Organization and Program Overview
The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is a non-profit organization that implements rule of law, justice reform, and human rights programs. ABA ROLI has worked for over 25 years in more than 100 countries to promote the rule of law, advance human rights, strengthen judicial institutions, support legal professionals and advance understanding of the law and rights of citizens by the public. ABA ROLI works by establishing partnerships with a wide range of actors, including justice sector institutions (judges, prosecutors, public defense offices, mediation offices and national human rights institutions, investigators and police), civil society organizations, bar associations, legal aid organizations and lawyers, among others.
The Human Rights Advisor is part of the team that will implement ABA ROLI’s Promoting Rights and Justice in the Gambia Activity, a 5-year project funded by the U.S Agency for International Development that seeks to strengthen the efficiency of the justice system in The Gambia and to empower civil society organizations to increase accountability and public participation.
The Human Rights Advisor (HRA) will provide technical substantive expertise on all training and capacity building on human rights provided by the Project to the Gambian justice system. The HRA will be responsible for developing and delivering training for court clerks, judges, prosecutors and public defenders, and will provide mentoring and coaching on human rights, including both substantive rights and due process rights. It will also provide training to strengthen the Gambia’s justice system to combat trafficking crimes.
The HRA is a senior professional with extensive experience as an expert on human rights preferably in transitional settings, and she/he will have proven experience as a communicator and trainer on human rights. The position is based in Banjul, The Gambia, and it reports to the Project’s Chief of Party (COP).
Duties and Responsibilities
Serves as the technical lead for all project activities centered on bolstering the capacity of the Gambian Justice System on human rights, both substantive and procedural.
Develops and delivers training modules for court clerks, judges, prosecutors and public defenders.
Provides mentoring and coaching on human rights to Gambian justice sector staff, including both substantive rights and due process rights.
Provides training to strengthen the Gambia’s justice system to combat trafficking in persons crimes.
Provides analysis to the Project on the Gambian governance, justice, and human rights context.
Based on said analysis, advises the project on strategic actions to preempt and respond to developments in the governance, justice, and human rights context.
Uses monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) tools in all project activities under its responsibility.
Integrates learning and adjusts program strategy on the basis of program data gathered using MEL tools.
Establishes and enhances effective collaboration and relationships with Gambian justice sector leaders and staff.
Liaises with partner institutions and ensures learning efforts are targeted, non-duplicative, meaningful and informed by best practices in the field of human rights.
Writes ready-to-publish project materials, documents, reports, and communication pieces.
Provides management, guidance and oversight for project personnel under her/his supervision.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Yes
Qualifications
Possession of a Bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor (or Bachelor’s degree plus an LL.M), or a Ph.D, from an accredited college or university.
Ten years of experience serving as a human rights advisor to government or civil society organizations.
A demonstrated track record as a human rights expert, evidenced by publications, expert testimony, or advice provided to governments or organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Five years of management experience within institutions or organizations.
Extent of Travel Required in the Job
As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel within The Gambia of up to 20% of the time.
Application Requirements:
A one-page cover letter;
CV, including descriptions of relevant positions and responsibilities, educational background, and contact information for three references;
Candidates should address their applications to the Chief of Party by email with the subject line “Application for the Human Rights Advisor in Gambia” to africa-recruitment@abaroli.org by September 21st.
Only applications that are complete and sent by email will be considered. Only candidates whose applications are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview via Skype.
