Senior Policy Officer (Dialogue & Reconciliation), AU, P3, Addis Ababa, NORCAP

Employer: Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

Job Time: Full-Time

Job Type: Contract

Place of Work: Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa - Ethiopia

Posted date: 4 minutes ago

Deadline: December, 06/2024 (14 days left)

NORCAP’s mission is to improve aid to protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development, and peace-building sectors, we collaborate with local, national, and international partners to find solutions that meet the needs of people at risk.

We do this by:

• Supporting humanitarian, development, and peace-building initiatives that protect and empower people

• Improving impact at the global and local level through joint projects with partners and stakeholders

• Providing expertise and developing capacity that enable partners to meet the needs of people in fragile situations and crises

• Strengthening the global system that we are part of through support for leadership, coordination, and policy development

• Building bridges between the humanitarian, development, and peace-building sectors

African Union

The African Union (AU), established in 2002 and headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is a unique Pan-African continental body charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion, and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States, as well as fostering international cooperation.

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The Mediation and Dialogue Division (MDD) of the AU’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department (PAPS) was established in 2021 and is mandated to provide technical and operational support on preventive diplomacy, mediation, dialogue, and reconciliation efforts. Working within this framework, the Senior Policy Officer (Dialogue & Reconciliation) will play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives.

The Senior Policy Officer (Dialogue & Reconciliation) will be under the direct supervision of the Head of the Division. You will primarily be responsible for providing technical support and advice on mediation and dialogue-related processes, including process design, as well as supporting any ongoing national reconciliation processes. In fulfilling his/her mandate, the officer will work closely with the Regional Desk Coordinators for analysis of related data, and other relevant units as needed in the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS).

Only applicants from the AU member states will be considered.

Responsibilities

The Officer will provide technical support and expertise on issues related to mediation, dialogue, reconciliation and peacebuilding, and advocate for inclusive approaches to be mainstreamed in such processes at all times. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide technical support and expertise on mediation and dialogue, including process design.

• Support national actors in convening multistakeholder dialogues, mediation processes, and national reconciliation processes.

• Ensure gender-sensitive and inclusive strategies in mediation and dialogue processes.

• Maintain knowledge of political and regional dynamics impacting peace processes.

• Support AU mediators and mediation teams in field missions and organizing stakeholder meetings.

• Provide advice on electioneering, prevention, and countering of violent extremism, demobilization, disarmament, reintegration, and security sector reforms.

• Facilitate training on mediation and dialogue for national stakeholders and civil society.

• Advocate for the inclusion of women and youth in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and dialogue efforts.

Please read the full job description via the Terms of Reference.

Job Requirement

Required Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role, you should have:

Education and Work Experience

• A Master’s university Degree in Peace & Security Studies, Conflict Studies, International Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Social Studies, or other related disciplines, with at least seven (7) years of relevant experience. A Bachelor's degree in the above-mentioned fields with at least ten (10) years of relevant experience will be considered instead of a Master’s degree. Additional training or certification in the field of mediation would be an added advantage.

• A minimum of five (5) years of working experience in the field of mediation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), political affairs, conflict prevention, conflict management, or peacebuilding.

• Concrete experience in supporting a mediation or dialogue process is required.

• Good comparative knowledge of the AU mediation structures, or the existing mediation structures of Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) or the UN would be desirable.

• Experience in the promotion of institutional gender and youth mainstreaming and/or implementing women and youth peace and security agenda is desired.

Skills and Competencies

• Good comparative knowledge of political, peace, and security dynamics, as well as conflict causes, on the continent.

• Good knowledge of process design in mediation processes.

• Ability to establish priorities and to plan work assignments.

• Ability to work closely with government and local officials, civil society organizations (CSOs), NGOs, and other multi-lateral institutions in peace and security-related issues.

• Excellent communication and writing skills, including sound reporting skills.

• Computer literacy and well-versed in the use of the Internet, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

Language Requirement

Proficiency in the mission language English. Knowledge of other working languages would be an added advantage (Arabic, French, Spanish or Portuguese).

Tenure of Appointment

The appointment shall be for one (1) year, with the possibility of renewal, the first three (3) months of which shall be on probation. The salary attached to the position is set at P3 Step 5 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff.

The main competencies of a NORCAP Expert:

• Building working relationships

• Planning and organizing

• Adaptability

• Resilience

What we offer

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organization

• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals

• A dedicated Staff Care Unit

NB:

• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport.

• Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.

• NORCAP values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or disability.

• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates

• An approved Health Certificate will be required before contract commencement and assignment

• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.

How to Apply

Apply using THIS LINK