Date Posted: 29 April 2025
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Application Deadline: Friday, 16 May 2025 (Close of Business)
Category: Expert Level
Contract Regime: Internationally Contracted
Availability: ASAP until 31 August 2025, with the possibility of extension
Security Clearance Required: EU Secret
Citizenship Requirement: Open to citizens of European Union Member States only
Introduction
The European Union (EU) continues to play a pivotal role in supporting peace, stability, and regional integration within the Horn of Africa. As part of this mission, the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Horn of Africa is inviting qualified candidates to apply for a strategic role based in Nairobi.
This opportunity offers the chance to contribute directly to the EUSR’s efforts in facilitating dialogue, resolving conflicts, and enhancing political cooperation across a region marked by complex dynamics and high-stakes diplomacy. The EUSR office is now seeking to appoint a highly competent Conflict Management Expert to join its team of professionals committed to peace and sustainable governance in the region.
About the Organisation
The European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Horn of Africa represents the EU’s diplomatic and strategic interests across East Africa. The EUSR leads peacebuilding, mediation, and diplomatic efforts in a region that includes countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan, Djibouti, and Kenya. The office works closely with the EU Delegations, national governments, regional organisations (e.g., IGAD), the African Union, and international stakeholders.
Position: Conflict Management Expert
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Contract Duration: From ASAP to 31 August 2025 (with a possibility of extension)
Contract Type: Internationally Contracted
Clearance Level: EU Secret (Mandatory)
Key Responsibilities
The selected candidate will serve as the Conflict Management Expert within the EUSR office. The role requires deep regional expertise, high-level analytical capacity, and hands-on experience in diplomacy and peace processes.
Key duties include:
- Conflict Analysis and Reporting
- Conduct in-depth conflict and political analysis on the Horn of Africa region, particularly related to peace processes, security dynamics, and regional tensions.
- Provide timely, strategic advice to the EUSR on key developments and emerging risks.
- Draft analytical reports, briefings, and situation updates for EU institutions and partners.
- Political Engagement and Advisory
- Support the EUSR in engaging with regional and international stakeholders, including national governments, IGAD, the African Union, and UN missions.
- Advise on mediation strategies, ceasefire agreements, and peace negotiations.
- Assist in preparing and accompanying the EUSR on field missions, diplomatic meetings, and dialogue initiatives.
- Operational Coordination
- Collaborate with EU Delegations in the region, particularly in Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, and South Sudan.
- Ensure coordination between EU instruments (e.g., CSDP missions, development aid, humanitarian support) and the political objectives of the EUSR.
- Maintain contact with civil society and expert networks engaged in conflict resolution, reconciliation, and governance.
- Policy and Programmatic Input
- Contribute to the development of EU policy papers, strategies, and positions concerning conflict resolution in the Horn of Africa.
- Monitor implementation of peace agreements and provide recommendations for EU support in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
Essential Requirements
- Must be a citizen of a Member State of the European Union and enjoy full rights as an EU citizen.
- Must hold or be eligible to obtain EU Secret security clearance.
- Significant field experience in conflict management, diplomacy, and/or peacebuilding, preferably in the Horn of Africa or a comparable context.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality political analysis and present findings clearly and concisely.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and diplomatic communication skills.
- Fluency in English (working language); knowledge of French or regional languages is an asset.
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to a fluid political and security environment.
Contract Terms and Working Conditions
- The appointment will be made under an international contract through the EUSR office.
- The selected candidate must be available to commence duties as soon as possible.
- Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya, with possible travel across the Horn of Africa region.
- The initial contract will run until 31 August 2025, with the possibility of extension based on performance and operational needs.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are required to complete the attached application form and send it by email to the following contacts:
- Ms. Pavla Danisova
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +32 2 584 4437 - Ms. Sandrine Pereira
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +32 460 84 05 45
The deadline for submission of applications is Friday, 16 May 2025 (Close of Business).
Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be considered.
