Categories: Vacancies, May 2026

Political Officer – Conflict Management, AU, P2, Addis Ababa, NORCAP

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia -Deployment

Organization: Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

Deadline: February 19, 2025, 02:59 AM

Job Description

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 on finding 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

We are recruiting a Political Officer – Conflict Management , for an initial period of 1 year including a 3 month probation period. The assigned location will be Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Political Officer at the P2 level shall be responsible in general terms for the preparation and implementation of activities relating to conflict management and resolution efforts and will support the development and implementation of conflict management policies and coordination of partnerships.

African Union

The African Union (AU), established in 2002 as a unique Pan African continental body, is 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. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Only applicants from the AU member states will be considered.

Responsibilities

Main Responsibilities

The AU Commission is now seeking to fill in the position of Political Officer – Conflict Management Directorate – PAPS, based in Addis Ababa – Ethiopia. She/he will be responsible in general terms for the preparation and implementation of activities relating to conflict management and resolution efforts and will support the development and implementation of conflict management policies and coordination of partnerships.

Specific Responsibilities

The Political Officer will be responsible for the following main duties

Assist in the development and implementation of conflict management policies and frameworks.
Conduct research and analysis on conflict situations to inform CMD policies and strategies.
Prepare regular situation reports, analytical briefs, and recommendations for CMD leadership.
Work closely with AU Member States, RECs, RMs, and international organizations to support conflict management initiatives.
Support AU-led mediation and preventive diplomacy efforts to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts.
Manage assigned CMD projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and efficient use of resources.
Monitor project progress and prepare reports on implementation and impact.
Assist in the preparation of meetings, seminars and workshops with relevant stakeholders on CMD initiatives.
Perform any other relevant functions as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Work Experience
- A Master’s degree in one of the following disciplines: Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Conflict, Peace and Security studies, Social Sciences or any other related discipline,
- At least eight (8) years or more experience in planning, implementing, and managing projects within the peace and security domain, including skills in monitoring and evaluation.

Skills and Competencies

- Required Skills
  - A demonstrated ability to initiate and promote collaborative approaches between geographically and culturally disparate partners.
  - Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations both internally and externally.
  - Ability to develop clear program goals, plans and actions, including budgets, that are consistent with agreed strategies.
  - Management experience, excellent interpersonal skills and ability to organise and motivate others and work in a multi-cultural environment.
  - Excellent drafting and reporting skills.
  - Good communication and negotiating skills.
  - Good planning and organizing skills.
  - Experience working with donors and international partners.
  - Strong understanding of AU conflict management frameworks, policies, and peace and security mechanisms.
  - Knowledge on evolving global and continental trends on conflict situations
Strong political knowledge of the continent and analytical acumen.

Language Requirement

- Proficiency in English is a must. Knowledge of other AU working languages would be an added advantage (Arabic, French, Spanish or Portuguese).

For more information please see the Terms of Reference

Remuneration

The salary attached to the position is set at P2, Step 5 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff.

The main competencies of a NORCAP Expert:

Building working relationships
Planning and organising
Adaptability
Resilience

What we offer

Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
Join NORCAP’s team of experts and be considered for future assignments elsewhere
A dedicated Staff Care Unit

How to apply

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
Approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment
Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.
Apply before 19th Feb 2025 and 23:59 (Oslo time)

About Us

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee.

Join us in assisting millions of people in areas where others cannot, tackling some of the world’s most dangerous and difficult crises. Bring your skills and dedication to an organisation recognised for providing high quality aid and for defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced people.

At NRC, we give responsibility to employees at all levels and foster professional growth and innovative teams. You can expect a supportive culture and an open dialogue with management. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Together, we save lives and rebuild futures.

Safeguarding is central to NRC’s work. We expect all employees to:

• treat everyone with respect and dignity

• contribute to building a safe environment for all

• never engage in any form of exploitation, harassment and specifically sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH)

• always report. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse and SEAH

About the Team

At NORCAP, we work to better protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions to meet the needs of people at risk. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.