Senior Policy Officer, Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (AUC-PCRD) at the African Union

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999).  We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Policy Officer, Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (AUC-PCRD)

Requisition ID: 963
Location: Cairo Egypt
Job Grade: P3
Contract Type: Regular
Division: Programme and Research
Organization: African Union Commission - AUC
Reports to: Principal Programme Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation
Directorate/Department: African Union Centre for Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development (AUC-PCRD)

Purpose of Job

• Provide strategic and technical advice on security sector-wide issues, with special emphasis on the AU PCRD and DDR frameworks.
• Spearhead the development and dissemination of research products in respect to the AU’s DDR initiatives, programmes and projects, including overall policy and legal frameworks, implementation strategies, operational modalities and action plans and provide senior management with strategic analysis and guidance on a wide range of DDR strategies and programmes affecting the mandate of the AUC-PCRD.
• He or she will review and provide advice on the impact of the AU PCRD and DDR strategic implementation, which includes continuing data analysis, trending, forecasting and financial modelling relating to outcomes and impact.

Main Functions

• Develop standard tools, systems and procedures for efficient data collection and reporting for short- and long-term implementation and draft monitoring plans, setting priorities and performance measures to assist internal and external stakeholders in their progress towards the achievement of DDR implementation targets.   
• Provide technical assistance and monitor the progress of ongoing DDR programmes and projects to ensure adherence to set standards, specifications, and agreed implementation time schedule.
• Guide internal and external stakeholders in preparing programmes, projects and reports in the proper frameworks and provide the technical back-up in strengthening their strategic planning, results-based management and reporting skills required in preparing DDR strategic plans and annual work plans.
• Advise and make timely recommendations to senior management on identified DDR programmes and project implementation strategies and targets, trouble shooting operational problems, through analysis, reports, review meetings, mentoring, training and capacity building, and field supervision visits.
• Coordinate resource mobilisation strategies with senior management and ensure that all programmes, projects and initiatives for knowledge management, training, mentoring and capacity building in DDR are implemented steadily and successfully.  
• Implement initiatives that boost sharing of experiences and cross-organisational learning and strategy design to advance the DDR agenda and ensure all issues are comprehensively addressed.

Specific Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development and implementation of DDR aspects of the AUC-PCRD’s PCRD, DDR and peacebuilding initiatives, programmes and projects, including overall policy and legal frameworks, implementation strategies, operational modalities and action plans, taking into account continental, regional and national programme priorities and targets.
• Provide technical support on DDR in the implementation of AUC-PCRD’s engagements at national and/or regional levels, as well as in relevant peace support operations in line with the African Peace and Security Architecture.
• Organise and / or participate in meetings, workshops, trainings, ensuring that cross-cutting issues are addressed through a holistic approach to DDR.
• Assist in the general planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the DDR activities of the AUC-PCRD.
• Provide technical support on DDR in the implementation of AU PCRD engagements at national and/or regional levels, as well as in relevant peace support operations line with APSA and the AU continental DDR Program.
• Take part, when required, to fact findings missions, PCRD assessments, country specific and regional DDR assessments, early deployments to AU peace support operations etc.
• Collaborate with other partners in mobilising resources in coordination with the AU Commission for specific interventions and/or activities contributing to the strategic objectives highlighted in the continental DDR Program.
• Collaborate with the AU Commission to enhance coherence, coordination and complementarity between and among diverse actors engaged in DDR and attend the annual meeting of the AU/RECs Standing Committee meeting on DDR and Small Arms and Light Weapons.
• Undertake research and collect data on issues related to DDR, facilitate the collection and exchange of information and prepare various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc and draft, collate and edit specified inputs for all reports and documentation on DDR.
• Prepare substantive DDR inputs (quality briefings, discussion papers and policy documents) into key strategic AU documents and ahead of statutory technical and consultative and other officially approved meetings through comprehensively analysing and researching issues under review as well as the political, social and economic situation on the continent.
• Liaise with the DDR / SSR Division in the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department on related subjects and ensure full coordination in deployed efforts.
• Coordinate, as needed, with the AU Commission, other AU specialised technical agencies that have complementary mandates through participating in working-level mechanisms for SSR within the context of the AU PCRD and DDR frameworks implementation; as well as coordinate with relevant national, regional and global institutions and non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, the private sector, the media and the academia, faith-based organisations and traditional authorities among others.
• Perform any other tasks as may be directed by the superviser.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A Master's Degree in Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, Strategic Security Studies, International Relations, International Development, Law, International Law or any related education with at least 7 years’ of progressively experience and applied knowledge in policy design and performance monitoring in the areas of DDR, out of which three (3) must be at expert level.
• Good knowledge of the African context and thorough conceptual knowledge and practice of the AU DDR and peacebuilding discourse is desirable. Significant knowledge of DDR concepts, terminology, research and policy literature particularly on the African continent is required Demonstrates an ability to follow up on new developments in DDR and a willingness to adapt to new situations and learn from others. Comprehensive knowledge of the vision, structure and relevance of the AU is essential.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the specific and different impacts of conflict on women and girls and men and boys and the need to ensure Gender mainstreaming in national and regional DDR Roadmaps.
• Candidates with bachelor’s degree would be considered provided they poses 10 years in the above relevant fields of study with 3 years at expert level.
• An internationally recognized course on SSR Level 2 and on DDR (basic and advanced) would be an asset. A higher qualification will be an added advantage.
• Experience in strategic planning development and programme and project design using results framework is desirable.
• Previous work experience in a peace operation and/or in a conflict or post-conflict context with knowledge of and strong networks within multilateral institutions and policymaking, as well as of the broader policy development and implementation system.
• Must have good knowledge of the Policy and peacebuilding discourse within the African context.
• Must have proven track record of outstanding report writing and oral communication abilities.  
• Previous work experience in a peace operation and/or in a conflict or post-conflict context with knowledge of and strong networks within multilateral institutions and policymaking, as well as of the broader policy development and implementation system would be an advantage
• Experiences with the AU Commission and/or RECs/RMs and/or in mission settings and peace support operations are desired.  

Required Skills:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to work across business units / geographies; cultural sensitive environment.
• Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic) and  fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight.
• Developing others.
• Change Management.
• Managing Risk.

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationship.
• Foster Accountability Culture.
• Learning Orientation.
• Communicating with Influence.

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual thinking.
• Job Knowledge and information sharing.
• Drive for result.
• Continuous improvement orientation.

Tenure of Appointment

• The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period.
• Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming

• The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Languages

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage

Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$ 37,453.00 (P3 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (48% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$  19,103.64  (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

Application Deadline 28th February, 2022.