UN Senior Policy Advisor Jobs in Ethiopia
The Life & Peace Institute (LPI) 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.
LPI envisions a world where peace, justice and non-violent relations prevail through people’s active work and commitment. LPI works with a variety of local and regional partners in the Horn of Africa region, Somalia, Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia and Great Lakes region, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
For the past four years, LPI has been implementing its Horn of Africa Regional Programme (HARP) based in Addis Ababa.
This policy-focused programme aims primarily at supporting civil society and academia in the Horn of Africa (HoA) to work together with regional and continental policy actors to address key peace and conflict issues.
In order to achieve this aim, HARP provides capacity support to civil society in policy engagement and analysis, works directly with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU), as well as informs policy through research, publications (e.g. the Horn of Africa Bulletin) and facilitating policy dialogue between policy actors and non-state actors on the ground.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Senior Policy Advisor will be responsible for effective leadership in the implementation of LPI’s regional policy advocacy efforts and monitoring progress towards our policy goals, in close coordination with line managers and LPI colleagues. Her/his main tasks will consist of, but are not limited to:
Nurturing existing partner relationships and MoUs (both with civil society, academia, IGAD and the AU) and overseeing engagement processes with partners
Liaising with representatives of the diplomatic community, the AU and IGAD, as well as other regional economic communities as required
Identifying the space and opportunities where LPI might support the peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts and policy processes of the AU and IGAD; providing consistent support to the HARP and partners in studying and influencing policies and strategies of the AU and IGAD
Initiating partnership discussions and liaising with stakeholders in countries of the Horn of Africa including with representatives of governments, national institutions and civil society organisations
Developing and maintaining an extensive network of expertise on the HoA and
building a database of key experts for LPI
Providing a synthesised and up-to-date periodic analysis of political developments and trends in the Horn of Africa (situating them where helpful in the broader historical, political and social context)
Conducting a mapping of conflict stakeholders in the region
Assessing the impact on LPI of intra-regional policy and political issues
Briefing LPI senior leadership on political perspectives and foreign policy positions which have an impact on the mission of LPI; providing, as appropriate, suggestions, recommendations and possible actions by LPI
Experience and skills
MA degree in one of the following disciplines: peace and conflict studies (preferred), social sciences, political science, international relations, or other related fields
Minimum of 8-10 years working experience from government, peacebuilding and/or policy engagement at HoA/ Pan-Africa level
Knowledge and understanding of policymaking processes, the AU and IGAD, the role these and other regional institutions play in peace and security, as well as issues relating to human security, regional integration and conflict dynamics in the HoA
Experience in drafting policy documents and speeches, networking with different stakeholders and identifying and engaging in windows for policy engagement
Proven ability to network, speak, write and communicate effectively, and to tailor messages to diverse audiences
Experience in successfully operating in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
Ability to provide technical and thought leadership in multi-cultural, cross-functional teams
Experience in solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward and ensuring buy-in
Sound analytical skills, attention to detail and ability to think strategically
Willingness to travel widely, often at short notice and in conflict and crisis-affected settings
Experience in PCRD, cross-border cooperation and engaging civil society actors is desired
Ability to work in English is essential; other AU or IGAD working languages and Amharic are preferred
Commitment to LPI’s values.
How to apply
Please submit your application by 15 August 2018 to: applications.addisababa@life-peace.org Applications must be in English and include a detailed CV, a policy-focused writing sample (max. 10 pages) and a concise cover letter explaining why you should be hired as Senior Policy Advisor in LPI’s Horn of Africa Regional Programme.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. We thank you for your interest and look forward to receiving your application.
