The Great Lakes region has experienced prolonged displacement driven by poverty, political instability, ethnic tensions, and armed conflict. To address these challenges, the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), a sub-regional organization of 12 African member states, has adopted several instruments aimed at finding durable solutions for displaced populations. These include the 2004 Declaration on Peace, Security, Democracy, and Development, which focuses on peaceful co-existence, voluntary repatriation, and local integration, and the 2006 Framework for Protection, Assistance, and Durable Solutions, which encourages harmonizing legal frameworks and increasing resettlement quotas. A 2019 high-level meeting also called for a regional strategy on comprehensive durable solutions.
The Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS), a consortium of 14 NGOs, plays a key role in supporting ICGLR’s strategy development through capacity-building, workshops, and research. Acting as a coordination hub, ReDSS fosters collaboration and advocates for policy development, focusing on long-term solutions for displaced communities. It does not implement programs but serves as a catalyst for joint learning and forward-thinking approaches to displacement in the region.
Overall purpose of the role
Learning from the ReDSS’ experience in Eastern Africa and its work with IGAD, the ReDSS intends to implement a similar approach for the Great Lakes by working with the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). In order to strengthen the capacity of the ICGLR to lead and coordinate the displacement and Durable Solution agenda in the region, a Senior Adviser for the Great Lakes will be hired to work closely with ICGLR conference Secretariat. The main purpose of the role is to provide advice and support on the displacement agenda in the Great Lakes and to serve as liaison for ReDSS in their work with ICGLR Secretariat and its member states.
Responsibilities:
- Establish ReDSS as a credible partner in displacement with ICGLR by identifying key areas where ReDSS can add value to the work of ICGLR.
- Develop ICGLR engagement strategy and ways of working together.
- Serve as bridge maker between the work of ReDSS and ICGLR, ensuring coordination and synchronicity.
- Involve the ICGLR Secretariat in the implementation of ReDSS research and knowledge management agenda in the Great Lakes region, including review the studies conducted by the ICGLR Secretariat, what is useful to advance their political agenda on durable solutions and then initiating studies and developing processes that are relevant to ICGLR.
- Analysis of regional durable solutions data, strategies, policies and legislation in the Great Lakes region, and production and dissemination of quality reports.
- Analysis of ICGLR regional policy documents and their implementation at member state levels, and mapping of opportunities for engagement (conferences, key dates, etc.).
- Ensure cross learning and coherence between the different ICGLR countries and at regional level.
- Facilitate and organize regular consultation/technical workshops and learning events/meetings on key issues of interest to ReDSS and the ICGLR.
- Capacity building on Refugees’ normative frameworks, both Regional and International instruments
- Strengthening/establishing a hub of information/record keeping that can inform policy formulation.
- Support the roll-out of updated technical and policy training packages;
- Provide continuous capacity-building on durable solutions to the ICGLR Secretariat Staff stakeholders and affiliated experts, including through the organization of dedicated trainings;
- Support the organization of regional capacity-building workshops on durable solutions to the benefit of the ICGLR member states, with the view of helping them develop their strategy and action plan on comprehensive durable solutions for communities affected by displacement in the Great Lakes region;
- Assist the ICGLR Secretariat reviewing the durable solutions pledges made by its member states during the 2019 Global Refugee Forum and the upcoming 2023 Global Refugee Forum;
- Ensure the Secretariat of the revived Regional Advisory Group (RAG), composed of the ICGLR Secretariat, UNHCR and other observers (European Union, ICGLR Member States, key experts, etc.);
- Ensure gender, SGBV, Mental Health, IDPs and returnees’ component in policies and laws at the national level;
- Translate evidence and research into programming and policies guidance for the ICGLR Secretariat;
- Direct support to ICGLR and its partners to plan and conduct meetings, trainings etc.
- Contribute and support policy actions based on evidence.
- Initiate and support policy actions of ICGLR and engagement in collaboration with ReDSS members, based on evidence from ReDSS and external studies and analyses to improve solutions-oriented policies at national and regional level;
- Continue to implement and monitor ReDSS commitments to the Agenda for Humanity and SDGs;
- Support existing forums and members to engage with the ICGLR on durable solutions;
- Proactive engagement in policy development processes such as CRRF/GRF and support and facilitate ReDSS members engagement;
- Work closely with ICGLR to ensure coherence between national and regional policy processes and other relevant bodies and forums;
- Support development of key briefing papers and policy briefs based on evidence;
- Work with ICGLR on their displacement and durable solutions agenda, strategies, policies and legal frameworks;
- Analyse polices, regulations, legal frameworks and propose solutions.
- Support ICGLR staff on capacity building on matters related to Durable solutions for Refugees and IDPs; as well as advocacy, lobbying, research, data analysis, policy analysis, project management and report writing.
- Strengthening capacity of Refugees especially women, girls, youths and statelessness persons on entrepreneurial skills, trauma and stress management
- Support the participation of ICGLR’s staff in both Regional and international forums, And knowledge exchange.
- As ReDSS secretariat staff member, facilitate engagement of ICGLR with key players on displacement and Solutions in the region;
- Ensure coordination with donors, academia, think tanks, UN agencies, INGOs, inter-governmental organizations;
- Serve as ReDSS focal point in ICGLR for donors’ engagement as appropriate and allowed by the ICGLR Secretariat;
- Represent ReDSS in ICGLR working groups and meetings as appropriate and allowed by the ICGLR Secretariat;
- Provide overall implementation and strategic direction and guidance and capacity development for the ICGLR Secretariat;
- Ensure information and knowledge sharing and coordination between the work of ReDSS and ICGLR;
- Support the implementation of ReDSS activities in the Great Lakes region as required, particularly in the absence of the ReDSS Manager;
- Support research processes: review the draft of the research and policy briefs, facilitate KII, support the actual dissemination of the research products.
About you
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:
- Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
- Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
- Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
- Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
- Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.
Experience and technical competencies:
- Minimum 6 to 8 years of experience in similar positions in the region involving policy advice, knowledge management, research, evidence building, analysis and coordination of a consortium of partners;
- Advanced University degree in social studies, political science, international relations or relevant field;
- Strong knowledge of the Great Lakes region and the socio-economic and political dynamics affecting it, more specifically on displacement trends with a demonstrated ability to manage politically sensitive contexts;
- Solid experience in capacity development of a wide range of actors including adult learning, mentoring and coaching, training of trainers and impact monitoring of capacity development activities;
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization;
- Strong analytical and writing skills with proven experience in producing high quality research and policy briefs with ability to present complex information in a simple and accessible manner;
- Strong experience in translating evidence and research into programming and policy guidance.
- Excellent coordination and networking skills;
- Inter-personal facilitation, communication and diplomacy skills to build trusted relationships with a wide array of humanitarian and development partners, donors, government agencies, etc;
- Flexibility, proactive engagement, ability to work under pressure and to demonstrate high tolerance for change, complexity and unpredictability;
- Experience working with Governments in the Great Lakes;
- Experience working with or in African sub-regional organizations is a plus;
- Fluency in written and spoken French and English.
We offer
- Contract length: One year, renewable. National or expatriate contract. Nationals of ICGLR members states are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Employment Category: NM G1
- Start date: April 2025
- Duty Station: Bujumbura – Burundi
- Reporting Line: This position is managed by Regional ReDSS Manager for the Great Lakes, with a parallel reporting line to the Directorate of Gender, Women, Children and Humanitarian Affairs in ICGLR.
Providing equal opportunities. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.
Promoting high standards : DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process
How to apply
Application and CV
Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered.
DRC only accepts applications sent via our online-application Here
Please submit your application and CV in English no later than March 19th, 2025