Senior ICGLR Advisor

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Position Title: Senior ICGLR Advisor
Location: Bujumbura
Country: Burundi
Deadline Date: March 19th, 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Conference for the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) is a sub-regional organization established to address the challenges faced by the Great Lakes region of Africa, which includes 12 member states. The organization focuses on promoting peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, democracy, and development in the region, particularly in response to issues such as displacement caused by poverty, political instability, ethnic tensions, and armed conflict. The ICGLR has adopted several instruments aimed at finding durable solutions for displaced populations, including the 2004 Declaration on Peace, Security, Democracy, and Development, and the 2006 Framework for Protection, Assistance, and Durable Solutions. The Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS), a consortium of 14 NGOs, supports ICGLR’s strategy development through capacity-building, workshops, and research, acting as a coordination hub for collaboration and policy advocacy.

Job Overview:
The Senior ICGLR Advisor will play a crucial role in strengthening the capacity of the ICGLR to lead and coordinate the displacement and durable solutions agenda in the Great Lakes region. This position involves providing advice and support on the displacement agenda, serving as a liaison for ReDSS in its work with the ICGLR Secretariat and its member states. The advisor will leverage ReDSS’ experience in Eastern Africa to implement a similar approach for the Great Lakes, focusing on establishing ReDSS as a credible partner in displacement with ICGLR, developing engagement strategies, and ensuring coordination between the two organizations. The role requires a deep understanding of the socio-economic and political dynamics affecting the region, particularly regarding displacement trends, and the ability to manage politically sensitive contexts. The advisor will also facilitate capacity-building initiatives and support the development of strategies and action plans for comprehensive durable solutions for communities affected by displacement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior ICGLR Advisor will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: establishing ReDSS as a credible partner in displacement with ICGLR; developing an ICGLR engagement strategy; serving as a bridge between ReDSS and ICGLR; involving the ICGLR Secretariat in the implementation of ReDSS research and knowledge management agenda; analyzing regional durable solutions data, strategies, policies, and legislation; facilitating regular consultations and workshops; providing capacity building on refugees’ normative frameworks; supporting the organization of regional capacity-building workshops; assisting the ICGLR Secretariat in reviewing durable solutions pledges; ensuring gender, SGBV, mental health, IDPs, and returnees’ components in policies; translating evidence and research into programming and policy guidance; supporting policy actions based on evidence; and ensuring coordination with donors, academia, and other stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 6 to 8 years of experience in similar positions involving policy advice, knowledge management, research, and coordination of a consortium of partners. An advanced university degree in social studies, political science, international relations, or a relevant field is required. Strong knowledge of the Great Lakes region and its socio-economic and political dynamics, particularly regarding displacement trends, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate solid experience in capacity development, strong analytical and writing skills, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment. Excellent coordination and networking skills, as well as interpersonal facilitation, communication, and diplomacy skills, are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in social studies, political science, international relations, or a relevant field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complex socio-political dynamics of the Great Lakes region and for effectively contributing to policy development and capacity-building initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 6 to 8 years of relevant experience in similar positions, particularly in the context of policy advice, knowledge management, research, and coordination of partnerships. Experience working with governments in the Great Lakes region and with or in African sub-regional organizations is considered a plus. The ability to manage politically sensitive contexts and to work effectively in a multicultural environment is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken French and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Great Lakes region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract length for this position is one year, renewable, and it may be offered as a national or expatriate contract. Nationals of ICGLR member states are particularly encouraged to apply. The employment category is NM G1, with a start date anticipated in April 202

• The duty station for this role is Bujumbura, Burundi, and the position will report to the Regional ReDSS Manager for the Great Lakes, with a parallel reporting line to the Directorate of Gender, Women, Children, and Humanitarian Affairs in ICGLR. The organization is committed to providing equal opportunities and creating an inclusive work environment, and it conducts thorough background checks as part of the recruitment process.