The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is inviting applications for a Regional Governance, Peace and Security Advisor position based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The role is part of the GIZ African Union programme supporting the African Union (AU) on peace, security and governance. It offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to provide policy advice, support institutional development and contribute to initiatives addressing governance, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, women and youth participation, and emerging issues such as artificial intelligence.
The position is open to nationals of African Union Member States, with an initial contract period running from December 1, 2026, to April 30, 2030.
Applications must be submitted by October 13, 2026.
About the GIZ African Union Programme
GIZ has worked with the African Union since 2004 to support inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent in line with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.
Through its cooperation with the African Union Commission (AUC), AU specialized institutions and agencies, and partners at regional and national levels, GIZ supports work in areas including peacebuilding and conflict prevention, governance, sustainable economic growth, health and social development, and just transition.
The position is located within the Support to the African Union on Peace, Security and Governance (AUPSG) programme, which is commissioned by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The programme supports the development and implementation of AU peace, security and governance policies and instruments, with activities covering institutional capacity, structural conflict prevention and the climate, peace and security agenda.
Position Details
Position: Regional Governance, Peace and Security Advisor
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employer: GIZ African Union
Salary: GIZ AU Salary Band 4
Contract period: December 1, 2026 – April 30, 2030
Eligibility: Nationals of AU Member States
Application deadline: October 13, 2026
The successful candidate will work closely with the AU Commission’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), other AUC departments and additional African partner institutions.
Key Responsibilities
The Regional Governance, Peace and Security Advisor will provide technical and strategic advice on the development and implementation of African Union policies and initiatives.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Advising PAPS and other AUC departments on peace, security and governance policies and flagship initiatives.
- Supporting the integration of the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).
- Advising on organisational development, reform processes and change management within PAPS.
- Supporting implementation of the AU’s Conflict Prevention Framework.
- Contributing to the Women and Youth, Peace and Security agendas, including FemWise-Africa and the Youth for Peace Africa Programme.
- Supporting gender-responsive and youth-inclusive policy development.
- Managing cooperation with African think tanks and research institutions, including the Network of African Think Tanks for Peace (NeTT4Peace).
- Organising and facilitating policy dialogues, expert roundtables, consultations and learning exchanges.
- Supporting the AU’s emerging agenda on artificial intelligence in governance, peace and security.
- Contributing to monitoring, evaluation, knowledge management and programme reporting.
- Coordinating activities with African partners, GIZ offices and other development programmes.
- Supporting tendering, contracting and quality assurance of service providers, grant recipients and experts.
- Preparing briefing notes, talking points and communication materials.
The position also involves stakeholder engagement across the African continent and requires the ability to work effectively in politically and culturally sensitive environments.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in political science, international relations, peace and conflict studies, law, governance or a comparable field relevant to the position.
A first university degree combined with strong qualifying professional experience may be accepted in place of a Master’s degree.
Candidates need at least five years of professional experience in governance, peace and security or conflict prevention, preferably with continental, regional or international organisations.
Relevant experience includes policy advice to public institutions, drafting policy and strategy documents, supporting policy implementation and working with complex institutional stakeholders.
Experience with the African Union system is considered a strong advantage, particularly experience involving PAPS, AGA, APRM, the AU Peace and Security Council or Regional Economic Communities.
Candidates with established networks among African think tanks, research institutions, civil society organisations and peace and security practitioners are also encouraged to apply.
Experience with Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas, mediation, inclusive political processes, project management, policy dialogue, results monitoring and international cooperation will be relevant.
Language and Professional Skills
Professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required.
A good working knowledge of French is a strong advantage because of the programme’s engagement with francophone AU Member States and Regional Economic Communities.
Knowledge of additional AU languages, including Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish or Kiswahili, is an added asset.
The successful candidate should also demonstrate strong analytical, drafting, communication, planning and organisational skills. The role requires the ability to work independently while collaborating with diverse partners in a multicultural environment.
Experience with Microsoft Office and other communication and information-dissemination tools is also expected.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the GIZ African Union Regional Governance, Peace and Security Advisor position is October 13, 2026.
The successful applicant is expected to take up the role under an initial contract running from December 1, 2026, to April 30, 2030.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review the complete job requirements and submit their application through the official GIZ recruitment platform before the deadline.
Applicants should ensure that they meet the required academic, professional, language and nationality criteria before submitting their applications.
