Head, Legal Division (AfCHPR) 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: Head, Legal Division (AfCHPR)

Requisition ID: 1721
Location: Arusha, Tanzania
Job Grade: P5
Reports to: Registrar
Contract Type: Regular
Number of Direct Reports: 6
Number of Indirect Reports: 16
Directorate/Department/Organ: Registry of the African Court

Purpose of Job

• To provide strategic leadership in the delivery of specialized legal support to the Court and management of all resources allocated to the Legal Division.

Main Functions

• Manages and supervises the conduct of legal research on international law relating to human rights, relevant developments in international law in general, legislation and jurisprudence at the level of international courts, and any other relevant research.
• Participates in the planning and implementation of periodical training courses for the Judicial and Library, Documentation and Archival functions.
• Coordinates and supervises the preparation of the Work Plans and Budgets for the Units of the Legal Division.
• Coordinates and oversees the activities of the entire Division and ensures the judicious management of its resources.

Specific Responsibilities

• Supervises the conduct of legal research and analysis on substantive and procedural issues arising from applications.
• Supervises the preparation of briefs, decisions and judgments of the Court on judicial matters.
• Liaises with other services of the Court and external groups, on various judicial matters.
• Keeps the Registrar and the Deputy Registrar fully informed of the status of judicial matters at the Registry.
• Performs any other duties that may be assigned.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Candidates should possess a Master's Degree in Law.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years relevant professional experience, in judicial or other relevant legal functions in relation to the above defined duties and responsibilities at international level or 7 years at national level in a senior executive position and 4 years at supervisory level.
• Specialization in public international law will be an added advantage.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrate leadership abilities.
• Knowledge of the African human rights system and African Union’s legal framework, policies, and procedures.
• Analytical skills and ability to prepare legal submissions and opinions;
• Ability to work under minimum supervision.
• Ability to manage diversity.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Drafting and argumentative skills in one of the African Union working languages.
• Managerial skills.
• Knowledge of international organizations.
• Computer literacy.

Leadership Competencies:

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

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationship
• Foster Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with impact

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for Results
• Fosters Innovation

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 USD 50,746.00 (P5 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment ( 42% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$  22,320.00 (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
9th June, 2023; 11:59 pm (EAT) .