Commissioners for the South Sudan Commission for Truth, Reconciliation & Healing (CTRH) 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: Commissioner for the South Sudan Commission for Truth, Reconciliation & Healing (CTRH) 

Requisition ID: 2861
Location: South Sudan
Reports to: Deputy Executive Director
Reports to: South Sudan Government, African Union and United Nations
Directorate / Department / Organ: AU Political Affairs, Peace and Security 
Number of Positions: 3
Job Grade: Commisioner 

Purpose of Job
Introduction:

• The African Union (AU), in collaboration with the Government of South Sudan and the United Nations (UN), is pleased to announce an open call for applications for the nomination of the Non-South Sudanese Commissioners for the South Sudan Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing (CTRH).

Background:

• The conflict in South Sudan has been marked by extensive human rights violations for several years coupled with a desire for truth, justice and reconciliation.
• In September 2018, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, along with other parties to the conflict, signed the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
• Chapter V of the R-ARCSS mandates the establishment of three transitional justice mechanisms:
• The Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing (CTRH): A Hybrid Court for South Sudan (HCSS); and, the Compensation and Reparations Authority (CRA).
• In November 2024, President Salva Kiir signed the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing (CTRH) Act (2024) into law. The CTRH, a cornerstone institution of South Sudan's transitional justice framework, is tasked with addressing past injustices, promoting reconciliation, fostering healing, and laying the foundation for sustainable peace and development.
• The Commission will operate for a period of six years and will consist of seven Commissioners, four (4) South Sudanese nationals among which two shall be women; three (3) Non-South Sudanese nationals from other African countries of whom at least one (1) shall be a woman.
• As per the Act, the South Sudan Council of Ministers, in consultation with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, is responsible for nominating the three (3) non-South Sudanese Commissioners.
• These nominations will be presented to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan for endorsement.

Specific Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the CTRH Commissioners shall be as follows:

• Oversee the truth-telling and reconciliation processes to address the root causes of conflict in South Sudan.
• Investigate and produce a true historical record of human rights violations and abuses in South Sudan from July 2005 to the date of signing the R-ARCSS (12 September 2018).
• Develop and implement strategies for fostering peace, national unity and healing.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders, including victims, communities, and civil society, to ensure an inclusive approach to transitional justice.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the documentation and reporting of human rights violations and other injustices.
• Recommend processes for the full enjoyment by victims of the right to remedy, including the formulation of measures for reparation and compensation.
• Develop a comprehensive report and recommendations for submission to the Government of South Sudan 
• Advice on strategies for the effective implementation of the CTRH recommendations.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations, or a related disciplines. 
• Good understanding of Transitional Justice and the African Union Transitional Justice Policy.
• Minimum of 10 years of working experience in truth and reconciliation processes or related fields such as Law, Human Rights, Peacebuilding, or Conflict Resolution.

Required Skills:
Candidates for the position of Commissioner must meet the following requirements:

• Impartiality: Demonstrated commitment to impartiality, integrity, and fairness.
• Regional and International Experience: Proven ability to work effectively in multicultural and post-conflict settings and a good understanding of South Sudan history.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic and other would be an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

• Visionary Leadership
• Ethical Governance
• Strategic Influence
• Conflict Sensitivity
• Inclusive Leadership.

Core Competencies:

• Communication & Advocacy
• Cultural & Political Awareness
• Team Collaboration
• Accountability & Transparency
• Resilience & Adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

• Transitional Justice Expertise
• Human Rights Investigation
• Peacebuilding & Reconciliation Strategy
• Legal & Policy Analysis
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Report Writing & Documentation.

Application Closing Date
1st December, 2025; 11h 59 PM EAT.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Notes

• Application Process: Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents: a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV). a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and relevant experience and contact details of three professional references.
• Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a rigorous competitive selection process, including interviews conducted by a panel of experts appointed by the African Union and the United Nations, Followed by final endorsement and appointment by the authorities of South Sudan.
• Equal Opportunity Statement: The African Union and United Nations are committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
• The regional representation: This is a non-South Sudanese position. Qualified and experienced candidates from other African Union Member States are encouraged to apply.