About the Organization
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is seeking a research officer to join its Addis Ababa-based team. The team provides temporary analytical and programme support to the African Union (AU) High Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission (HRCC) to the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
Job Summary
The research officer will undertake research and analysis, prepare briefing materials, and coordinate and document policy dialogues, regional consultations and related activities in support of the HRCC workplan. The research officer will report to an ISS Senior Researcher.
Key Responsibilities
Monitor political, security, humanitarian and diplomatic developments and prepare concise updates
Conduct desk research and compile background notes, stakeholder profiles, timelines and issue briefs
Prepare and quality-check talking points, briefing notes, meeting packs, presentations and draft correspondence
Review French and/or Arabic source material and provide accurate summaries in English
Coordinate preparations for two policy dialogues in Addis Ababa and approved regional consultation missions, including agendas, participant lists and logistical briefs
Liaise with the HRCC team, relevant AU Commission departments, the AU Liaison Office and approved external stakeholders
Take minutes and prepare consultation records, decisions and action trackers within two working days of each engagement
Maintain an organised and confidential repository of source materials, meeting records and analytical products
Maintain the implementation calendar, stakeholder map, and decision, action and risk trackers
Prepare monthly progress inputs on activities, outputs, expenditure dependencies, risks and delays
Assist with travel and event administration in line with approved budgets and AU, ISS and donor procedures
Compile a final handover package, including indexed records, outstanding actions and a short completion report
Required Qualifications
A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in political science, international relations, peace and security, public policy, law, development studies or a related field; a relevant Master's degree is an advantage
At least two years of relevant work experience in research, programme support, policy coordination, diplomacy, peace and security or a related field; relevant internships may be considered
Demonstrated ability to conduct research and turn complex information into clear, concise briefing materials
Familiarity with the AU and African peace and security institutions is highly desirable
Experience supporting senior officials in high-level meetings or multi-stakeholder processes is an advantage
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; professional working proficiency in French and/or Arabic is strongly preferred
Required Skills and Competencies
Sound political judgement and discretion in handling sensitive information
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work across cultures and institutions
Good computer skills (MS Office and shared document management tools)
Willingness to travel for work purposes, including internationally