The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is inviting applications for a Research Officer based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to support the African Union (AU) High Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission to the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. The position offers an opportunity for qualified researchers and policy professionals to contribute to regional peace, security, diplomacy, and political analysis.
The successful candidate will provide research, analytical, administrative, and programme coordination support to the High Representative’s workplan. Responsibilities will include monitoring regional developments, preparing policy briefings, coordinating consultations, documenting meetings, and supporting engagement between the AU and relevant regional stakeholders.
This opportunity is particularly relevant to professionals with experience in international relations, political science, peace and security, public policy, diplomacy, and African regional affairs.
Application deadline: 23 October 2026.
About the Institute for Security Studies
The Institute for Security Studies is an African research organisation focused on advancing human security through research, policy analysis, and collaboration with governments, regional institutions, and other stakeholders.
Through its work across Africa, ISS contributes to discussions and initiatives addressing conflict prevention, governance, organised crime, peacebuilding, and regional security challenges.
The Addis Ababa-based research officer will support ISS’s analytical and programme assistance to the AU High Representative responsible for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. The role will contribute to evidence-based policy discussions and help strengthen coordination and documentation of activities under the High Representative’s workplan.
Key Responsibilities
The Research Officer will conduct research, prepare briefing materials, and coordinate policy engagements relating to political, security, humanitarian, and diplomatic developments across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
Key duties will include:
- Monitoring regional developments and preparing concise analytical updates.
- Conducting desk research and compiling background notes, stakeholder profiles, timelines, and policy briefs.
- Drafting and reviewing talking points, presentations, meeting packs, correspondence, and briefing notes.
- Reviewing French and/or Arabic source materials and producing accurate English summaries.
- Coordinating preparations for two policy dialogues in Addis Ababa and approved regional consultation missions.
- Liaising with the High Representative’s team, AU Commission departments, the AU Liaison Office, and approved external stakeholders.
- Recording meetings and preparing minutes, decisions, and action trackers within two working days of engagements.
- Maintaining confidential repositories of research materials, meeting records, and analytical outputs.
- Updating implementation calendars, stakeholder maps, risk registers, and decision trackers.
- Preparing monthly progress updates covering activities, deliverables, expenditure dependencies, risks, and delays.
- Supporting travel and event administration in accordance with approved budgets and relevant institutional procedures.
- Preparing a final handover package containing indexed records, outstanding actions, and a completion report.
The position requires strong attention to detail, political awareness, discretion, and the ability to manage several assignments within demanding deadlines.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants should possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, peace and security, public policy, law, development studies, or a related discipline. A relevant Master’s degree will be an advantage.
Candidates must also demonstrate:
- At least two years of relevant professional experience in research, programme support, policy coordination, diplomacy, peace and security, or a related field. Relevant internships may be considered.
- Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to translate complex information into concise policy documents.
- Familiarity with the African Union and African peace and security institutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Professional working proficiency in French and/or Arabic, which is strongly preferred.
- Sound political judgement and the ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
- Strong organisational, interpersonal, and time-management skills.
- Competence in Microsoft Office and shared document management tools.
- The ability to collaborate across cultures, institutions, and professional backgrounds.
- Willingness to travel internationally when required.
Experience supporting senior officials, high-level meetings, or multi-stakeholder policy processes will be an additional advantage.
Contract Duration and Salary
The contract will run until 31 December 2026, corresponding to the duration of ISS’s support to the AU High Representative. Renewal may be considered depending on organisational requirements, funding availability, and satisfactory performance.
ISS offers a competitive salary. However, the announcement does not specify the exact salary amount, relocation assistance, or additional employment benefits.
The successful candidate will gain experience supporting high-level regional policy processes and working at the intersection of research, diplomacy, and African peace and security.
Required Application Documents
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- A cover letter explaining their suitability for the position.
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
- A recent writing sample demonstrating research, analytical, or policy-writing ability.
- Contact details for at least three referees who can be contacted during the recruitment process.
Applicants should ensure that their documents clearly demonstrate relevant research experience, knowledge of African regional affairs, writing proficiency, and the ability to support senior-level policy engagements.
A strong application should include concrete examples of research outputs, briefing materials, consultation coordination, or policy analysis. Candidates with French or Arabic proficiency should clearly indicate their language capabilities.
How to Apply for the ISS Research Officer Position
Applications must be submitted by email to Yared Merid at the Institute for Security Studies.
Applicants should attach all required documents and use a clear subject line identifying the Research Officer position. The cover letter should directly address the stated qualifications and demonstrate how the applicant’s experience aligns with the responsibilities.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants should verify that all documents are complete before submission.
Application Deadline
Closing date: 23 October 2026
Duty station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Organisation: Institute for Security Studies (ISS)
Position: Research Officer — African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea
Contract: Until 31 December 2026, with possible renewal
Salary: Competitive
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
For the original vacancy announcement and further information, visit the official ISS website:
Qualified candidates with strong analytical writing skills and an interest in African peace, security, and diplomacy are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
