Sudan: Sudan Representative (Consultancy Position)

Overview

Concordis International is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Sudan Representative. This role is part-time (9-10 hours per week) and based in Khartoum, Sudan. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting essential liaison with Government of Sudan representatives and senior Misseriya leaders in Khartoum, ensuring their continued engagement with Concordis’ peacebuilding programme in Abyei.

Concordis has been engaged in Sudan since 2004 and in South Sudan since its creation as a nation state, facilitating dialogue between actors on different sides of conflict. From 2010 to 2018, our work focused on peacebuilding along the South Sudan-Sudan border, specifically within the context of cross-border migration. We achieved this by working with both herders and farmers to ensure the migration could take place peacefully and to mutual benefit. Our previous programme led to the creation of the Joint Community Peace Committee and the siting of the market at Amiet.

Concordis’ work in Abyei has been on hold since November 2017. We now have funding to resume work, supporting the JCPC and other local institutions, promoting safe seasonal migration and addressing root causes of conflict.

Concordis believes thatbuilding relationships of trust and respect with and between those with whom it works is important and a key to successful intervention in peace processes. All members of Concordis staff are required to conform to and advance Concordis’ values.

JOB DESCRIPTION**

Job Title: Sudan Representative

Location: Khartoum, with travel in Sudan and the region

Duration: Contract until 31 March 2021, with the possibility of extension, subject to a three month probationary period.

Start Date:** October/November 2019

Reporting to: The UK Programme Manager based in London

Staff Responsibility: This position does not entail any direct staff management; however, works very closely with and provides direct technical inputs to the national programme team.

Working Hours: This role will involve a flexible working schedule, with a minimum requirement of 9 hours work per week.

Main responsibilities:

• Build and maintain a network of key contacts relevant to Concordis’ program, particularly among the Misseriya leadership;
• Represent Concordis in high-level meetings with the Government of Sudan and Misseriya representatives. Communicate the objectives and activities of Concordis’ programme in Abyei with these stakeholders, and ensure any concerns or recommendations they may have are communicated to the Concordis’ team in Abyei and in London;
• Keep key stakeholders up to date with the progress of Concordis’ activities, communicate successes and challenges for implementation. Where relevant, seek the input of key stakeholders in resolving any obstacles to implementation of Concordis’ activities;
• Analyse potential external risks to implementation of Concordis’ programming in Abyei originating from Sudan. Produce reports and communications products that will keep the teams in Abyei and London up to date, as well as provide recommendations for risk mitigation;
• Synthesize outputs of consultative meetings/conferences and produce briefing reports and/or policy recommendations;
• Act as Concordis spokesperson on advocacy issues where appropriate and take part in relevant country and international policy/advocacy fora as guided by key stakeholders;
• Provide inputs on programme strategy developments;
• Support information management internally;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer and/or Programme Manager.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• Sudanese national;
• Master’s degree in international relations, development, conflict resolution, management, communications, or a related discipline;
• Demonstrated network of key political actors in Sudan;
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of security and political processes in Sudan and the wider region;
• At least 5 years’ professional experience working in international development and/or conflict resolution and peacebuilding;
• At least 2 years’ experience of programme management and/or liaison;
• Fluent written and spoken Arabic and English; must be able to draft technical documents and reports for international audiences in both languages;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Excellent computer skills (MS Office, internet, databases);
• Personal efficiency, resourcefulness, organisational ability and the ability to be flexible and maintain good humour in challenging circumstances;
• Ability to engage, communicate and negotiate with the authorities and communities in an open, transparent, constructive, patient and effective manner;
• Awareness of cultural diversity and political sensitivities and ability to address such issues with tact, diplomacy and sensitivity;
• Commitment to Concordis’ mission, principles, values (available at http://concordis.international/our-mission-and-values

Desirable:

• Existing established network amongst groups involved in migration through Abyei
• Proven track record of institutional fundraising for peacebuilding or development programming;
• Experience of information management, monitoring and evaluation processes;
• Practical experience and/or training in NGO security management;

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications will only be accepted on the application form (downloadable from www.concordis.international/careers/) and emailed to hr@concordis.international by Friday 18th October 2019 at 23.59 hours GMT. Interviews are expected to take place by Skype or in Khartoum.