1. INTRODUCTION

The African Union (AU) recognizes that the effective use of preventive diplomacy/conflict prevention, mediation, dialogue and reconciliation process are vital for achieving its mandate of Silencing the Guns and ensuring peace, security, and development across the continent. To this end, the AU has, over the years, taken significant steps to institutionalize and strengthen its capacity for timely and effective mediation.

Relatedly, the Mediation and Dialogue Division (MDD) of the AU’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department (PAPS) was established in 2021 and is mandated to provide technical and operational support on the preventive diplomacy, mediation, dialogue, and reconciliation efforts undertaken by the Commission (i.e., through Special Envoys, High Representatives, Panel of the Wise and its subsidiary mechanisms – PanWise, FemWise-Africa, WiseYouth etc.), as well as to provide technical support to RECs/RMs and Member States.

In furtherance of these efforts, the African Union (AU) now seeks to establish a Roster of Mediation and Thematic Technical Experts, as a strategic tool to support the AU’s efforts in peace mediation across the continent. 

2. COMPOSITION & MANDATE OF THE ROSTER

The roster is expected to consist of a pool of highly skilled technical experts in thematic areas critical to mediation, negotiation, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. As such, they will provide technical expertise to AU mediators, as well as support AU-led or co-led mediation processes.

Specifically, the roster is expected to comprise of technical experts with expertise in the following thematic areas: (Click on the link)

i. Climate Change Conflict Expert

ii. National Dialogue, Reconciliation and Social Inclusion Expert

iii. Strategic Communications Expert

iv. Transitional Justice Expert

v.  Security Expert

vi. Gender and Inclusion Expert

vii. Xenophobia and Ethnic Cleansing Conflict Expert

viii. Wealth Sharing and Natural Resources Management Expert

 ix. Legal Matters Expert

 x. Power Sharing Expert

xi. Process Design Expert

xii. International Transboundary and Maritime Boundary Conflict/Dispute Expert

The roster will enable the rapid deployment of technical experts to provide specialized technical support to AU mediators during conflict prevention, mediation, negotiation, dialogue, and reconciliation processes. By drawing on this diverse pool of experts, the AU’s mediators will be able to more effectively respond swiftly to emerging conflicts and crises, ensuring that peace efforts are contextually informed, inclusive, and effective.

3. APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates are requested to closely review the attached Terms of Reference (TOR) for each thematic expertise required for the roster. Qualified applicants should electronically submit a completed application form through the following link by 18 July 2025:

https://forms.gle/ZfZaWti4s5pS5W8z7

Please note that the link can be automatically translated in your preferred language on your browser. As part of the application, you will be requested to submit:

• An abridged professional CV, including a minimum of two (2) references;
• A covering letter and;
• Relevant academic certificates.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews to be part of the roster.

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