CALL FOR APPLICATION

ABOUT THE JOURNAL 

The African Solutions Journal (AfSol Journal) is one of the research products of the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), which serves as a platform for critical debate and solutions to African peace and security challenges. It aims to meet peace and security as an intellectual challenge and to provide theoretical and practical knowledge to academia and policy makers. First published in 2016, the AfSol Journal, totalling five volumes, serves as a platform to examine African peace, security, and governance from both academic and practical points of view. It allows African scholars to discuss the past and present while shaping the future by actively debating and constructing a common understanding of African-centred solutions for peace and security.

EDITORIAL BOARD – POSITION PURPOSE 

The IPSS Research Unit intends to make a substantive contribution to the contemporary discourse on peace and security on the African continent and, more specifically, to assist the African Union (AU), Regional Economic Communities (RECs)/Regional Mechanisms (RMs) in the development of evidence-based and actionable policy options. In this respect, members of the AfSol Journal Editorial Board serve a two (2) year term with six (6) months’ probation, during which they must demonstrate commitment to improving and supporting the production of the Journal. The primary purpose of the AfSol Journal Editorial Board members is to advise on the quality, progress and consistency of the regular and special edition of the AfSol Journal.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Main Task

A Member of the AfSol Journal Editorial Board is expected to advice the Research and Policy Analysis Unit of the Africa Peace and Security Programme (APSP) at the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), Addis Ababa, on the Agenda, Quality, Progress and Consistency of the AfSol Journal.

Specific Tasks

• Provide support to the Editor-in-chief and the managing editor on journal policy, scope and direction;
• Provide support to the journal process and ensure that the AfSol Journal maintains the highest standards of research and publication ethics;
• Provide support to the production process to ensure that shortlisted articles meet the journal’s scientific, policy and intellectual scope and goals;
• Lead and deliver on at least one AfSol Journal special issue;
• Provide structured reviews/peer review of at least two manuscript submissions over the course of one year;
• Assist the editor(s) in decision-making over issues such as plagiarism claims and submissions;
• Provide content by writing occasional editorials and analysis report;
• Promote and endorse the journal to authors, readers and subscribers and encourage colleagues and peers to submit their best work;

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. A Doctorate in International Relations, Political Sciences, Peace and Security, Conflict Studies, Human Right, Public Policy, African Studies, or any other relevant social sciences fields;
2. Five (5) years with field experience;
3. At least seven (7) publications in their respective journal;
4. Be an existing or serving Member of faculty or Fellow in a University or Think Tank with a strong Africa programme;
5. Experience with the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), or any African Regional Economic Community, on peace and security issues or any of the sub-fields;
6. Experience with reviewing manuscripts;

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Member(s) of the AfSol Journal Editorial Board should:

1. Have broad knowledge on the field of peace and security in Africa, as well as in specific area(s) of specialisation
2. Synthesize information and views from a wide range of sources and make informed decisions.
3. Communicate clearly and effectively (in English or French)
4. Demonstrate quality knowledge and experience related to research integrity and publishing
5. Identify research or publication misconduct, misbehaviour and questionable practices,
6. Analyse journal policies, practices and performance metrics to improve journal performance.
7. Examine the Journal through the lens of best practices for research and publication to advice the Unit.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 

Interested applicants should submit a a motivation letter and a CV not longer than 3 pages to research@ipss-addis.org; keeping h.cynthia@ipss-addis.org and j.akamo@ipss-addis.org in copy, no later than 11:59 PM East African Time (EAT) March 17th, 2025.