Military and Security Adviser at Norwegian Refugee Council

We are seeking a Military and Security Adviser to be based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for a period of 12 months with a possibility of extension for a maximum total length of 36 months.

This is a French speaking role and to be eligible to apply, you need to be fluent in both French and English (written and verbal), have a relevant higher education degree in focus on security risk management and/or relevant qualifications in military (rank of Lieutenant Colonel/Colonel), Police (Senior Police) or security issues. The successful candidate must have a clear understanding of African Union security policies and procedures with at least ten years of relevant and progressive security, risk, and crisis management experience, both at national and international levels providing security-related services. A minimum of five years field experience in emergency countries is required.

Under the direct supervision of the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission and Head of the African Union (AU) Mission in the DRC, the Adviser will provide analyses on the political and security landscape in the DRC and guidance on AU’s approach and relevant activities on military and security related issues in the DRC.

To be eligible to apply, you must be an African Citizen. Please note that only applications made in English will be considered.

Duties and responsibilities

• To undertake in-depth study of the general situation aimed at understanding the dynamics of military and security issues in the DRC and regionally, with a view of developing a common and comprehensive understanding of the landscape, actors and current and future interventions
• To gather and interpret information from a variety of sources; including but not limited to other PSD divisions (i.e CEWS) and other departments, department of Political Affairs, Legal Counsel, as well as RECS/RMs, CSOs, the UN and other international organizations and draft and edit daily situation reports
• To ensure the timely preparation of analytical background information or reports for meetings of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) and other AU Policy Organs on the security situation in the DRC and the Region
• To liaise with all international partners/organisations and national military & security institutions to identify and plan an appropriate and coordinated response to security issues
• To prepare, review, recommend for approval or endorsement any security management documents for the mission, designated county, geographic area or activities, including all aspects related to the elaboration, development, and implementation, as well as updating of the documents
• To contribute to capacity building efforts undertaken by the international community for the national institutions and civil society organisations related to security issues
• To establish and chair a security coordination cell within the AULO, ensure its good functioning and practices, foster inter agency security coordination
• To provide advice to and support the AULO personnel with regard to all security-related matters, security policies and procedures
• To maintain and enhance lines of communication with national institutions in charge of security, international organisations, UN Agencies and all security focal points in the DRC and the region
• To maintain cooperation and collaboration with national authorities and international institutions, provide security briefing, advice and security training to AULO personnel and operational partners of the AU
• To assist in the response to crisis events and security incidents
• Perform any other duty as may be assigned by the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission and Head of the AU Mission in the DRC when it is required.

Qualifications and experience

• An advanced university degree with a focus on security risk management and/or relevant qualifications in military (rank of Lieutenant Colonel/Colonel), police (Senior Police) or security issues. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience in security risk management may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree
• A clear understanding of African Union security policies and procedures with at least ten (10) years of relevant and progressive security, risk, and crisis management experience, both at national and international levels providing security-related services. Minimum of five (05) years field experience in emergency countries is required
• Experience in crisis center management and early warning/threat analysis is an asset
• Fluency in written and spoken English and French
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, succinct policy and communication materials on military and security matters
• Experience working on websites
• Ability to work independently and respond to feedback in a timely and professional manner
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to contribute to a team
• Must have excellent speaking or drafting skills and excellent knowledge of current political, and security developments in the DRC and in the Great Lakes Region and the Continent
• Must have the ability to manage and control a team of professional staff and capacity for creativity and initiative as well as capacity to work under pressure.

Skills:

PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrated ability to produce clear, succinct policy and communication materials on military and security matters

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments

LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model to other people; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing

JUDGEMENT/DECISION-MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Application procedures and CV registration: Kindly submit your CV and application in English and include your full name as written in your passport. It is expected that you build a CV in our recruitment system by completing your personal information, education, professional work history, language skills, and other relevant sections in the fields available. Attached CV’s will not be reviewed.

About Us

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. We work in crises across 31 countries, providing emergencies and long-term assistance to millions of people every year. We stand up for people forced to flee, advocating their rights. NORCAP, our global provider of expertise, helps improve international and local ability to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from crises. NRC also runs the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre in Geneva, a global leader in reporting on and advocating for people displaced within their own country.

Employment with NRC may lead to employment in or deployment to Regions, Countries, Areas or Offices that may be host to considerable health, safety and security risks. NRC takes this very seriously and we have procedures in place to reduce known risks, but will never be able to take away all risks. NRC requires staff members who travel on an international contract to the field to undergo an medical examination with our medical provider. Employees must produce a Health Clearance Certificate before departure stating that there are no relevant health concerns. If staff are unable to provide this, NRC reserves the right to terminate the Contract of Employment.

About the Team

NORCAP solves key challenges in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, in order to better protect vulnerable people’s lives and rights. We build partnerships and projects with national and international organisations and stakeholders. Skilled NORCAP experts contribute to developing partners’ capacity – to identify and address challenges, improve collaboration and encourage new and innovative approaches. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.