About the Life & Peace Institute (LPI)

The Life & Peace Institute is an international centre that supports and promotes nonviolent approaches to conflict transformation through a combination of research and action that entails the strengthening of existing local capacities and enhancing the preconditions for building peace. Since its inception in 1984, LPI has carried out programs for conflict transformation in a variety of countries (with more focus on the Horn of Africa), conducted research, and produced numerous publications on nonviolent conflict transformation and peacebuilding. The Institute works closely with civil society partners across the Horn of Africa, as well as leading learning and reflection among the peacebuilding community of practice at the global level.

 LPI’s Horn of Africa Regional Programme (HARP) was designed in 2012/13 to link LPI's peacebuilding work in the Horn to the regional level through policy engagement with regional actors. Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with the African Union (AU) in 2014 and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in 2016 provide the basis for strong partnerships and collaboration. Since its establishment, HARP has been implementing strategic initiatives geared towards contributing to concrete regional policy initiatives.

Job Description

 Job Title: Programme Assistant – Horn of Africa Regional Programme

Reports to: Policy Officer – Horn of Africa Regional Programme

Supervisory Responsibility:  No

Budgetary responsibility:  No

Job Grade: II

Duration: 1 year with the possibility of extension

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Interface: Internally coordinates and communicates with Addis Office finance, HR and admin teams, global policy unit, country programmes and others internal to LPI. Externally assists in communication and correspondences with relevant key stakeholders from the AU, UN, IGAD and Sida, as well as key partners of LPI as directed and with the supervision of their supervisor.

1.      Position Summary

The Programme Assistant supports LPI’s Horn of Africa Regional Programme (HARP) activity implementation, research, and policy engagement on all the thematic priorities identified in the HARP 2021-2024 programme document. 

2.      Role Dimensions  

The Programme Assistant assists and coordinates the functions below:  

·       Day-to-day support to programmatic implementation of HARP projects;

·       Research and policy analysis;

·       Internal LPI processes; and

·       Admin and logistics. 

3.      Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Under the direct supervision of the Policy Officer – Horn of Africa Regional Programme and in coordination with relevant persons and programmes, the Programme Assistant will be responsible for supporting the implementation of programme activities, namely: 

3.1.  Logistics and Project Support

·       Coordinate and work with Addis Office admin/ logistics team to ensure timely and proper provision of administrative and logistic support in conjunction with internal and external meetings, workshops, and training among the different components of the programme and project activities;

·       Support the planning and implementation of LPI events taking place in the Horn of Africa region;

·       Coordinate the mapping of implementation activities, outcome mapping, and results-based reporting for diverse donors in compliance with donor requirements and LPI standards for monitoring and reporting;

·       Provide coordination and assistance to external researchers, fellows, and consultants working with LPI, as necessary;

·       Work with LPI’s administrative and financial staff to ensure the timely and accurate completion of procurement and contractual processes; and

·       Participate in and contribute to other tasks as assigned by the line manager, as needed for the implementation of the HARP and other relevant LPI programs. 

3.2.  Research and Policy Analysis 

·       Carry out relevant desktop research on themes related to HARP and LPI as a whole;

·       Stay up-to-date on the policy processes, actors, and frameworks related to HARP and LPI’s work;

·       Provide project management support to ensure the timely completion of drafting and editing of internal and external documentation such as research and background papers, policy briefs, and donor reports; and

·       Coordinate with LPI’s communications staff to ensure HARP research and policy work is shared internally and externally in a timely manner and to the appropriate target audiences. 

3.3.  Representation and Policy Engagement

·       When assigned, attend and report on briefings, hearings, meetings, and conference calls in a timely manner;

·       Maintain contact databases for LPI’s policy workstreams and ensure they are updated and shared with the communications team in a timely manner. 

4.      Job Requirements (profiles) 

4.1.       Educational Qualifications

·       A minimum of a BA degree in one of the following disciplines: peace and conflict studies, social sciences, political science, law international relations, sociology, anthropology, or other related fields.

4.2.       Relevant Experience

·       1-2 years of relevant experience that can include internships or volunteer work that demonstrates experience working in an office setting. 

4.3.       Skills & Other Competencies  

·       Demonstrated interest in peace and conflict resolution;

·       Understanding of gender issues; strong commitment to the goal of gender equality and conflict sensitivity.

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and basic computer operations;

·       Ability to handle multiple tasks and complete work in a timely manner;

·       Strong administrative and project management skills;

·       Strong and demonstratable writing skill is a plus;

·       Must be organised with strong attention to detail;

·       Ability to work in English is essential; other AU or IGAD working languages and Amharic are preferred;

·       Ability to work effectively in a team; and

·       Excellent communication skills and ability to relate sensitively to diverse groups.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to apply for the position by sending their updated CV ( max.3 pages) and Cover letter( 1 page) via THIS LINK

 Deadline for applications: 13th September 2023.( The vacancy may be closed earlier if sufficient number of applications are received).

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. We thank you for your interest and look forward to receiving your application.