POLITICAL ADVISOR (M/F) – FRENCH EMBASSY IN ETHIOPIA Full Time NEW

Summary description of the position

To assist the Ambassador in his duties as Permanent Representative of France to the African Union (AU), to monitor the activities of the AU, and the various dimensions of the relationship between France and the AU, particularly on peace and security issues.

Main activities

– Monitoring and analysis of current political events within the African Union: AU summits, ministerial meetings, activities of the Peace and Security Council (PSC), actions of the AU Commission on peace and security issues, AU support for African candidacies, major AU initiatives in pan-African integration, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and institutional developments within the AU. – Strategic dialogue between the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission: preparation of strategic dialogue sessions and follow-up on decisions taken (launch of a monitoring mechanism in Addis Ababa). – French candidacies: preparation for and participation in trips to Addis Ababa for French candidates for positions in international organizations. – Monitoring of the AU’s relations with France, the EU, the UN, the OIF, and other AU partners. Particular attention is paid to developing the UN-AU partnership on peace and security, discussions on UN Security Council reform, EU-AU cooperation, and France-AU cooperation. This includes supporting the Ambassador in fostering France-AU relations, accompanying French delegations to AU headquarters, representing France at open AU meetings, particularly the Peace and Security Council (PSC), and carrying out requests from the Department to the AU Commission or the diplomatic community in Addis Ababa. The role also involves representing France and advocating for French positions at international consultations on the AU, such as meetings of AU partner groups, the UN Office to the AU, and the European Union Delegation to the AU. Finally, the role involves maintaining contact with the AU Commission services, representatives of African states, third countries, and the EU, as well as with think tanks active on pan-African issues. – Monitoring AU news in the press and on social media. – Supervising the activities of the Sixth African Union. – Coordinating with other embassy departments and French organizations active with the AU (defense mission, economic service, SCAC, AFD, Expertise France). – Working closely with the political advisor responsible for global issues and the Sixth African Union.

Required qualifications or professional experience for the position

• Knowledge or fluency in a local language would be an asset. Knowledge of the region would also be an asset. A degree from a political science institute or a Master’s degree is required.

SKILLS

• Skills marked with an asterisk (*) are required.