Senior Legal Officer - Special Mechanisms (ACHPR) 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 Organization 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: Senior Legal Officer - Special Mechanisms (ACHPR)

Requisition ID: 1582
Location: Banjul, Gambia
Reports to: Deputy Secretary 
Directorate: African Commission on Human and People’s Rights ACHPR
Division: Legal
Number of Direct Reports: 2
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Contract  Type: Regular 
Job Grade: P3

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

• Contributes to the development of policies and strategies
• Coordinates the implementation of programmes and plans of 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 strategy;
• 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:
• 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.

    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.
• 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
• 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 Relationships
• 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

Languages:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage

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.

Gender Mainstreaming

• The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$ 37,453.00 (P3 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment ( 46% 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
26th January, 2023.