About CIVIC
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is an international nonprofit organization working to improve protection for civilians caught in conflict. CIVIC collaborates with armed actors, governments, multilateral bodies, and affected communities to develop and implement practical solutions to prevent, mitigate, and respond to civilian harm. Learn more at civiliansinconflict.org.
CIVIC’s approach combines field-based programming, applied research, and humanitarian diplomacy, policy and advocacy engagement, ensuring that protection strategies are grounded in evidence and informed by the lived experiences of civilians. CIVIC operates in some of the world’s most complex conflict environments, including across Africa, where it maintains active programming and partnerships in countries such as Nigeria, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania, Benin, Togo, and others. In Africa, CIVIC works to:
- Strengthen Protection of Civilians (PoC) and Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) capacities of armed actors.
- Support Community-based protection and initiatives and civil society engagement approaches.
- Improve civilian–military relations and accountability for harm.
- Influence national, regional, and continental policy frameworks and institutions to put civilian protection at the center of responses to crisis (armed-conflict, counter-terrorism, counter insurgency, inter-communal, …) including those of the African Union (AU), Regional Economic Communities (RECs), ad-hoc coalition and national institutions.
- Ensure that African-led peace and security responses integrate civilian protection as a strategic priority.
About the Position
The Regional Advisor – Research, Humanitarian Diplomacy, and AU & RECs Engagement (Africa) is a senior strategic role based in Addis Ababa, at the heart of Africa’s peace and security architecture. The Advisor will lead and coordinate CIVIC’s Africa-wide research and policy engagement agenda, with a particular focus on: · The African Union, including APSA-related organs and policy processes. · Regional Economic Communities (RECs), regional mechanisms and ad hoc coalition (e.g., ECOWAS, IGAD, EAC, SADC, ECCAS, AES, … where relevant). · The intersection of PoC, CHM, counterterrorism, peace support operations, mediation, and humanitarian action. The Advisor will ensure that CIVIC’s field evidence informs continental and regional decision-making, while also translating AU and REC policy developments into actionable guidance for CIVIC’s country programs. The role combines research leadership, humanitarian diplomacy, high-level representation, and capacity strengthening across CIVIC’s Africa portfolio.
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Reports to: Africa Director
Department: Programs
Contract Type: Full-time, 12-month renewable contract
Application Deadline: 19 February 2026
Responsibilities
A. Research, Analysis, and Knowledge Leadership
- Lead or oversee the design, implementation, and quality assurance of CIVIC’s research initiatives across Africa, ensuring methodological rigor and policy relevance.
- Author, co-author, edit, and review high-quality publications, including policy briefs, analytical reports, discussion papers, and thematic protection analyses.
- Synthesize field-based data, civilian perspectives, and operational insights into clear, actionable recommendations for African policymakers and practitioners.
- Monitor and analyze regional and continental protection trends, including:
- Civilian harm risks linked to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
- Peace support operations and regional force deployments.
- Political transitions, mediation processes, and ceasefire arrangements.
- Contribute to CIVIC’s internal learning by translating research findings into guidance for programs, trainings, and advocacy.
B. Humanitarian Diplomacy and Advocacy Engagement
- Develop and implement Africa-wide advocacy and humanitarian diplomacy strategies aligned with CIVIC’s global mission and Africa Program Strategy.
- Lead CIVIC’s engagement with African Union institutions, including peace and security, political affairs, humanitarian, and human rights organs.
- Engage strategically with RECs and regional mechanisms, supporting the integration of PoC and CHM into regional security, mediation, and stabilization frameworks.
- Represent CIVIC in high-level meetings, briefings, policy dialogues, and consultations with:
- AU and REC officials
- Member State representatives and Permanent Missions
- Diplomats, donors, and international partners
- Coordinate closely with CIVIC’s Global Policy and Advocacy teams to ensure coherence between Africa-focused and global advocacy messages.
- Support and advise country teams in developing context-specific advocacy strategies and protection messaging.
C. Support to Country and Regional Programs
- Provide strategic research and advocacy support to CIVIC country teams, ensuring alignment between field realities and regional/continental engagement.
- Support the integration of AU and REC policy developments into national-level programming and dialogue with security actors.
- Advise on protection-related dimensions of peace processes, mediation efforts, and regional initiatives, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
D. Capacity Strengthening and Internal Leadership
- Mentor and support CIVIC staff, consultants, and partners to strengthen research design, analytical writing, and policy influence skills.
- Contribute to building a community of practice on PoC and CHM within CIVIC’s Africa Program.
- Support internal coordination between programs, research, advocacy, and leadership teams.
Qualifications
A. Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Human Rights, Conflict Studies, Public Policy, or a related field.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in research, advocacy, policy engagement, or humanitarian diplomacy, preferably in conflict-affected or fragile contexts.
- Demonstrated excellence in research design, analysis, writing, and editing, with a strong publication record.
- Proven experience in high-level engagement with policymakers and senior stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels.
- Solid experience working with or engaging African Union institutions, RECs, and African Member States.
- Experience supporting or mentoring researchers, analysts, or advocates
- Strong understanding of PoC, CHM, peace support operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian action in Africa.
- Fluency in English and French (written and spoken); Arabic is a strong asset.
B. Key Competencies
- Exceptional analytical, writing, and editorial skills
- Strong diplomatic and representational capacity in formal and informal settings
- Strategic thinking and ability to operate in politically sensitive environments
- Ability to translate complex research into clear policy messages
- Cultural sensitivity and ability to work across diverse African contexts
- High level of initiative, autonomy, and sound judgment
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills
Additional Details
Interested candidates should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages)
- Cover letter outlining motivation and suitability for the role
- Two writing samples, preferably research or advocacy-oriented
Applications will be accepted until February 26, 2026.
Resumes are reviewed on a rolling basis so please apply early. Currently, all job interviews are being held virtually.
CIVIC seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool in the belief that this is critical to achieving our goals. We strongly encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Candidates must be fully authorized to work in Ethiopia without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.
Note to Recruiters and Placement Agencies: CIVIC does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. CIVIC does not pay placement fees for candidates submitted by any agency other than its approved partners.