Legal Officer - Special Mechanisms at the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999).  We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Legal Officer - Special Mechanisms

Requisition ID: 851
Location: Banjul, Gambia
Organization: African Union Commission - AUC
Reports to: Senior Legal Officer – Special  Mechanism
AU Organ: African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Job Grade: P2
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

• Provides technical legal support for special mechanisms in line with the execution of the Commission’s Strategic Plan.

Main Functions

• Contributes to the development of policies and strategies 
• Coordinates the implementation of programmes and plans of the special mechanism under the ACHPR 
• Liaise with stakeholders including the 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

Specific Responsibilities
Working under the Senior Legal Officer Special Mechanisms provides support in the following areas: 

• 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 the 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 a minimum of two (2) years’ work experience

      OR 

• Must hold Bachelor's Degree in Law from an accredited university  with a minimum of five (5) years’ work experience 
• Fluency in Arabic Language is the requirement.

Required Skills:

• Communication ability both orally and in writing in Arabic
• Analytical skills
• Ability to work across business units/geographies; cultural sensitive environment 
• Proficiency in other  AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese) will be an added advantage

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Accountability awareness and Compliance
• Learning Orientation
• Effective Communication

Functional Competencies:

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for Results
• Continuous improvement focus

Tenure of Appointment:

• The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period.
• Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Remuneration

• Indicative basic salary of US$ 31,073.00 (P2 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (30% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 15,897.60  (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.

Application Closing Date
29th November, 2021.