The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) is an organ of the African Union established by virtue of Article 30 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. It was adopted by the OAU Assembly on 28 June 1981 and came into force on 21 October 1986 under the Organization of the African Unity to promote human and Peoples’ Rights and ensure their protection in Africa. The ACHPR’s was inaugurated on 12 June 1989 and its seat is in Banjul, the Gambia.

The ACHPR invites applications from citizens of African Union Members States for the following position:

1. Post

Job Title               Research Officer (Fixed Term, non-renewable)

Grade:                   P2-5

Supervisor:           Secretary to the Commission

Directorate:           Secretariat of the ACHPR

Duty Station:        Banjul, The Gambia

1. Job Purpose

Be responsible for researching and monitoring human rights development within Africa and prepare advisories as necessary and also contribute to articles/publications.

1. Major Duties And Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Secretary to the Commission, the Research Officer shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Undertake research into thematic human rights issues of interest to the African context.
• Carryout extensive legal research, particularly on international human rights law as well as monitor relevant developments in international human rights law.
• Write information materials for external and internal circulation including discussion papers and policy guidelines on interpretations and applications of human rights norms.
• Assist the Commission in formulating and laying down principles and rules aimed at solving legal problems relating to human and peoples' rights and fundamental freedoms upon which African governments may base their legislation;
• Conducting legal research required of the human rights situation in individual countries including, in particular, data and information related to thematic areas;
• Ensuring provision of necessary inputs to the preparatory process of State Periodic Reports, including supervising the drafting of relevant documents;
• Analyzing data and information from countries and other forms of research as required;
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

1. Academic Requirements and Work Experience

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations or other related disciplines with a minimum of five (5) years postgraduate work experience in related field. Or Master’s degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations or other related disciplines with a minimum of two (2) years postgraduate work experience.

Candidatesmusthaveaminimumoftwo (2) yearsof relevantpracticalexperience, preferably withinamajorGovernment, InternationalOrganization, PublicorPrivatesectororganization.

1. Other Relevant Skills

1. An in-depth understanding of the African human rights system and of comparative or international human rights law;
2. Good analytical skills and knowledge of the African Union policies and procedures;
3. Excellent drafting legal pleadings and argumentative skills;
4. Strong analytical skills and ability to prepare legal submissions and opinions;
5. Concentration, accuracy, and ability to work under minimum supervision and under pressure;
6. Respect for confidentiality and good public relations;
7. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;
8. Good communication and planning skills;
9.  Demonstrable knowledge of international organizations;
10. Demonstrate the ability to interact with people with various expertise and consolidate their inputs;
11. Demonstrate effective ability for teamwork, as well as the ability to work independently;
12. Have demonstrated excellent analytical capability;
13. Have a full knowledge of computer systems including internet navigation and various Microsoft office applications such as MS-Word, MS-Excel, MS-Access and MS-PowerPoint;
14. Excellent research, report writing and drafting skills.

1. Core Competencies

1. Building Relationship: Establishes a wide network of internal and external contacts that enables the individual to gather information and utilise the strengths and abilities of others in order to enhance organisational and performance.
2. Forster Accountability Culture: Anticipates obstacles realistically and plans for contingencies-creates plans that factor in time for unexpected problems and uncertainties.
3. Learning Orientation: Develops and monitors the implementation of learning and development plans for the team. Establishes mechanisms to facilitate and encourage knowledge sharing in own area.
4. Communication with Influence: Projects authority and credibility and makes impact. Communicates in a clear, to-the-point and convincing manner in order to inform or influence opinions of others. Presents the key points of the argument persuasively.

1. Language Requirement

Candidates must have an excellent command of at least one of the African Union working languages(English, French, Arabic and Portuguese). Knowledge of one other language or several working languages would be an added advantage.

1. Tenure Of Appointment

The appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of two (2) years and six (6) months (Non-Renewable).

1. GenderMainstreaming

The ACHPR is an equal opportunity employer; qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

1. Remuneration

The net salary for this post shall be USD 77,122.80 (All-inclusive)

1. Submission of Applications

• Complete application should include a cover letter, a CV, relevant certificate/diploma, at least 1 reference, and any other material/information deemed necessary to supporting the application;
• Applications may be submitted via email or in person.
• Via email, send to achpr.humanresources@africa-union.organd with the subject line “Research Officer”;

• Applications should be submitted no later than 05 May 2021 and should be addressed to the postal address or email indicated below:

Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

31 Bijilo Annex Layout, Kombo North District
Western Region P.O. Box 673 Banjul
The Gambia
Tel: (+220) 441 05 05, (+220) 441 05 06

E-mail: achpr.humanresources@africa-union.org

NB:

1. Only candidates shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.