Project Officer, Africa Department, part-time (80%)

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) is a private diplomacy organisation founded on the principles of humanity, impartiality and independence. Its mission is to help prevent, mitigate and resolve armed conflict through dialogue and mediation. HD is currently looking for a:

Project Officer, Africa Department, part-time (80%)

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension

Starting date: March 2021

HD works with all parties to the conflict to de-escalate tensions, reduce the risks of conflict and establish a conducive environment for peace negotiations. The Project Officer will contribute to a confidential mediation project by providing support to the Head of Mission. Implemented in collaboration with Switzerland’s Federal Department for Foreign Affairs, the mediation project seeks to find a negotiated solution to the conflict between the government of Cameroon and pro-independence groups from Anglophone regions referred to by the latter as Ambazonia.

The Project Officer will have the following responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day operational management of the project, including political analysis, implementation of activities in close collaboration with the Head of Mission and HD’s Regional Director;
• Monitor the project’s compliance with the strategic framework, internal procedures and policies including financial and administrative (budget oversight, donor reporting);
• Liaise and represent with key stakeholders, including the government of Cameroon, pro-independence armed groups, civil society actors, donor agencies and international actors in the region as well as in New York and Geneva;
• Coordinate the work of national staff in the project area;
• Support the Africa team in the development of new opportunities, both consolidating HD’s existing areas of work and expanding to new areas.

The successful candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Minimum of 5 years expertise and demonstrated international experience in project management in one of the following areas: mediation, peacebuilding, political affairs or humanitarian action;
• Knowledge of and commitment to conflict resolution, as well as political and cultural knowledge of Africa, preferably Central Africa;
• Availability to travel at least 10 days per month to Africa, Europe and/or North America;
• Excellent ability in drafting reports, developing proposals and fundraising;
• Hold a Master’s degree in international politics, international relations, humanitarian affairs or mediation/negotiation;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and French is required.

Personality: The successful candidate should be capable of multi-tasking and meet tight deadlines. S/he must be a flexible team player, proactive and have strong social, communication and organisational skills.