Overview
The Humanitarian Affairs Adviser 2 (HAA) is seconded to the African Union to support and influence the set-up of an AU humanitarian architecture, specifically by contributing to the operationalization of the African Humanitarian Agency (AfHA) through legal and technical support.
Tasks Summary
- Conduct foresight analysis to assess what is working, identify gaps/challenges, and recommend next steps for AfHA.
- Monitor humanitarian dynamics in the context of armed conflict and develop engagement roadmaps for AfHA.
- Analyze global humanitarian paradigms and their impact on AfHA policies and practices.
- Ensure International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Geneva Conventions are central to AfHA's work.
- Provide and facilitate capacity building in IHL and technical aspects of humanitarian response in conflict situations.
- Support AfHA's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on humanitarian responses and coordination.
- Advise delegations on the evolution of AfHA and its impact on humanitarian action in Africa.
- Support delegations in achieving diplomacy and policy objectives related to AfHA and the AU's humanitarian architecture.
- Build and maintain a network of stakeholders connected to AfHA and the RC/RC Movement.
- Engage with the AU Specialized Technical Committee on Migration, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (STC) and future AfHA regional centers.
- Keep regular contact on humanitarian issues with humanitarian diplomacy focal points and ICRC diplomatic hubs in Africa.
- Represent the ICRC in key fora relating to AfHA.
- Engage with ECHO to understand its relationship with the European Union for best practices.
- Contribute to the development of AfHA policies, SOPs, and guidelines by mobilizing ICRC technical assistance.
- Organize capacity building for AfHA and member state officials on IHL, humanitarian principles, access, and protection standards.
- Facilitate operational collaboration and coordination with AfHA's Regional Centres, IFRC, and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Experience Requirements
- Typically 6-9 years’ overall professional experience.
- At least 5 years’ experience in humanitarian action or political affairs.
- Including at least 2 years with ICRC.
- Experience with AU a strong asset.
- Proven experience in cultivating networks and influencing others.
- Solid understanding of regional relations in Africa and their interplay with humanitarian affairs.
- Knowledge of multilateral organizations/fora/agencies and platforms.
Qualification Requirements
- University degree in a relevant subject (e.g. international relations, social and/or political sciences).
- Master's degree or other specialization in a related subject/policy issue an asset.
- Computer proficiency.
