Legal Officer , African Court on Human and Peoples Rights

The African Court on Human and Peoples Rights was established by virtue of Article

1 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, adopted on 9 June

1998 and which came into force on 25 January 2004. It is the first continental judicial body charged with the responsibility of ensuring the protection of human and peoples’ rights. The Court became operational in 2006 and its seat is in Arusha, in the United Republic of Tanzania.

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights invites applications from citizens of
African Union Member States for the following position:

1. Post:

Job title: Legal Officer – Portuguese Speaking
Post level: P2
Supervisor: Principal Legal Officer
Directorate: Registry of the Court
Duty station:Arusha

2. Job Purpose:
Provide specific legal support to the Court.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Legal Division, and under the direct supervision of the Principal Legal Officer, the Legal Officer will perform the following duties:

i) Assist in analysis and legal research on legislation and jurisprudence in both national and international courts.
ii) Review records of - cases and, attend Court sessions, as necessary.
iii) Prepare weekly reports on the status of cases pending before the Court.
iv) Carry out in-depth research on international human rights law and monitor relevant developments in international law.
v) Provide opinions on issues concerning the Court from the judicial, administrative and diplomatic.
vi) Draft legal memoranda and conduct research on various legal issues.
vii) Prepare factual information sheets on cases pending before the Court.
viii) Perform any other duties as required.

3. Educational Qualifications:

Candidates must have a minimum of a University Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Law. An advanced university degree or a relevant postgraduate diploma in Law (Masters or equivalent) will be an added advantage.

4. Work Experience:

Candidates must have a minimum of six (6) years relevant professional experience in a similar position, preferably in an international organization.

5. Other relevant skills:

i) Demonstrate leadership abilities;
ii) Good knowledge of the African human rights system;
iii) Strong analytical skills and ability to prepare legal submissions, opinions and motions;
iv) Concentration, accuracy, and working under minimum supervision;
v) Respect for confidentiality and good public relations;
vi) Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure in a multi-cultural environment;
vii) Excellent drafting and argumentative skills in one of the African Union working languages;
viii)Good communication and planning skills
ix) Excellent knowledge of international organizations;
x) Computer literacy.

6. Language Requirement

An excellent command of Portuguese language. Knowledge of one or several other AU working languages will be an added advantage.

7. Tenure of Appointment:

The appointment will be a regular appointment for a period of three (3) years, the first twelve months of which will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance.

8. Gender Mainstreaming:

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

9. Remuneration:

Indicative basic salary of US$29,287.00 per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. post adjustment (42% of basic salary), housing allowance(1,435.20 US$ per month), education allowance (75% of school fees up to a maximum of US$7,800.00 per child per annum to a maximum of four children aged 21 years maximum), spouse allowance (5% of the basic salary), child allowance (US$250 per annum per child up to four children aged 21 years maximum), etc in accordance with the Rules and Regulations governing International Civil Servants of the African Union.

10. Applications:

To apply, please submit the following:

i) A letter stating reasons for seeking employment with the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
ii) A detailed and updated CV, indicating your nationality, age and gender (comply with requirements for candidates wishing to apply for posts in African Court);
iii) Names and contact details (including email address) of three referees;
iv) Certified copies of degree and diplomas.

Applications should be submitted not later than 10/01/2015 and should be addressed to the postal address or email indicated below:

African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
P.O. Box. 6274
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel : + 255 732 979506/9
Fax : + 255 732 979503
E-mail : humanresources@african-court.org

Only candidates who meet the requirements for this position will be contacted.