Senior Legal Officer - Protection (ACHPR)

Senior Legal Officer - Protection (ACHPR)

AU - African Union

Banjul, Gambia

Purpose of Job

To coordinate, promote and provide technical backstopping for the activities of Special Mechanisms, and to monitor and report to the Commission on the human rights situation relating to the different Special Mechanisms.

Main Functions

• Drafting Communications;
• Contributes to the development of policies and strategies;
• Coordinates the implementation of programmes and plans of Protection and Special mechanism under the ACHPR;
• Liaise with stakeholders including Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), etc. on relevant matters;
• Provides support in the development of special mechanisms Strategies in line with the approved Strategic Plan;
• Prepares the annual work plans for the Unit;
• Undertakes monitoring activities and delivers periodic reports on time;
• Liaises with the various Departments/Units of the Commission for coordination and alignment purposes;
• Provides technical support for the development of resource mobilization;
• Conducts analysis and generates accurate reports in a timely manner for the ACHPR’s internal use;
• Assists in setting the overall research direction of a relevant policy area;
• Is responsible for the delegation and execution of defined research areas;
• Participates in the organisation of relevant meetings, congresses and conferences with stakeholders;
• Drafts reports and participates in the preparation of budget and work programmes related to the Unit;
• Provides technical support to internal and external stakeholders;
• Manage and supervise employees under his/her supervision with regard to organization and performance evaluation.

Specific Responsibilities

Working under the Deputy Secretary, provides support in the following areas:

• Create awareness regarding the Communications procedure;
• Monitor human rights situation in Africa and provide regular feedback and updates on the human rights situation in Africa;
• Undertake research into the legal issues raised in the various communications and the provisions of the Charter;
• Contribute articles to the African Commission's Review and Newsletter;
• Draft resolutions and recommendations on Communications, cover the sessions and meetings of the African Commission and prepare the reports;
• Provides support to the Special Rapporteurs and the Working Groups in discharging their responsibilities, and follow-up on recommendations;
• Provides support to the Special Rapporteurs and the Working Groups in discharging their responsibilities, and follow-up on recommendations;
• Drafts urgent Appeals, Advisory notes, Guidelines, Information notes, Position/Conference/Meeting papers for the Commissioners;
• Provides technical backstopping to Special Mechanisms through research and documentation;
• Provides interface with, and logistical support for interaction with Member States, Regional Economic Communities, organs of the AU and other stakeholders;
• Formulates principles and rules aimed at solving human rights issues arising in the thematic areas covered by the various Special Mechanisms;
• Manages requests by member states for information and support;
• Contributes to legal or policy analyses and publications;
• Promotes the integration of legal work across the regional programs and particularly in the regional offices;
• Develops and implements capacity building and training programs;
• Contributes to standard-setting, through participating in meetings, drafting work and promoting international standards;
• Participates in the organization of relevant meetings, congresses and conferences with stakeholders;
• Performs any other relevant duties as may be directed or required.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Must hold Master’s Degree in Law from an accredited university with seven (7) years’ experience within a human rights framework, preferably in a regional, continental or international organisation, with three (3) at supervisory level, including litigation and/or judicial drafting experience; OR
• Must hold Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from an accredited university with ten (10) years’ experience out of which three (3) years should be at supervisory level, in a similar role and within a human rights framework, preferably in a regional, continental or international organisation, including litigation and/or judicial drafting experience;
• Any other qualification in the area of human rights law or a member of the professional body would be an advantage.

Required Skills

• An in-depth understanding of the African human rights system and of comparative or international human rights law;
• Qualification as a Barrister at law in a Member State of the African Union;
• Knowledge of the African Union policies and procedures;
• Strong analytical skills and ability to prepare legal submissions and opinions;
• Concentration, accuracy, and ability to work under minimum supervision and under pressure;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to organize and work under pressure in a multi-cultural environment;
• Good communication and planning skills;
• Respect for confidentiality and good public relations;
• Demonstrable knowledge of international organizations;
• Computer literacy;
• Ability to work across business units/geographies; culturally sensitive environment;
• Proficiency in Arabic Language will be preferred;
• Knowledge of any one of the other AU official working languages will be considered as an advantage (French, English, Swahili, Spanish, Portuguese).

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Insight;
• Change Management;
• Managing Risk.

Core Competencies

• Building Relationship;
• Accountable and Complies with Rules;
• Learning Orientation;
• Communicating with Influence.

Functional Competencies

• Conceptual Thinking;
• Job Knowledge and information sharing;
• Drive for Results;
• Continuous Improvement Orientation.

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