Vacancy Announcement for the position of Junior Program Officer to be Seconded to the African Union Commission (AUC) Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department – FCA -AU Partnership 

Job Title: Junior Program Officer 

Department: Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS)

Duty Station:  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Duration: One (1) year with possibility of extension

Position is Open: To candidates with African citizenship only. 

ORGANIZATION:

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is Finland’s largest international aid organization. We operate in 12 countries, where the needs are most dire. We work with the poorest people, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnic background or political convictions. FCA work is based on promotion of human dignity and fundamental human rights and freedom, and FCA’s operations are guided by equality, non-discrimination, and responsibility. FCA specializes in three thematic priority areas: Right to Peace (R2P), Right to Livelihood (R2L), and Right to Quality Education (R2QE). In Uganda, FCA works across multiple sectors, including education, peace, and livelihood in both humanitarian and development.

ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING AND REPORTING:

Working within the framework of the Conflict Management Directorate (CMD) of the PAPS Department, the Junior Program Officer will support the work of the Mediation and Dialogue Division (MDD) and the Youth for Peace (Y4P) Africa Program. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Junior Program Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Support the programmatic implementation of the workplans of the Youth for Peace (Y4P) program, the Network of African Youth in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (WiseYouth Network), and the FemWise-Africa Network; 

• Support the implementation of AU Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), and its 10-year implementation plan, as well as the global instruments on YPS, namely UNSCR 2250, 2419;

• Support regular bench-marking exercises to monitor the progress on the implementation of YPS instruments, and the 10-year implementation of the continental framework;  

• Promote and support the implementation of youth and gender mainstreaming policies, and inclusion of under-represented groups in mediation, dialogue and peace processes;

• Maintain good knowledge on the peace and security dynamics in various member states/regions, with emphasis on the impact of conflicts to youth and women, as well as the impact on any potential or ongoing peace processes supported by the AU;   

• Constantly monitor, analyze and report on emerging or evolving developments with the view to identify potential conflict drivers, and make recommendations on relevant conflict mitigation strategies that can be undertaken;

• Draft various documents including reports, background papers and briefing notes and talking points related to Youth, Peace and Security, the Wise Youth Network, or FemWise-Africa;

• Support in the execution of activities including in developing concept notes, project proposals, budget and any related administrative responsibilities. 

• Maintain a wide range of contacts and relationships with AU Permanent Missions and organs as needed, national/regional stakeholders, RECs/RMs, and other International Cooperating Partners;

• Perform any other related duties as may be assigned.

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES REQUIRED:

The qualified candidate should have: 

• A Bachelors university Degree in Peace & Security Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Crisis Management, Public Policy, Law, Public Administration, Social Studies, or other related disciplines, with at least 3 years relevant experience. A master’s degree would be an added advantage;

• Experience in a related field, especially in political analysis, monitoring and reporting, with Government, NGO, think tank, or similar multilateral, regional or international institution would be desirable; 

• Experience in the field of conflict prevention, resolution, peacebuilding and promotion of institutional mainstreaming of the youth or women peace and security agenda (YPS or WPS) would be desirable; 

• Good comparative knowledge of the AU peace and security structures, or the existing structures of other Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) or national peace infrastructure structures would be desirable.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Good comparative knowledge of peace and security dynamics on the continent, with focus on impact on youth and women;

• Ability to process large amounts of data, prepare on-demand analytical reports and formulate evidence-based recommendations; 

• Ability to understand the work of governments, NGOs and multi-lateral institutions in complex political affairs, peace and security; 

• Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of problems;

• Ability to develop clear goals, establish priorities and to plan work assignments;

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

• Computer literacy and well versed in the use of the Internet, Power Point, Excel and Word; 

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT:

• Proficiency in one (1) AU working language is required. Knowledge in additional AU language(s) would be an added advantage.

TENURE OF APPOINTMENT:

• The appointment shall be for a period of one (1) year, with the possibility of renewal, the first three (3) months of which shall be on probation. 

How to Apply

Candidates who meet the role requirements are encouraged to apply using THIS LINK  by 13 May 2025

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is Finland’s largest development co-operation organisation and the second biggest organisation in Finland working in humanitarian aid. FCA is a founding member of the international aid alliance of churches, the ACT Alliance. We seek positive change by supporting the most vulnerable people in fragile contexts. We specialize in supporting local communities’ right to peace, livelihoods and quality education. Qualified and interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy.
 
 FCA practices zero tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse, including child abuse in all forms. FCA has zero tolerance concerning aid diversion and illegal actions and may screen applicants against international lists to ensure due diligence and compliance with Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism requirements.

FCA is certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS).

N.B: Finn Church Aid is committed to keeping children safe at all times & all levels of its program operations, so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from all forms of abuses. Employment is subject to our Child protection standards, adherence to Child Safeguarding Policy, PSEA including background checks.