DDR/SSR Officer, AU, Mali, NORDEM

*Since 2013 NORCAP has worked in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) Peace and Security Department (PSD) to meet their growing demand for qualified and specialized civilian experts. NORCAP have supported Peace and Security initiatives specifically in the area of peace support operations, conflict prevention, and post-conflict reconstruction and development. Based on the AUC need of continued expertise support, NORCAP is expanding the support within and beyond PSD, to also include governance and development. NORCAP and the AUC work together in choosing deployments that will further the work of the AU towards Agenda 2063.*

NORCAP is the Norwegian Refugee Council’s expert deployment mechanism. NORCAP strengthens international and local partners’ capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from crisis by deploying highly qualified women and men from its world leading standby rosters. The deployed experts work with UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, development actors and national stakeholders to save lives, build resilient communities, ensure peaceful transitions from conflict and promote sustainable governance.

NORDEM is NORCAPs programme on human rights democracy and peace. We support international organisations and operations that work in the field of human rights, democratisation and peace with qualified personnel. In addition, we offer advice, support the transfer of experience and contribute to research. Our expertise covers such fields as good governance, democratic institutions, independence of the judiciary, judicial and legal reform, human rights, election observation and election assistance.

Therefore, we are looking for a DDR/SSR Officer, the successful candidate must have as minimum an advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations or any related Social Sciences or security sector related background and education. The successful candidate should have followed internationally recognized course on Security Sector Reform (Level 1 and/or 2) or on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR).

The successful candidate must also have a minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience on Peace and Security issues, including five (5) years devoted to work related to SSR, DDR and conflict management on the African continent.

This is an English and French speaking role and to be eligible to apply, you must be fluent in English and French (written and verbal).

The position is located in Mali and has a duration of at least 1 year.***

To be able to apply, it is mandatory to have the nationality of one of the Member States of the African Union.

*Main Duties and Responsibilities

· To advise the Head of AU Liaison Office in Mali and Sahel on the planning, implementation monitoring and evaluation of the DDR and RSS activities of Mali;

· To provide technical assistance to the Government of Mali to engage in a national strategic vision towards the implementation of DDR/SSR processes in line with the provisions of the Algiers peace agreement for Mali and the recommendations from the AU and Partners mission on SSR conducted in November 2015;

· To support the Head of AU Liaison Office in Mali and Sahel in his efforts to assist the Government of Mali accelerate the process of setting up the Operational Coordinating Mechanism (MOC), with a view to facilitating the beginning of the DDR process;

· To conduct research, write policy documents, publish and disseminate project outputs related to DRR and RSS in Mali;

· To consult with the AU Commission, Regional Economic Communities (REC’s), the International Community, Partners, Civil Society Organizations and other stakeholders in the implementation of projects related to DRR and RSS in Mali;

· To constitute, deploy and participate in DDR-RSS teams for assessment missions, peace operations and training as the situation requires;

· To formulate proposals, policies, plans of action, programmes and projects to assist Mali in the implementation of the national DDR and RSS programs;

· To write and submit narrative and financial plans and produce regular reports on projects and activities relating to DRR and RSS in MISAHEL (African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel)

· To support MISAHEL in designing and fundraising for quick impact projects on DDR and SSR in close collaboration with national DDR and SSR coordination committees;

· To propose good practices and support activities in the areas of DDR of foreign armed groups on the basis on lessons from past experience;

· To provide strategic and operational guidance for the planning and implementation of the DDR process taking into account the special needs of women, children and other vulnerable groups;

· To organise meetings, workshops, seminar and conferences on activities related to DRR and RSS in Mali and participate, when feasible, in regional or international conferences, symposia and seminars that are related to enhancing the effectiveness and impact of DRR and RSS projects of Mali;

· To perform any other peace and security related duties as may be assigned by the Head of AU Liaison Office in Mali.

*

Qualifications and Experiences Required

· Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations or any related Social Sciences or security sector related background and education;

· Internationally recognized course on Security Sector Reform (Level 1 and/or 2) or on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR).

· Fluency in English and French is required

*Experience

· At least seven (7) years of work experience on peace and security issues, including five (5) years devoted to work related to SSR, DDR and conflict management on the African continent.

· Have the ability to conduct high level discussions and to work closely with high level representatives of governments, military officials, NGOs and multi-lateral institutions in complex peace and security environments with multiple interests;

· Experience in providing training, facilitation to conflict management or peace processes, especially in the African context will be an added advantage;

· Computer literately and well versed in the use of the Internet, Power Point, Excel and Word. Keep abreast with other available technology;

· Have excellent writing, negotiating, analytical and communication skills.

*

Skills and Competencies Required

· Significant knowledge of SSR and DDR concepts, terminology, and research and policy literature, particularly on the African continent is required;

· Follow up on new developments in SSR and show willingness to learn from others;

· Comprehensive knowledge of the origin, vision, structure and relevance of the African Union is essential. General knowledge of the United Nations system is required;

· Excellent writing skills and ability to clearly communicate both in writing and speaking, including public speaking and Power Point presentations;