Civil Affairs Officer – AU Support Mission in Somalia

About the role

The Civil Affairs Officer will support the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) by facilitating civil‑affairs, stabilization and community‑engagement activities. Reporting to the Principal Sector Coordinator, the incumbent will work in a high‑risk environment to strengthen relations between the mission, local authorities and communities.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor local conflict dynamics and contribute to conflict‑prevention, mediation and reconciliation efforts.
• Engage with local authorities, civil‑society actors and other stakeholders to promote confidence‑building and local peace initiatives.
• Provide early‑warning analysis and gather information on political, social and security developments at the community level.
• Support dialogue, reconciliation and social‑cohesion projects aimed at reducing tensions and enhancing community resilience.
• Assist in promoting civic engagement and local participation in governance structures.
• Contribute to strengthening rule of law, local governance and state‑authority extension in conflict‑affected areas.

Required profile

• Relevant academic background in political science, international relations, peace and security or a related field.
• Experience working in conflict‑affected or post‑conflict environments, preferably in civil‑affairs or community‑engagement roles.
• Strong analytical abilities and capacity to produce concise reports on complex situations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust among diverse stakeholders.

Required skills

What we offer

• Fixed‑term contract within a United Nations‑style mission.
• Opportunity to contribute to peace and stability in Somalia.
• Professional development in a multicultural, high‑impact environment.