extensive documentation, and English/French bilingual communication. Deadlines align with continental rather than national timelines, requiring flexibility. Respect for hierarchy is strong, but there is more exposure to international standards and diverse cultural interactions than in local Zimbabwean ministries.
What career progression opportunities exist for someone in this methane and energy sector role?
With experience, you can advance to Project Officer or Energy Specialist positions within AFREC or other AU agencies. Some professionals transition to regional organizations like SADC, international bodies such as UNEP, or senior roles in Zimbabwe's Ministry of Energy. Specializing in carbon markets or clean energy finance opens additional pathways.
What benefits typically come with a Methane Project Assistant position at an African Union agency?
Benefits usually include medical aid coverage, pension contributions, and annual leave exceeding Zimbabwe's statutory minimum. International staff and some locally recruited positions receive housing allowances or hardship adjustments. Specific packages vary by contract type and funding source, so review the vacancy announcement carefully.
How should I apply for this role, and what do Zimbabwean employers and AU recruiters specifically look for?
Submit applications through the African Union's official careers portal with a detailed CV, cover letter demonstrating knowledge of methane mitigation, and certified academic documents. Recruiters prioritize candidates with proven research skills, familiarity with African energy policy, and ability to work across borders. Highlight any experience with GIS tools, emissions inventories, or stakeholder engagement in your application.
