Expert on Continental Early Warning System & Preventive Diplomacy: African Union (AU) Jobs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The Continental Early Warning System (CEWS)

Background

1. Article 12 of the PSC Protocol provides for the establishment of a Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), in order to facilitate the anticipation and prevention of conflicts in Africa.

As stipulated in article 12 (2) of the Protocol, the CEWS shall consist of ;

(i) an observation and monitoring centre, to be known as “the Situation Room’’, which is located at the Conflict Management Division of the African Union and is responsible for data collection and analysis; and

(ii) the observation and monitoring units of the Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, which shall be linked directly through appropriate means of communication to the Situation Room and which shall collect and process data at their level and transmit the same to the Situation Room.

2. The Governmental Experts meeting on early warning and conflict prevention, held in South Africa in 2006, adopted the Framework for the Operationalization of the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), which was subsequently endorsed by the 10th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, held in Addis Ababa, in January 2007.

The Council requested the Commission to take all the necessary steps for the timely and full implementation of the Framework, including the mobilization of the financial and technical resources required from both AU Member States and partners, the speedy recruitment of the human resources needed and other relevant steps, within a timeframe of three (3) years, to ensure that the CEWS is fully operational by 2009.

Steps Taken

3. The Framework has three major components: Data collection and analysis; engagement with decision makers; co-ordination and collaboration with the Regional Mechanisms.

As a follow-up to the decision of the 10th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and in order to put in place the requirements outlined in the Framework, the following steps were taken by the CMD:

(i) As part of efforts to enhance the data collection and gathering capacity of the Situation Room, the AU has developed and is currently developing various tools and software.

(ii) In terms of data analysis, CEWS has finalized a Strategic Conflict Assessments (SCAs) Methodology Handbook, to enable it to monitor and assess conflicts on the continent. However, due to the limited number of analysts, it is currently unable to provide up to date analysis and response options.

4. In order to enhance cooperation and collaboration with the Regional Economic Communities a meeting was held in February/March 2008.

The purpose of the meeting was to review the steps taken at continental and regional levels to operationalize the CEWS and to share information on progress made regarding data collection, data analysis and other relevant aspects.

The meeting agreed on a number of steps to be taken, including, the convening of quarterly technical meetings between CEWS and the RECs.

Way-Forward

5. The current levels of analytical staff are insufficient to fulfill the requirements of a fully fledged CEWS. Due to its continental level mandate, CEWS will require additional analytical staff to adequately monitor and analyze all five regions of Africa.

6. In this regard, the CMD has planned to recruit qualified and experienced early warning and conflict prevention analysts for the following positions:

• P5 positions – 1
• P4 positions – 2
• P3 position – 2

Vacancy Announcement

Post

Job Title: Expert on Continental Early Warning System & Preventive Diplomacy

Grade: P5
Number of Post: 1

Department: Peace and Security
Duty Station: Addis Ababa
Reports to: Head of the Conflict Management Division (CMD)

Job Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Conflict Management Division, the incumbent shall be engaged in data collection, analysis and report writing on conflict early warning, using the CEWS methodology, as well as activities to establish, implement and monitor the Continental Early Warning System of the African Union.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Expert shall be responsible for the following:

• Propose guidelines on nature, scope and strategy for ensuring effective partnership between the PSD and Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution;
• Prepare and service inter-governmental and other experts meeting on early warning and conflict prevention;
• Provide on-the-job training to CEWS staff on early warning and conflict prevention;
• Initiate research into the root causes of conflicts in Africa with a view to provide advice and policy options to the leadership for conflict resolution;
• Monitor political and socio-economic developments in Member States;
• Devise strategies and methods of detecting signals likely to lead to conflicts;
• Produce early warning reports and trends analysis;
• Prepare and facilitate information exchange with Regional Desk Officers as well as analyze such information for the attention of the leadership of the Peace and Security Department;
• Closely work with the Situation Room and maintain working relations with the Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution;
• Perform any other project related duties as may be assigned by the Head of the Conflict Management Division.

Qualifications Required

The incumbent should have:

• A Masters degree, with 8 to 10 years relevant experience in Political Science, International Relations, International Law and Conflict Prevention and Resolution, working in Research Centers/Institutes’, United Nations and its agencies or other international organizations or lecturing at a University in Political Science, International Law or undertaking research in Political Science;
• Must have excellent presentation and drafting skills and excellent knowledge of current political, social and economic developments in Africa and the World and must be well versed in applying social science methodology;
• Must have the ability to work with a team of professional staff and capacity for creativity and initiative as well as capacity to produce early warning reports/briefs under pressure;

Competencies and Skills

• The incumbent must have a demonstrated ability to take initiative and be a team player.
• He/she must be computer literate and versed in the use of Power Point, Excel and Word.
• He/she must have excellent drafting, writing, analytical and communication skills.

Language requirement

• Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages is a requirement.
• Knowledge of one or more of the other AU working languages would be an added advantage.

Age Requirement

• Must be preferably between the age of 35 and 50 years.

Tenure of Appointment

• The appointment shall be for an initial period of one (1) year, the first three (3) months of which shall be on probation.
• It shall be renewable subject to performance and availability of funds.

Gender Mainstreaming

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application

To apply, please submit the following:

• A letter stating your motivation for seeking employment with the AU Commission
• A detailed and updated CV, indicating your nationality, age and gender
• Names and contact details (including e-mail addresses) of three references
• Certified copies of degrees, diplomas and other academic certificates

Remuneration

The salary attached to the position is a lump-sum of USD 105,785.40 (P5-5) inclusive of all allowances.

Applications must be received not later than 12 March 2010 and should be addressed to:

Director of Administration & Human Resource Development
P.O.Box 3243
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: +251-11-5525840/5510430
E-mail: au-recruits @ africa-union.org

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