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Division Head, Conflict Management and Peacebuilding

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is an independent, non-profit applied policy research organisation with a focus on human security in Africa. Its mission is to conceptualise, inform and enhance the security debate on the continent. The ISS has offices in Addis Ababa, Cape Town, Nairobi, Dakar and Pretoria.

DIVSION HEAD: CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND PEACEBUILDING

Conflict Management and Peacebuilding is a new division established by the ISS in line with it strategy for 2012-2015, which will include the ISS’s programme work on Peace Support Operations, security sector governance and reform, maritime security, and peacebuilding across ISS offices. This division will engage in the provision of training, via its Training for Peace project, to support the deployment of police officers in UN and AU peacekeeping missions in Africa; policy advice, and policy development support to the AU, African regional organisations and national governments.

The Division Head will report to the Deputy Executive Director and will be responsible for the oversight of all aspects of delivery across the Institute, in association with Project Managers, and Regional Office Directors, including: strategic development, fund-raising and donor liaison, delivery of project outputs, quality control over the training, research and policy products of the division, monitoring and evaluation and external engagement. S/he will operate as a member of the Senior Management Team of the ISS, and will contribute towards the strategic development of the Institute. The position is located in Pretoria and includes substantial travel.

The successful candidate will have experience in providing training, research and analysis on UN and AU and peace missions and policy development support to the AU and regional organisations, or specialise in security sector governance and reform or conflict management and peacebuilding. S/he will have a strong track record of direct experience in Africa; and an extensive knowledge of conflict and post-conflict work. S/he will have an effective network across the continent, a strong record of publications and policy work in the above fields, a proven track record in fund-raising and project management, and/or diplomacy.

Requirements:

  • The successful candidate will be a senior person with proven professional competence, with a minimum of a Masters degree in international relations, African politics, or other relevant field
  • At least 10 years relevant work experience within a policy, politics, research or professional environment with increasing management responsibilities
  • At least five years of management experience, including financial and human resource management
  • Excellent research and writing skills, and a record of relevant publications
  • Strong track record in fund-raising and donor liaison
  • A strong team leader with excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in cooperation with governments and civil society
  • Experience in providing direct policy support to governments and regional organizations
  • Excellent English language skills, both written and verbal
  • Fluency in French and/or Portuguese would be an advantage
  • Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
  • Willingness to travel extensively regionally and internationally

Salary: From R700 000 per annum upward, commensurate with ISS internal salary structure. The Institute provides only limited benefits and staff are expected to make their own arrangements in this regard.

Applicants should provide a covering letter, detailing how s/he meets the requirements of the job. In addition, applicants must provide a detailed CV including the names and contact details of three referees, as well as electronic copies of two single-authored publications. Applications should be emailed to Mr. Isaac Sihadi at pretoriajobs@issafrica.org.

Closing date: This position remains open until posit is filled and the interview panel will conduct interviews from time to time with deserving candidates.

African female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

The ISS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to achieving employment equity in the workplace.