AU Commission Senior Legal Officer – Protection Job

The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a new partnership worldwide. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia.
The Commission of the African Union invites applications from citizens of Member States for a position of Senior Legal Officer – Protection in the Department of Political Affairs.
Post title: Senior Legal Officer – Protection 
 Post level: P3 Unit: African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Supervisor: Executive Secretary Duty Station: Banjul, Gambia
Job Purpose: To assist the Principal Legal Officer & Communications Coordinator in the execution of the protection mandate of the ACHPR and the handling of Communications by the African Commission
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Receive Complaints and determine whether they qualify as Communications;
  • Handle the procedural aspects of the Communications, analysing them at the      various stages  (seizure, admissibility and merit);
  • Undertake the legal research required to underpin the requisite decisions;
  • Prepare summaries and decisions for consideration by the Commission;
  • Follow-up on the Commission’s decisions and recommendations on the Communications;
  • Assist in the development and management the ACHPR’s Communications database;
  • Assisting members of the ACHPR in carrying out other  protection activities envisaged in the African Charter;

  • Participate in training for Member States, National Human Rights Institutions, NGOs and other stakeholders, to handle Communications before the African Commission;
  • Perform other duties as may be assigned.
Educational Qualifications: Candidates must have a minimum of a university degree in law. An advanced university degree in law (Masters or equivalent) will be an added advantage.
Work Experience: Candidates must have a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively relevant experience, at least five (5), of which must have been at the regional or international level.  Experience in human rights litigation will be an added advantage.
Other Relevant Skills:
  • Good knowledge of the African System of human rights;
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to prepare legal opinions;
  • Good communication and planning skills;
  • Excellent knowledge of international organizations;
  • Computer proficiency;
  • Ability to work in a team
Language Requirement: Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages. Knowledge of one or several other working languages would be an added advantage.
Age Requirement: Candidates must preferably be between 30 and 45 years old.
Tenure of Appointment:
The appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance.
Gender Mainstreaming: The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application:
To apply, please submit the following:
  • A letter stating reasons for seeking employment with the AU Commission;
  • A detailed and updated CV, indicating nationality, age and gender;
  • Names and contact details (including e-mail address) of three references;
  • Certified copies of degrees and diplomas.
Remuneration:
Indicative basic salary of US$33,619.00 per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. post adjustment (46% of basic salary), housing allowance (US$13,248.00 per annum), education allowance (75% of tuition and other related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$6,500.00 per child per annum), etc for internationally recruited staff of the Commission.
Applications must be received not later than 2nd July 2010 and should be addressed to:
The Director of Administration and Human Resource Development
AU Commission
P.O. Box 3243
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: 00251-11-5525840/5510430
E-mail: au-recruits@africa-union.org.