Political Officer – Democracy & Election, AU, P2, Addis Ababa, NORCAP

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 peacebuilding 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 peacebuilding 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 challenging 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 peacebuilding sectors

The African Union (AU), established 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 developing a new partnership worldwide. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The AU aims to strengthen its capacity to deliver on governance and conflict prevention mandates through its Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department (GCPD-PAPS). This partnership aligns with NORCAP’s mission to support initiatives that protect and empower people in challenging situations.

Role and Responsibilities

The Political Officer – Democracy and Elections role is for an initial period of 1 year and includes a 3-month probation and located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. You will take on the following responsibilities as they pertain to the preparation and implementation of election observation activities:

• Assist in planning and implementing electoral support programmes in Member States.
• Draft project proposals relating to democracy strengthening and institution-building within Member States.
• Provide technical capacity building and advice to Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and other electoral stakeholders.
• Assist EMBs in mainstreaming the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance in their mandates.
• Strengthen the capacity of regional and continental fora of EMBs.
• Manage relations with international partners.
• Support the implementation of post-election follow-up activities, including those related to the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) reports.
• Monitor and analyse political and socio-economic trends and their impact on electoral and democratic processes within AU Member States.

Kindly note that this role is with the African Union and is therefore restricted to valid passport-holding nationals of AU member states.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• A master’s degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Social Sciences or a related discipline.
• At least eight years of experience in elections and democratic governance in Africa.
• Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic & Spanish) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and promote collaborative approaches between geographically and culturally disparate partners.
• Experience working with donors and international partners.
• Excellent drafting, reporting, communication, and negotiating skills.

Please read the attached terms of reference for more details before applying.

Competencies

The main competencies of a NORCAP Expert are:

• Building working relationships
• Planning and organising
• Adaptability
• Resilience

What We Offer

In recognition of your expertise and contributions, we provide the following benefits and opportunities:

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit

How to Apply

Based on what you have read so far, do you think you could be a good fit? If so, please follow these steps and 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 05 January, 2025 at 11:59PM Oslo Time (CET).

We look forward to receiving your application!