Embedded Technical Adviser - SSRG at the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

The Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Agency for International Cooperation) is an international enterprise owned by the German Federal government, operating in many fields across more than 130 countries.

In Nigeria, GIZ's portfolio includes among others, a programme to support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its regional integration goals. The programme aims to strengthen sector-specific capacities in the areas of Peace and Security, Customs and Trade as weir as Strategic Management and Organizational Development in the ECOWAS Commission.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Embedded Technical Adviser - SSRG

VA No: 037
Location: Abuja
Organization: GIZ Nigeria, ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations
(EPSAO)
Contract Duration: 14 June 2022 to 31 January 2023 with potential for renewal until 2024, subject to the planned extension of the EPSAO Project by its commissioning parties.

Background

• GIZ. Working together for change - As a service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work, we are dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world. GIZ has over 50 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment promotion, energy and the environment, and peace and security.
• The diverse expertise of our federal enterprise is in demand around the globe - from the German Government, European Union institutions, the United Nations, the private sector and governments of other countries. We work with businesses, civil society actors and research institutions, fostering successful interaction between development policy and other policy fields and areas of activity. Our main commissioning party is the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The registered offices of GIZ are in Bonn and Eschborn. In 2019, we generated a business volume of around EUR 3.1 billion. Our 22,199 employees, almost 70 per cent of whom are national staff, work in around 120 countries. As a recognised development service provider, we currently have 556 development workers in action in partner countries. Furthermore, in 2019, the Centre for International Migration and Development (CIM), which is run jointly by GIZ and the German Federal Employment Agency, placed 262 integrated experts and 515 returning experts with local employers in our partner countries, or provided them with financial support, advice or other services. *Personnel and business figures as at 31 December 2019*

Programme

• Since 2006, GIZ through the commissioning and funding of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) implemented the "Support Programme to the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)" The Programme was aimed at strengthening the Commission in executing its core mandate of facilitating economic and political integration. GIZ support has had a focus in three principal areas including: 1) Organisational Development, 2) Trade and Customs, and 3) Peace and Security in which the Programme supported the strengthening of sectorspecific expertise as well as strategic planning and management structures, capacities and processes.
• Presently, GIZ implements the "ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) Project with co-funding from the European Union (EU) and the BMZ. The main objective of the project is to support ECOWAS in the prevention and management of conflict and security threats in West Africa.
• The project's interventions are underpinned by four strategic areas of focus: the strengthening of ECOWAS mechanisms for the promotion and maintenance of peace, stability and post-crisis operations, enabling ECOWAS to manage emerging or existing conflicts, supporting non-violent, fair, transparent and inclusive electoral processes, and contributing to the creation of a secure and safe post conflict environment. As part of its conflict resolution and management efforts, the EPSAO project supports ECOWAS in promoting the dissemination and awareness of its 2016 regional Security Sector Reform and Governance (SSRG) Policy Framework, and in assisting Member States' efforts towards security sectors that are effective, transparent and accountable to their citizens and fully committed to democratic norms and principles.
• To ensure a smooth and efficient roll-out of ECOWAS priorities and measures related to SSRG, EPSAO is looking for an SSRG Adviser who will be embedded within the ECOWAS Commission.

Responsibilities and Tasks

• This position is located the ECOWAS Regional Security Division of the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
• The Embedded Adviser, Security Sector Reform and Governance, provides technical support to the conceptualization and implementation of ECOWAS Security Sector Reform and Governance related strategies and initiatives.

The Embedded Adviser will undertake the following roles and functions:

• Assist the Head of Regional Security Division in the planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of SSRG programmes/projects in countries and at regional level.
• Provide technical advice on policy development, research, and present knowledge products including analytical reports, background papers, and briefing notes.
• Assist in programme information, dissemination, as well as implementation of ECOWAS communication strategy.
• Assist in organizing programme activities such as workshops, seminars, including making addresses on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission.
• In the absence of the Head of Regional Security Division. monitor and directs all communications as appropriate.
• Support lessons learnt, knowledge management and transfer within the Directorate of Peacekeeping and Regional Security (DPKRS).
• Contribute input into reports on the EPSAO project implementation, with analysis of project achievements, challenges and opportunities.
• Ensure consistent adherence to ECOWAS, GIZ and EU requirements.
• Ensure smooth and regular communication between the ECOWAS Regional Security Division and EPSAO, and ensure regular exchange with the EPSAO SSRG Component Head: and
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the Head of Regional Security Division and GIZ.

Required Qualifications, Competences and Experience
Qualifications:

• Advanced University Degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations or any related Social Sciences or Security Studies related background and education 
• Internationally recognized course on Security Sector Reform is an added advantage.

Professional Experience:

• 7 years of progressively responsible experience in Political Affairs.
• Governance, Diplomacy. conflict resolution, information management security or related field; Understanding of political governance and security dynamics. conflict prevention management and resolution;
• Technical competence to conduct information gathering, research and analysis.
• Strong knowledge of ECOWAS, AU and UN policies, strategies and approaches in Security Sector Reform and Governance is required;
• Experience in supporting development of regional and national security policies/strategies will be an advantage;
• Significant knowledge and experience in project management monitoring and evaluation: Experience of interacting with interlocutors at senior authority level;
• Experience in providing facilitation and moderation skills, and experience in designing, organising and evaluating capacity building measures is desired:.,
• Experience working in an international organization or at a multicountry level highly desirable; Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Displaying a high sense of flexibility and political sensitivity.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills and the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner; and Proficiency in information communication technologies (ICT).
• Spoken and written language skills in English is required for this position.
• Working knowledge of the French language will be an added advantage.
• Team Player
• Ability to work under pressure, stay on track and meet deadlines.
• Travel in the region and beyond as may be required for events and activities.

Salary
According to GIZ Nigeria Salary scale for Band 4.

Application Closing Date
20th April, 2022.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Letter of Motivation as one document with complete contact details to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Note

• Please include vacancy no. 037 in the mail subject.
• GIZ is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity. All qualified candidates, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, race and religion are encouraged to apply.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.