The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is seeking a research officer to join its Addis Ababa-based team. The team provides temporary analytical and programme support to the African Union (AU) High Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission (HRCC) to the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. The research officer will undertake research and analysis, prepare briefing materials, and coordinate and document policy dialogues, regional consultations and related activities in support of the HRCC workplan. The research officer will report to an ISS Senior Researcher.

Overview of duties

• Monitor political, security, humanitarian and diplomatic developments and prepare concise updates
• Conduct desk research and compile background notes, stakeholder profiles, timelines and issue briefs
• Prepare and quality-check talking points, briefing notes, meeting packs, presentations and draft correspondence
• Review French and/or Arabic source material and provide accurate summaries in English
• Coordinate preparations for two policy dialogues in Addis Ababa and approved regional consultation missions, including agendas, participant lists and logistical briefs
• Liaise with the HRCC team, relevant AU Commission departments, the AU Liaison Office and approved external stakeholders
• Take minutes and prepare consultation records, decisions and action trackers within two working days of each engagement
• Maintain an organised and confidential repository of source materials, meeting records and analytical products
• Maintain the implementation calendar, stakeholder map, and decision, action and risk trackers
• Prepare monthly progress inputs on activities, outputs, expenditure dependencies, risks and delays
• Assist with travel and event administration in line with approved budgets and AU, ISS and donor procedures
• Compile a final handover package, including indexed records, outstanding actions and a short completion report

Overview of requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, peace and security, public policy, law, development studies or a related field; a relevant Master’s degree is an advantage
• At least two years of relevant work experience in research, programme support, policy coordination, diplomacy, peace and security or a related field; relevant internships may be considered
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research and turn complex information into clear, concise briefing materials
• Familiarity with the AU and African peace and security institutions is highly desirable
• Experience supporting senior officials in high-level meetings or multi-stakeholder processes is an advantage
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; professional working proficiency in French and/or Arabic is strongly preferred
• Sound political judgement and discretion in handling sensitive information
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work across cultures and institutions
• Good computer skills (MS Office and shared document management tools)
• Willingness to travel for work purposes, including internationally

The contract will be until 31 December 2026, linked to the duration of ISS support to the HRCC, and may be renewed subject to ISS’ requirements, funding and satisfactory performance. A competitive salary is offered.

Email your application to Yared Merid: [email protected]. Applicants must provide a cover letter, detailed CV and recent writing sample, including at least three contactable referees. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date: 23 October 2026