Principal Civil Affairs Officer – AU Support Mission in Somalia

About the role

The Principal Civil Affairs Officer will provide authoritative analysis on human rights, protection, child rights and gender issues within the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia. The role involves shaping strategic recommendations and coordinating actors to address protection challenges across the mission area.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Civil Affairs function, offering policy guidance, strategic direction and operational oversight aligned with the mission mandate.
• Develop and implement a regional conflict‑management strategy, including information‑sharing mechanisms and crisis‑response protocols.
• Coordinate and supervise Civil Affairs teams across assigned areas, ensuring consistent work‑plan execution and quality control in high‑risk environments.
• Design and oversee the Civil Affairs workplan, ensuring alignment with broader political and security strategies.
• Develop, coordinate and monitor programmatic funding initiatives that support stabilization and protection efforts.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in civil affairs, conflict management, and protection of civilians.
• Strong knowledge of human rights, child rights and gender issues in fragile contexts.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and work with state institutions and international partners.
• Experience operating in remote, high‑risk environments, preferably in the Horn of Africa.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence peace and security policy at a senior level.
• Engagement with a diverse, multinational team within a high‑impact UN‑aligned mission.
• Professional development in conflict resolution and humanitarian coordination.