NORCAP, part of the Norwegian Refugee Council, works to improve aid to better protect and empower people affected by crisis and climate change, providing expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development and peacebuilding partners. Through a partnership with the African Union, NORCAP is supporting efforts to strengthen political engagement, regional cooperation and sustainable peace across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.
The Political Officer serves as the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea's focal point in Juba, providing political analysis, strategic advice, liaison and follow-up support on developments in South Sudan and their regional implications. The position is based at the African Union Liaison Office in South Sudan, with an initial deployment of twelve months, renewable subject to operational requirements and performance. The role reports to the AU High Representative and works in close coordination with the Head of the AU Liaison Office in South Sudan.
Responsibilities:
- Provide timely political analysis, advice and recommendations on developments in South Sudan and their implications for the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.
- Prepare briefing notes, talking points, political assessments and other substantive materials for consultations, visits and political engagements.
- Support good offices initiatives, preventive diplomacy efforts and political dialogue processes by identifying risks, opportunities and entry points for engagement.
- Monitor implementation of peace agreements, political developments, governance processes, constitutional and electoral developments, and broader security dynamics.
- Produce regular political reports, early warning briefs and actionable recommendations for African Union stakeholders.
- Maintain constructive relationships with government counterparts, political actors, civil society representatives and other national stakeholders.
- Liaise and coordinate with regional and international partners, including IGAD, the United Nations and diplomatic missions.
- Strengthen coordination, reporting and information-sharing between the High Representative, the AU Liaison Office in South Sudan and relevant African Union Commission structures.
Qualifications:
- Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Peace and Security Studies, Law, African Studies, Conflict Studies or a related field; a first-level degree with additional relevant experience may be considered.
- Relevant professional experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict prevention, mediation, peace processes, political analysis or international relations, appropriate to a P3-level position.
- Strong understanding of South Sudan and/or the Horn of Africa; experience in complex political, diplomatic or security environments highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct political analysis, produce high-quality reports and briefings, and translate findings into practical recommendations.
- Experience engaging with governments, regional organisations, diplomatic missions, the UN or other international partners; AU or IGAD experience is an advantage.
- Fluency in English is required; Arabic and/or another AU working language is an advantage.
The role is restricted to nationals of African Union member states. NORCAP offers rewarding work, access to a network of humanitarian, peace and development professionals, and a dedicated Staff Care Unit.
* Apply before 01st November 2026, 11:59 PM.
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the NRC/NORCAP careers portal before 1 November 2026, 11:59 PM. Register your full employment history and education in English, including your full name as written in your passport; uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed. This role is restricted to valid passport-holding nationals of African Union member states. Please read the attached terms of reference before applying. Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of the advertisement.
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