Vacancy: Project Assistant - African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Posted on June 02, 2023

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Commission) is an organ of the African Union established by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Charter). The Commission’s secretariat is located in Banjul, The Gambia. In addition to performing any other tasks which may be entrusted to it by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the African Commission is mainly mandated to interpret the Charter, to protect and promote human rights in Africa.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), seeks to recruit a Project Assistant working on human rights, environmental protection, and/or climate change, to be embedded at the African Commission in Banjul.

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Post Information 

Department:   African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Supervisor:    Executive Secretary to the Commission
Duty Station:  Banjul, The Gambia
Duration:        6 months (until 31 December 2023)
Start Date:     1 July 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter

Task Description

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the Executive Secretary to the Commission, the Consultant recruited under this collaboration, and the designated Legal Officer assisting the Commission’s Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa (WGEI), to perform the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Facilitate the provision of technical and logistical support at Secretariat level, including the organisation of meetings, workshops, consultations; preparation of reports, concept notes, agendas, and other relevant working documents at the level of the African Commission;
  • Facilitate communication exchanges and serve as liaison person between the Secretariat, the Project Assistant, GIZ and relevant members of the WGEI and the Commission’s Working Group on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Africa (WG-ECOSOC), in relation to the implementation of the project;
  • In collaboration with the Legal Officer assisting the WGEI, support planning, monitoring and evaluation of activities under the project, including the distribution of tasks, organisation of schedules and deadlines, to ensure the timely execution of the project cycle;
  • In collaboration with the Legal Officer assisting the WGEI, support project implementation, guaranteeing quality, efficiency, and effectiveness;
  • Provide legal research assistance as may be necessary in the compilation of the study;
  • Contribute to the Commission’s efforts towards strengthening the regional responses to issues of human rights and the environment in Africa, giving effect to Resolution 417 on the human rights impacts of extreme weather in Eastern and Southern Africa due to climate change.
  • Assist the WGEI, and the WG-ECOSOC towards the development of a Study on the Impact of Climate Change on Human Rights in Africa.
  • Contribute to the development of soft law standards on climate change and human rights.
  • Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Secretary of the Commission.

Eligibility Requirements

Educational qualifications:

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations or other related disciplines, OR a Masters’ degree in human rights, environmental policy, sustainable development, or other related disciplines, and must have a minimum of two years professional experience in issues related to human rights, environmental protection, and/or climate change.

Work experience:

  • A minimum of five years of practical experience in legal practice, government, international organization, public or private sector organization

Required competencies and experience:

  • An in-depth understanding and knowledge of the African human rights system and of international human rights law.
  • An in-depth understanding and knowledge of law and policy related to environmental protection, and/or climate change.
  • Research, report writing, drafting and organisational skills;
  • Good project management, communication and planning skills;
  • Concentration, accuracy, and ability to work under minimum supervision and under pressure;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment;
  • Demonstrable human rights and research skills and experience
  • Knowledge of inter-governmental and international organisations.
  • Demonstrate effective ability for teamwork, as well as the ability to work independently.
  • Have a full knowledge of computer systems including internet navigation and various Microsoft Office applications such as MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint.
  • Experience in working with the African Commission would be a plus;

Desirable skills:

  • Knowledge of international law
  • Ability to work effectively in a team
  • Good analytical skills
  • Integrity and respect for confidentiality
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
  • Good communication and planning skills

Language requirement:

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

Gender Mainstreaming

The Centre and the Commission are equal opportunities for employers. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Reporting

The project assistant will report to the Executive Secretary and senior legal officer, who will be the key contacts for the overall assignment.

Applications Information

Qualified applicants should submit their applications consisting of:

  • A cover letter, indicating how the applicant meets the eligibility criteria
  • A Curriculum Vitae, with at least two contactable professional referees
  • Relevant certificate/diploma

Applications may be submitted via email to [email protected] with the subject line Project Assistant.

Applications close on 9 June 2023.

- Author Centre for Human Rights

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