Crisis Management Initiative is seeking a Project Manager - AU Mediation Support Capacity

The African Union’s Conflict Management Division (CMD) – an integral component of the AU Peace and Security Department, the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) and the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) are undertaking a joint project aimed at strengthening the mediation support capacity of the African Union (AU). The project is in support of a larger AU initiative involving a number of other partners in support of the development of an AU mediation policy, preparation of a perception analysis, generation of knowledge on African mediation practice, trainings, establishment of a standby roster and support to mediation field missions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Serves as CMI full time representative in Addis Ababa. Leads on developing and delivering CMI’s policy analysis, strategy and support to the African Union on building mediation capacity.

2. Ensures the delivery of CMI responsibilities under the project with the African Union Conflict Management Division in pursuit of the outcomes in the AU Mediation Capacity 2008-2010 work programme, in particular :
Assist the CMI Mediation and Dialogue cluster director in producing a perception analysis to assess the ongoing opinions, attitudes and perceptions of key stakeholders on the role of the African Union in peace mediation and to allow for a continuous fine tuning of mediation strategy.
Creation and management of the mediation expert communities, including preparing and producing the reports of three thematic reflective learning meetings per year with the aim of drawing out experiences to assist the African Union in peace making efforts; Facilitate the production and editing of ‘good mediator’ videos as a means to build greater awareness and knowledge of the practice of mediation; Organise the annual meeting of the African non-state mediation practitioners with a view to systematising the professional mediation sector of non state actors on the African continent and provide capacity building support to them.
Support the CMI Project Coordinator in the drafting of annual mapping reports of civil society and non-state actors through surveys of 10 qualitative reviews of organisations active in peace mediation on the African continent; Engage in meetings that relate to the role and function of CMI.

3. Serves as Project Manager for the day-to-day implementation of the project including reporting of progress, monitoring of expenditure and oversight of coherence and coordination among work packages. The Project Manager will attend the Project Management Committee that brings together the AU Conflict Management Division, ACCORD and CMI at least twice a year. In addition the Project Manager will be responsible to brief the Director attending the annual Joint Steering Committee.

4. Undertakes other related tasks as required and agreed by CMI Mediation and Dialogue Cluster Director. For example, may undertake and commission policy research as appropriate and agreed with line management.

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCE:
Experience in analysis, advocacy and action in partnership with international organisations such as the African Union and United Nations, multilateral bodies, donors, research institutes and NGOs.
Experience in peacebuilding work with a demonstrated understanding of mediation experience on the African continent.
Strong understanding of conceptual approaches to mediation and dialogue and the role of Track II actors.
Excellent teamwork skills and ability to build good relations internally and externally Analytical, with an ability to crystallise issues in complex situations Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal Ability to think strategically and beyond individual country context Knowledge of project cycle management including budgeting, reporting, monitoring and evaluation Fluency in written and spoken English Willingness to travel at short notice and live in difficult circumstances sometimes subject to travel restrictions and insecurity University education in conflict studies, political science, international law or an equivalent qualification DESIRABLE SKILLS:
Ability to work independently when necessary and at times with minimal supervision Thorough understanding of and active commitment to promoting gender equity and participative approaches in peacebuilding Sensitivity to cultural differences Knowledge of another language of the African Union (Portuguese, French, Arabic) Experience in dealing with academics, researchers and policy makers

REPORTING LINES:

Reports to the CMI Mediation and Dialogue Cluster Director based in Brussels, with support from the part-time CMI Project Coordinator based in Addis Ababa.

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY:

Full budget responsibility for the project including completing narrative reports as part of the project financial management procedures.

CONTRACT: Fixed term consultancy contract

STARTING DATE: As soon as possible

FEE: Negotiable based on experience

LOCATION: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (applicants must be entitled to work in Ethiopia)

APPLICATION: Candidates interest in this position need to submit by 16th of October 2009 to africanunion@cmi.fi the following documents:

• A full CV

• A one page letter highlighting the candidate’s motivation and qualifications for this position

FURTHER INQUIRIES: Dr Antje Herrberg, Director, Peace Mediation and Dialogue, on 13 October 2009 from 13 to 14 or through appointment +32 2 239 21 12