The Central African Republic (CAR) has long been characterized by sporadic surges in violence against a backdrop of state disintegration, a survival economy, and deep inter-ethnic cleavages. Faustin Archange Touadéra was inaugurated as president in January 2021, following tense elections and amid ongoing rebel offensives. The country finds itself in a precarious position – with intercommunal tensions, religious and ethnic cleavages and calls for structural reform. The country also suffers from cross-border dynamics, where it has been exploited by a multiplicity of foreign actors, whose competing regional and international interests influence the political and security landscape.With violence now subsiding, efforts to build peace at regional, national and local levels are critical. The legal basis for the CAR Truth, Justice, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (CVJRR) has been formalized and the Commissioners have been nominated. Local peace committees have been established in several localities, which are due to be expanded further as the government regains control of the country.
The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) is a South African-based organisation that is working to support transitional justice in CAR, given its previous experience of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and ambition to promote fair, democratic and inclusive societies in post-conflict states across Africa. IJR has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Reconciliation.
IJR is now looking to recruit a consultant based in Bangui, Central African Republic, to serve as the local interface between the Institute and the relevant stakeholders in CAR. The consultant will work on a part-time basis (4-6 days a month) until December 2021.
Responsibilities:
Ensure continuous engagement with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Reconciliation and other key governmental stakeholders in CAR to determine areas of support that can be provided by the IJR.
Engage with Local Peace and Reconciliation Committees to determine areas of support that can be provided by the IJR.
Maintain relationships with donors and other stakeholders including UN, the Special Criminal Court and civil society organisations working on transitional justice, and determine areas of collaboration.
Carry out research and provide regular monthly reports to the IJR on ongoing political developments and transitional justice capacity needs.
Facilitate meetings during in-country visits by the IJR.
Support workshop planning and other related project activities.
Provide, where requested, input on project documents, reports, and policy briefs.
Requirements:
At least three years professional experience of working on peacebuilding, transitional justice or a related field.
A University-level degree in International Relations, Political Affairs, Conflict Studies or a relevant field is desirable, but will be evaluated alongside the relevance of the candidate’s qualifications.
Proven understanding of the political situation in CAR.
Excellent networking abilities.
Fluent in French and English.
CAR citizenship.
Based in Bangui or willing to relocate.
No political affiliation.
Please submit a cover letter and a CV, along with your daily financial rate, to Amanda Lucey, [email protected].
For more information on the IJR, please visit www.ijr.org.za.