Political Officer AU Juba P3 AMPP

Grade: Professional · Schedule: Full time

NORCAP works to improve aid to better protect and empower people affected by crisis and climate change. We do this by providing expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development and peacebuilding partners, because we believe working together is the best way to reduce needs, risks and vulnerability over time. We seek and promote more effective ways of working at the global level and in the field. NORCAP’s aim is not only to reduce needs, but also to create choice and opportunity for vulnerable people. NORCAP works with and through our partners to improve aid in two complementary ways:

• We provide targeted expertise to strengthen our partners’ response.
• We collaborate with partners to develop solutions to un-met gaps and challenges.

Through this partnership with the African Union, NORCAP is supporting efforts to strengthen political engagement, regional cooperation and sustainable peace across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.

The Office of the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea supports high-level political engagement through good offices, preventive diplomacy, political dialogue and engagement with Member States, regional organisations and international partners. South Sudan remains a key priority within this mandate due to its significance for regional peace, security and stability.

This role is central to strengthening the African Union’s political engagement in South Sudan by providing high-quality analysis, stakeholder engagement and follow-up support that informs decision-making and advances preventive diplomacy efforts.

The position is based in Juba, South Sudan, and works under the overall guidance of the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, in close coordination with the Head of the AU Liaison Office in South Sudan

The Role

The Political Officer serves as the High Representative’s focal point in Juba, providing political analysis, strategic advice, liaison and follow-up support on developments in South Sudan and their regional implications. Success in this role means delivering timely political insights, strengthening engagement with key stakeholders, supporting diplomatic initiatives and ensuring effective coordination between the High Representative, the AU Liaison Office and African Union headquarters.

The position is based in Juba, South Sudan, at the African Union Liaison Office in South Sudan. The initial deployment is for twelve months, renewable subject to operational requirements and performance. The role reports to the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea and works in close coordination with the Head of the AU Liaison Office in South Sudan.

As the Political Officer, you will take on the following responsibilities:

Role and responsibilities

• Provide timely political analysis, advice and recommendations on developments in South Sudan and their implications for the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.
• Prepare briefing notes, talking points, political assessments and other substantive materials for consultations, visits and political engagements.
• Support good offices initiatives, preventive diplomacy efforts and political dialogue processes by identifying risks, opportunities and entry points for engagement.
• Monitor implementation of peace agreements, political developments, governance processes, constitutional and electoral developments, and broader security dynamics.
• Produce regular political reports, early warning briefs and actionable recommendations for relevant African Union stakeholders.
• Maintain constructive relationships with government counterparts, political actors, civil society representatives and other key national stakeholders.
• Liaise and coordinate with regional and international partners, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the United Nations, diplomatic missions and other relevant actors.
• Strengthen coordination, reporting and information-sharing between the High Representative, the AU Liaison Office in South Sudan and relevant African Union Commission structures.

Kindly note that this role is the African Union and is therefore restricted to valid passport-holding nationals of AU member states.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Peace and Security Studies, Law, African Studies, Conflict Studies or a related field. A first-level degree combined with additional relevant experience may also be considered.
• Relevant professional experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict prevention, mediation, peace processes, political analysis or international relations, appropriate to a P3-level position.
• Strong understanding of South Sudan and/or the Horn of Africa, with experience working in complex political, diplomatic or security environments highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct political analysis, produce high-quality reports and briefings, and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Experience engaging with governments, regional organisations, diplomatic missions, the United Nations or other international partners. Experience with the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development or other international organisations is an advantage.

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic and/or another African Union working language is an advantage. Please read the attached terms of reference for more details before applying.

  Please read the attached terms of reference for more details before applying.

Competencies

The main competencies of a NORCAP Expert are:

• Building working relationships
• Planning and organising
• Adaptability
• Resilience

What we offer

In recognition of your expertise and contributions, we provide the following benefits and opportunities:

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit
• Eligible for consideration for NORCAP membership and future assignments, subject to a successful performance review.

Our Values & Commitment

NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

All NRC employees are expected to act in accordance with the organisation’s values.

Being dedicated, innovative, inclusive, and accountable are behaviours and beliefs that guide how we work and how we build relationships. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, supported, and a genuine sense of belonging.

NORCAP values diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to respond effectively to the needs of people affected by crisis.

NRC has a zero-tolerance stance toward any form of exploitation or abuse, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH), and we do not tolerate inaction when concerns arise.

All offers are subject to reference and background checks conducted in line with our safeguarding standards, and NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.

How to apply

• Based on what you have read so far, do you think you could be a good fit? If so, please follow these steps and apply!
• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.
• Approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment.
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.
• Apply before 01st November 2026, 11:59 PM.

We look forward to receiving your application!