Programme Officer for the IHL Center - West Africa Regional Team (open for Nationals only)
16 June 2025Who we are
The Centre for International Humanitarian Law (IHL Centre) is a group of independent experts who provide rapid, in-depth advice on international humanitarian law and human rights to ensure the protection of civilians.
As a group of experts, we share knowledge about and promote international law through research, advocacy, and training. Our rapid and in-depth analyses enable the humanitarian sector to respond to urgent needs and improves understanding and application of international law.
The IHL Centre is part of the Swedish development organisation Diakonia and has teams based in Bamako, Dakar, Beirut, Geneva, Jerusalem and Nairobi, which cover conflicts in the Middle East, West and East Africa, as well as emerging crises worldwide through the Centre Global team.
The West Africa Regional Team
The West Africa regional team advances the overall objectives by serving as a center of expertise on IHL and related areas of international law for stakeholders operating in the Sahel region - primarily in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, including UN mechanisms and treaty bodies, West African regional bodies and intergovernmental organizations, protection groups, as well as civil society and human rights defenders.
Purpose of the position
Under the supervision of the Regional Advisor for West Africa, the Programme Officer will be engaged in a range of activities and duties to support the region. This will include designing of activities, development of working tools, grant management, as well as planning, monitoring and evaluation. The Programme Officer will also be engaged in project handling, training and workshop management, coordination of activities and procurement. They will also provide support to the Regional Advisor in analysing, tracking and supervising program/project/activity progress against set objectives and indicators.
Roles and responsibilities
Strategic responsibilities
- Support the Regional Advisor in the development of the regional strategy through inputs on contextual and Rapid Response analysis
- Maintain communication/ and redirects requests from external partners and relevant stakeholders (Legal advisory service)
- Support the Regional Advisor in setting up a communication and advocacy plan in the region, notably through the creation of a database of relevant stakeholders in the region
Planning, Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation responsibilities
- Coordinate with the Regional Advisor and other relevant IHL Centre colleagues in the development and drafting of an annual action plan and updated results matrix.
- Work with colleagues in refining and developing the M&E framework and process in line with the Diakonia PME Handbook
- Review programme financial reports and expenditure, in coordination with the Finance Officer at country office.
- Assist in preparing narrative reports for donors and other relevant stakeholders, including result analysis, narrative descriptions and graphic presentations.
Administrative and Programme support
- Support the Regional Advisor in the revision and development of adapted tools
- Plan events, trainings and workshops
- Lead the procurement processes related to the activities in the region
- Perform other related tasks and assist the Regional Advisor and other colleagues as needed and requested for the region.
Other
- Participate in internal IHL Centre processes, including working to strengthen accountability and mainstream gender in the organization
Essential experience and qualifications
- A minimum of 5 years' experience in a multicultural non-governmental organization is required.
- University degree in social sciences, political science, international law or related field.
- High level of knowledge of the Sahel region and analytical skills.
- Good planning and problem-solving skills, ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong presentation, organizational and networking skills.
- Work experience with International Non-Governmental Organizations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French. English a strong asset.
- Experience relating to knowledge of international law, international humanitarian law and/or international human rights law would be an asset.
Conditions and application
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.
The IHL Centre, as part of Diakonia, is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Location: Mali / Burkina Faso
Position type and duration: full-time, 6 months Fixed Term
Ideal start date: 01 July 2025
Application Deadline: Thursday 26 June 2025
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
If you have questions regarding the position or the recruitment process, please contact Sara Gamha at sara.gamha@ihlcentre.org . Please, DO NOT use this email to submit your CV.
The IHL Centre is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, and strives to be representative of all sections of society. We know that different perspectives, experiences, and competences are key for us to be a relevant, capable, and successful organization. The Centre therefore strives to recruit staff with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.