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.