The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide network of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights.

The ICJ's international secretariat in Geneva is seeking to recruit a Legal Officer to develop and lead its rule of law and human rights advocacy work in Africa. The independence and accountability of judges and lawyers and access to justice are dominant themes in the ICJ’s Africa Programme, with a focus also on counter-terrorism in East Africa and responding to rule of law crises in the continent. The ICJ advocates strongly against impunity and for victims to obtain remedies for violations of economic, social and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights. This recruitment will also enable the ICJ to develop a much stronger network of ICJ Commissioners, Sections and Affiliates in Africa.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Deputy Secretary-General (Legal Affairs), the Legal Officer will provide legal and advocacy expertise on Africa. Specifically, she/he will:

• Monitor and analyse the human rights and rule of law situation in countries in the region, with particular focus on the justice systems and other ICJ programme priorities;
• Develop and implement innovative advocacy strategies and legal interventions on relevant countries in the region, including through public reports, amicus curiae briefs, trial observations, media work and field missions;
• Lead the ICJ’s advocacy work on issues related to Africa at the United Nations and at other international and regional expert and intergovernmental fora, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Union;
• Strengthen, inform and mobilise the regional ICJ network composed of Commissioners, National Sections and Affiliated Organisations, in support of the organisation's advocacy strategies in Africa;
• Maintain effective working relationships with counterparts in relevant international, regional and national human rights organisations with the aim of developing networks, alliances or coalitions where useful;
• Assist in the identification and maintenance of appropriate contacts with donors in the region;
• Supervise the work of relevant consultants and interns;
• Manage the progress of the programme of work, including: regular monitoring and reporting on progress, financial management, and the review and development of strategy papers for future ICJ work in the region.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful applicant will have:

• A degree in law. Post-graduate studies in international human rights and/or international humanitarian law highly desirable;
• At least seven-eight years experience in the practical application of human rights law in Africa. Experience in common law and civil law legal systems highly desirable;
• Excellent political judgment and the ability to develop and implement innovative advocacy strategies;
• A demonstrated commitment to human rights and the rule of law;
• Excellent written and spoken English. Working knowledge of French highly desirable;
• Understanding of and experience in programme management highly desirable;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team.

Applicants from Africa and from the ICJ network are particularly encouraged to apply, as are female applicants.

Although this is a long-term position, applicants who are available for a one-year appointment may also apply.

APPLICATIONS close on 12 September 2005 and should be addressed with your CV and the names and contact details of at least two referees to:

International Commission of Jurists, Legal Officer for Africa recruitment, P.O.Box 216, 1219 Châtelaine - Geneva, Switzerland / or by e-mail to: info@icj.org

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No calls please.