JOB PURPOSE

The overall purpose of this post is to lead on the development, coordination and implementation of Amnesty International’s  regional advocacy and lobbying activities in Africa so that Amnesty International’s human rights research, advocacy positions, global campaigns and recommendations are effectively promoted at  African Intergovernmental Organisations (IGOs), African Union (AU) member states and other relevant actors in the region. This post will provide such strategic advocacy leadership under the direct guidance and supervision of the [Manager to be designated within the Research and Advocacy Program].

The location for this role is either Nairobi or Dakar, and the salary will be dependent on the location. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead on conceptualizing, designing, implementing and following-up of regional advocacy strategies in Africa to make the fullest use of advocacy opportunities at the African Union (AU) organs, bodies and institutions as well as Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa and lead on the evaluation of those advocacy strategies.
• Manage projects on regional advocacy in Africa ensuring that operational plans and priorities are delivered on time and within budget.
• Monitor, analyze, advise, research, and report on developments and advocacy opportunities within the AU and RECs, paying particular attention to the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Regional Human Rights System (the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR), African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR),and African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child).
• Work closely with researchers and campaigners in African regional offices to ensure effective advocacy messaging and strategies are integrated in research and campaigning projects and outputs.
• Lead and coordinate Amnesty International’s participation and activities at ACHPR sessions and other relevant regional platforms;
• Promote alignment between regional and international advocacy strategies, and contribute to the implementation of integrated strategies across regional and international spaces.
• Establish and maintain regular contacts and effective working relationship with relevant actors within the AU and other African IGO bodies and institutions.
• Work closely with like-minded local, national, regional and international civil society organizations and activists through formal and informal partnerships and coalitions.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Extensive experience of advocacy and engagement with key intergovernmental organizations in Africa, mainly the AU, African Peace and Security Architecture and regional human rights treaty bodies;
• Extensive experience of producing analysis, policy briefs, position papers, submissions and other relevant advocacy outputs;
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of international law and relations, international human rights law and international humanitarian law;
• Ability to identify, analyze, and exploit opportunities for influencing IGOs and authorities on human rights issues;
• Relevant experience of research for advocacy purposes, including field research on human rights issues;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (essential) and French (essential).