As a federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development.
For our operations in Nigeria/Abuja, we are looking for a/an
Peace & Security Advisor to the ECOWAS-Commission
JOB-ID: 11252Field of activity
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was established in 1975 with the purpose of promoting regional cooperation and economic integration. In 2007, ECOWAS changed its central institution from an Executive Secretariat into a Commission, which has made the organization more effective and given the regional integration process a new dynamic. The ECOWAS Commission is led by a president, who is assisted by a Vice President and seven Commissioners, who head thematic departments. The organization provides an important forum for cooperation among its member states, with the Commission playing the role of a moderator for conflict-prevention, harmonization and integration in the region.
Since the transformation of the OAU into the African Union (AU) in 2002, the AU has started the development of an African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) in cooperation with Regional Economic Communities (RECs) such as ECOWAS. The objective of the APSA is to build and strengthen institutionalized multilateral responses to peace and security challenges on the continent along five key pillars: Peace and Security Council (PSC), Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), African Standby Force (ASF), the Panel of the Wise (Mediation), and the Peace Fund.
GIZ has supported the ECOWAS Commission since 2007. The current Support Programme consists of strengthening sector-specific expertise at the ECOWAS Commission and enhancing its strategic management structures and capacities. The objective of the GIZ Support Programme is to facilitate the design and implementation of regional agreements on taxes, customs, tariffs and other trade-related issues, and also to support reform processes aimed at enhancing peace and security, particularly through conflict prevention and mediation. The programme consists of four components in the following thematic areas:
1. Strategic Management and Organizational Development; 2.Trade-Related Reforms of the public finance system; 3. Advice on Trade Policy and 4.Peace and Security
The Peace and Security Component works in close cooperation with the Department for Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS) of the ECOWAS Commission. The key thematic focus areas of the cooperation within this sector are the coordination and implementation of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (ECPF); the set up of a Mediation Facilitation Division; improved cooperation and coordination with the regional Training Centers of Excellence (TCEs); the development of the civilian component of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) and the development of an regional expert pool/roster for ECOWAS Election Observation Missions; in addition to the development of a continental civilian standby roster in the context of the APSA.
Compared to the other RECs on the continent, ECOWAS is the oldest and in the peace and security sector the most experienced REC. ECOWAS’ achievements and especially its important role as conflict manager in the region are internationally recognized. One of the key challenges for the coming years in this sector will be the development and operationalization of the civilian component of the ESF, which is currently still lagging behind the development of the military and police components. In addition, the coordination and implementation of the ECPF, a holistic framework that cuts across fifteen thematic areas in the context of conflict prevention; and the setting up of the Mediation Facilitation Division, are main focuses on the agenda.
Your tasks
The head of the peace and security component is responsible for the technical, organizational and substantive implementation of the peace and security component and ensures the planning, management, organization and monitoring of all related activities. The head of component is required to make his/her own contributions to technical analysis needed in priority areas in the sector, develop proposals for the coordination and implementation of ongoing processes and assists in the cooperation and exchange within the Department for Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS) but also between PAPS and the relevant departments/directorates at the African Union Commission. At the same time the head of component ensures a regular exchange of information with other regional GIZ projects in the peace and security sector, and also analyses the contributions and activities of other development partners in the sector and advises the GIZ program, as well as the ECOWAS Department for Political Affairs Peace and Security accordingly. In coordination with the GIZ head of program, the head of component will ensure quality and knowledge management of the component's contribution towards the overall objectives of the program.
Your profile
GIZ is looking for a professional who has good knowledge of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and who has ideally experienced working within the APSA context and is thus familiar with its pillars, especially in the following thematic areas: setting up the civilian component, conflict prevention and mediation. Due to the politically-sensitive work environment, good intercultural communication skills and a profound understanding of the ECOWAS region and the role of RECs are essential. An established network of actors within the APSA would be an advantage.
Assignment period
What we offer you
With an international remit and a multicultural working atmosphere, we are successful because we share knowledge across disciplinary frontiers. Your professional and personal development is important to us. Whether it is the multifacetted day-to-day challenges in one of our partner countries or the considerable scope for applying creativity in your work – there are plenty of good reasons to join our motivated team.
Other information
Some travel activities in relation to this job are expected within the ECOWAS region.
All major international schools are available in Abuja. In addition, a large number of government and private schools exist in the capital.
Abuja experiences three weather conditions annually. This includes a warm, humid rainy season and a hot dry season. In between these seasons, there is a short period of harmattan (dry wind). As Nigeria lies within a Malaria-risk zone, the standard precautions must be taken into account. A yellow-fever vaccination is mandatory for entering the country.
Private and government hospitals are available in Abuja and offer treatment facilities for basic medical services.
Abuja is a predominantly safe city, travel advice by the German Federal Foreign Office applies for all travels outside Abuja.
Please note that we basically can only receive and process applications sent via our e-recruiting system. Should you not be able to do so, please contact the person named in the job advertisement.
To enable us to assess your existing skills and qualifications as part of our internal selection procedure, please complete the questionnaire on your competences when you apply online.
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We welcome job applications from people with disabilities.
If you are interested, please do not hesitate to apply until 23.08.2012.
Annette Riccius
++49 - (0)6196 - 79 - 3342
