Introduction

The Policy Officer Political and Economic Affairs is primarily responsible for contributing to the development of Dutch policy in Chad, drawing up project plans for the Embassy Office and identifying potential local partners. The Policy Officer reports to the Head of Mission.
The officer is expected to maintain strong political awareness and provide thorough analysis of political, economic and humanitarian developments in Chad, including the wider geopolitical context relating to Sudan and the broader Sahel region.
Applicants should submit a strong and convincing motivation letter explaining their interest in working for the Dutch Embassy Office, demonstrating an understanding of its role in Chad and outlining how they can contribute to the work of the team.

Description of duties

• Monitor, analyse, report on and advise regarding political, security, foreign policy and economic developments in Chad and the wider Sahel region.
• Provide high-quality analysis and advice on political, economic and humanitarian developments, including displacement, refugee flows and regional crises.
• Contribute to policy development on political affairs, security, human rights, economic affairs and private sector development.
• Support the design, coordination and monitoring of the Embassy Office’s flagship Wadi Fira pilot project and any other project under conception or execution.
• Work closely with UN agencies, the World Bank and other international and local partners.
• Expand and maintain the Embassy Office’s professional network and represent the Embassy Office in relevant meetings.
• Identify, advise on and monitor projects supported by the Netherlands.
• Work closely with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and its partners to further develop the Dutch PSD portfolio in Chad.
• Co-organise public diplomacy activities.
• Support incoming missions through programme preparation, briefing materials and speaking notes.    

Result areas

• Timely, independent, proactive, quality advice on political developments, security, human rights, economic affairs and private sector development that is relevant for the work of the Embassy office;
• Timely, relevant short reports and briefing notes on political developments, security, human rights, economic affairs and private sector development, including reliable translations of such information in English when not available in that language;
• Good quality project proposals have been identified and projects are managed in line with the priorities that were set in the internal/Annual Plan and the Ministry’s regulations, in good dialogue with project partners and with concise advice to management;
• An excellent and relevant network is maintained in the field of political affairs, security, human rights, economic affairs and private sector development;
• Representation of the Dutch position in relevant meetings, including donor coordination meetings. Maintaining a relevant network among Chadian civil society organizations and government institutions;
• High quality and relevant public diplomacy activities have been organized in fields relevant to the Embassy office;
• A good social media strategy has been developed and is being implemented.

Working environment

The Embassy Office of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in N’Djamena opened in 2019 due to increased political attention for stability in the wider Sahel region. The office contributes to stability, security, human rights, infrastructure and private sector development in Chad.

The Embassy Office is expected to be upgraded to a full-fledged embassy in 2027. The successful candidate will work largely independently, initiating projects and activities and following political and economic developments in Chad and the wider region.

Job requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent in political science, development studies, economics or another relevant field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, preferably with a diplomatic mission, international NGO or multinational company.
• Strong knowledge of political developments, security, human rights, economic affairs and private sector development in Chad.
• Strong understanding of regional dynamics in the Sahel and the geopolitical context involving Sudan.
• Knowledge of the functioning of the UN and the EU.
• Extensive experience in programme and project management, including project identification, design and monitoring.
• Strong networking skills and the ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with government institutions, civil society, UN agencies, the World Bank and other partners.
• Excellent command of spoken and written French and English. Knowledge of Arabic and/or Dutch is an asset.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Good command of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and social media tools.
• Results-oriented, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Demonstrates integrity, flexibility and strong organisational skills.
• Valid residence and work permit in Chad (if applicable). This is a locally contracted position governed by Chadian law.

Short description of the employee

The successful candidate is a highly qualified professional who demonstrates commitment, initiative and sound judgement. They are dynamic and proactive, with strong political awareness and a well-developed understanding of political and economic developments.

The successful candidate is curious and eager to learn, works independently when required and contributes effectively as a member of a team.

Key competencies include analytical thinking, collaboration, networking, initiative, results orientation and written communication.

We are looking for a colleague who is progressive and open-minded and who actively supports and promotes human rights, including the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons. The successful candidate can engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including young people in Chad, and is comfortable using social media and digital communication channels to support public diplomacy and outreach activities.

If you’re interested please apply with an E-mail, CV and motivation letter to:
Nathalie Hustinx
Deputy Head of Mission
e-mail: NDJ-AZ@minbuza.nl