Advisor (gn) for Breaking Patterns of Armed Violence (PAVE)

bicc - Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies is an independent international research institute dedicated to research and policy advice on the conditions, dynamics and consequences of violent conflicts to contribute to a more peaceful world. bicc was founded in 1994 with the support of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and is a member of the Johannes-Rau-Research Community.  

As of 1 November 2026, we are looking for an

Advisor (m/f/d) for Breaking Patterns of Armed Violence (PAVE)

Full-time / Fixed-term until 31 October 2027 / Remuneration Group 13 TV-L

to work on a project that contributes to the prevention and reduction of armed group violence in Africa through locally informed and evidence-based Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) processes. The project is being implemented jointly with the African Union (AU), the United Nations Peace Building and Peace Support Office (DDR branch), in close coordination with regional organisations, such as the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) and local project partners. The project is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.

Beyond the project, bicc publishes on DDR(-related) topics. The institute is also a long-standing member of the Integrated DDR Training Group (IDDRTG), an association of institutes and international organisations that offer training activities in DDR.

• Provide expert technical advice to the project partners and various stakeholders (at local, national and regional level) engaged in DDR-related activities and armed group violence reduction efforts across Africa in close coordination with the project management.
• Contribute to the analysis of armed group and related dynamics, for instance illicit proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) in DDR contexts, on the African continent (through the compilation of evidence gathered in assessment missions) and the drafting of policy recommendations (policy briefs).
• Conceptual planning and content-related implementation of events (workshops, conferences, webinars, briefings, policy roundtables) in close coordination with the project team.
• Plan and facilitate DDR-related capacity exchange and training activities for diverse target groups (online and in-person), including preparation of relevant training materials (new module development, presentations, concept note, agenda, supporting material for practical exercises, etc.)
• Draft different outputs on DDR-related topics (e.g. publications, reports, concept and briefing notes)
• Support the development of new project proposals
• Support the production of the project’s documentary podcast series ‘The Sahel Untold: Stories of Resilience’
• Prepare social media/public relations (PR) content

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, social sciences, international economics, international relations, law, development or a related field is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience working on DDR and related topics, such as community violence reduction (CVR) in practice or academia.
• Experience working on Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM), small arms control, conflict/post-conflict crisis management, socio-economic recovery, as well as international affairs such as peacebuilding operations, development programmes or related areas is desirable.
• Experience working with international organisations, such as the United Nations (UN peacekeeping political missions, or UN agencies, Funds and Programmes), the African Union or a comparable international organisation or non-governmental organisation in a conflict or post-conflict environment is desirable.
• You are prepared to go on business trips and ideally have an active Hostile Environment Awareness Training Certificate not older than 5 years
• Your English language skills are very good - in daily use as in specialised topics. Knowledge of French is an advantage
• Good communication and presentation skills round off your profile
• Ability to work in a team

• A meaningful role in an internationally active peace and conflict research institute based in Bonn, Germany.
• A professionally challenging and diverse field of activity with a high degree of creative freedom and space for your own ideas.
• An inter- and transdisciplinary work environment, as well as a collegial, trust-based, and open work atmosphere.
• Support for balancing family and career through flexible working hours and the option of mobile working. Please note: Unfortunately, it is not possible to work remotely from abroad.
• Remuneration based on the collective agreement for the public sector (TV-L NRW) at pay grade 13, as well as an annual bonus payment (in accordance tot he TV-L NRW) and the option of a company pension scheme (VBLU).