Senior Project Manager with AU

Introduction

NORCAP works to improve aid to better protect and empower people affected by crisis and climate change. We do this by providing expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development and peacebuilding partners, because we believe working together is the best way to reduce needs, risks and vulnerability over time. We seek and promote more effective ways of working at the global level and in the field. NORCAP’s aim is not only to reduce needs, but also to create choice and opportunity for vulnerable people. NORCAP works with and through our partners to improve aid in two complementary ways:

• We provide targeted expertise to strengthen our partners’ response.
• We collaborate with partners to develop solutions to unmet gaps and challenges.

This role directly supports NORCAP’s commitment to strengthening effective institutions, inclusive peace processes, and accountable delivery of global policy commitments through trusted partnerships.

The position is hosted within the African Union Commission, in the Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security. The Office leads the advancement of the Women, Peace and Security agenda across the African continent, in line with African Union frameworks, Agenda 2063, and relevant international commitments. It works to promote women’s meaningful participation in peace processes, conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding, while strengthening implementation and accountability by Member States.

The role

The Senior Programme Officer provides strategic and operational leadership to translate the Office’s priorities on Women, Peace and Security into coherent programmes, integrated portfolios, and measurable results. Success in this role means that strategies are effectively converted into well‑managed programmes, delivery risks are actively addressed, teams are supported to perform at a high level, and evidence is generated to inform decision‑making and advocacy.

The role is based in Addis Ababa and is a NORCAP secondment to the African Union. The position reports primarily to the Senior Advisor on programmatic matters, with a matrix reporting line to the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security.

As the Senior Programme Officer, you will take on the following responsibilities:

Role and responsibilities

• Lead programme portfolio planning and integration across the Office’s strategic pillars, ensuring coherence, sequencing, and alignment with African Union priorities.
• Oversee results‑based planning, budgeting, delivery management, and performance oversight, including risk identification and corrective action.
• Coordinate technically with African Union departments, organs, and Regional Economic Communities to support implementation of Women, Peace and Security commitments.
• Supervise and support programme staff, fostering a high‑performing, inclusive, and accountable team culture.
• Ensure quality assurance of workplans, reports, knowledge products, and briefing materials, maintaining strong policy coherence and technical accuracy.
• Guide monitoring, evaluation, learning, and accountability processes, ensuring that results frameworks, indicators, and reporting systems are applied consistently.
• Support resource mobilisation and partnership management through programme design, costing, and evidence development.
• Promote compliance, safeguarding, duty of care, and high standards of documentation and knowledge management across the portfolio.

Kindly note that this role is with the African Union and is therefore restricted to valid passport‑holding nationals of African Union member states.

Qualifications and experience

To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• A Master’s degree in international relations, peace and security, gender studies, public policy, human rights, development studies, programme or project management, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in programme management and strategic planning, preferably within international or regional organisations working on peace, security, governance, or gender equality in Africa.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating multi‑stakeholder initiatives and managing teams in multicultural and politically sensitive environments.
• Strong results‑based management, monitoring, evaluation, and learning experience, including performance reporting and data‑informed decision‑making.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills, with the ability to translate strategy into implementable programmes.
• Proficiency in at least one African Union working language; fluency in English or French is highly desirable.
• Please read the attached terms of reference for more details before applying.

Competencies

The main competencies of a NORCAP Expert are:

• Building working relationships
• Planning and organising
• Adaptability
• Resilience

What we offer

In recognition of your expertise and contributions, we provide the following benefits and opportunities:

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit
• Eligibility for consideration for NORCAP membership and future assignments, subject to a successful performance review

Our Values & Commitment

NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

All NRC employees are expected to act in accordance with the organisation’s values.
Being dedicated, innovative, inclusive, and accountable are behaviours and beliefs that guide how we work and how we build relationships. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, supported, and a genuine sense of belonging.

NORCAP values diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to respond effectively to the needs of people affected by crisis.

NRC has a zero tolerance stance toward any form of exploitation or abuse, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, and we do not tolerate inaction when concerns arise.

All offers are subject to reference and background checks conducted in line with our safeguarding standards, and NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.

How to apply

Based on what you have read so far, do you think you could be a good fit? If so, please follow these steps and apply:

• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.
• An approved health certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment.
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.
• Apply before the 24^th of May 23:59 (Norwegian time).

We look forward to receiving your application.