Senior Policy Officer, Security Sector Reform (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, Security Sector Reform (AUC-PCRD)

Requisition ID: 967
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Reports to: Principal Programme Management, Monitoring and Evaluation
Directorate / Department: African Union Centre for Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development (AUC-PCRD)
Division: Programme and Research
Number of Direct Reports: 0
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: P3
Number of Positions: 2
Contract  Type: Regular 

Purpose of Job

• Provide strategic and technical advice on security sector-wide issues, with special emphasis on the AU PCRD and SSR Policy frameworks.
• He or she will spearhead the development and dissemination of research products in respect to the AU’s SSR initiatives, programmes and projects, including overall policy and legal frameworks, implementation strategies, operational modalities and action plans.
• Also, will provide senior management with strategic analysis and guidance on a wide range of SSR policies and programmes affecting the mandate of the AUC-PCRD and review and provide advice on the impact of the AU PCRD and SSR Policy frameworks 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 SSR implementation targets.
• Provide technical assistance and monitor the progress of ongoing SSR 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 SSR strategic plans and annual work plans.
• Advise and make timely recommendations to senior management on identified SSR 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 SSR are implemented steadily and successfully.  
• Implement initiatives that boost sharing of experiences and cross-organisational learning and strategy design to advance the SSR agenda and ensure all issues are comprehensively addressed.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide senior management with analysis and guidance on SSR and mainstreaming a gender perspective into the mandate of the AU SSR Policy framework, ensuring effective implementation of relevant mandates and policies.
• Provide strategic guidance on SSR including policy aspects of programme/project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment; direct review of relevant documents; identify priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise and coordinate with relevant parties and colleagues and identify and track follow-up actions.
• Liaise with the DDR/SSR Division on SSR-related subjects and ensure full coordination in deployed efforts.
• Develop concept notes and programme documents in line with the strategic objectives of the AU SSR Policy framework, following the overall AU priorities.
• Provide technical support on SSR in the implementation of AU PCRD engagements at national and/or regional levels, as well as in relevant peace support operations in line with the African Peace and Security Architecture.
• Collaborate with the AU Commission to enhance coherence, coordination and complementarity between and among diverse actors engaged in SSR and attend the annual meeting of the AU/RECs SSR Steering Committee.
• Undertake research and collect data on issues related to SSR, 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 drafts, collate and edit specified inputs for all reports and documentation on SSR.
• Prepare substantive SSR 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 and in Member States from a gender, peace and security perspective of relevant SSR mandates.
• Provide technical support and guidance to the Commission, Member States and Regional Economic Communities/Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) in defining SSR actions and developing synergies with existing policies required to successfully implement the AU’s commitments set forth in Agenda 2063.
• Develop policy materials that will guide the design and implementation of SSR advocacy and outreach efforts and assist in the drafting of funding applications and funding reports and prepare substantive SSR policy guidance notes, deliver presentations and contribute to advocacy and communications materials highlighting trends and developments at continental, regional and national levels.
• Organise experts meetings, workshops and panel discussions to gather knowledge on emerging SSR issues and trends and examine implementation of the AU policy commitments to PCRD and peacebuilding with the framework of the AU SSR Policy framework.
• Identify and advise on entry points for new initiatives for the AUC-PCRD to strengthen SSR national and local capacities and to support the advancement of women’s roles in SSR processes.
• 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 SSR Policy 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 supervisor.

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 3 must be at expert level. 
• 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 SSR gender mainstreaming in national and regional SSR Roadmaps. 
• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed SSR strategies at the AU in accordance with the PCRD Policy principles and AU SSR Policy framework.
• 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.
• 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. 
• Experiences with the AU Commission and/or RECs/RMs and/or in mission settings and peace support operations are highly desired.  
• Must have good knowledge of the African context and thorough conceptual knowledge and practice of the AU PCRD SSR policy and peacebuilding discourse. 
• Must have proven track record of outstanding report writing and oral communication abilities. Shows understanding of political, social, and economic contexts and in particular their impact on peace and security across the continent. 
• Significant knowledge of SSR concepts, terminology, research, and policy literature particularly on the African continent is required Demonstrates an ability to follow up on new developments in SSR and a willingness to adapt to new situations and learn from others. 

Required Skills:

• 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 USD 37,453.00 (P3 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (48% of basic salary), Housing allowance USD 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 USD10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of USD 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.