Staff Attorney – Angola 359 views1 applications

Location: Home Based (Angola)
Contract Type: Full-Time Consultant (10 Months)
Reporting to: Deputy Chief of Party: Advancing Rights in Southern Africa (ARISA) Program
Start Date: 1 April 2021

Background

The Advancing Rights in Southern Africa (ARISA) Program is currently implementing a 5 year programme in eight Southern African countries namely; Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA/ABAROLI) is part of the 4 member consortium implementing the ARISA Program, and seeks to appoint a bilingual lawyer (Portuguese/English) to support its programming in Angola. The work in Angola will focus on supporting Civil Society Organisations in promoting access to justice, human rights and democracy in the context of Angola’s forthcoming local government/municipal elections.

Position Description

Under the supervision of the Deputy Chief of Party, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Staff Attorney will support the ARISA/ABAROLI program through provision of technical, legal, and human rights assistance to local partners based in Angola. The Staff Attorney will specifically provide related legal and technical assistance to the project on advancing democracy, electoral rights and access to justice before, during and after the holding of the local government/municipal elections in the country. The program has a strong litigation, research and civil society support component, therefore the ideal candidate must have a strong background in these areas in addition to demonstrable experience and skills working on electoral issues.

Duties:

The specific duties of the position include the following:

1. Oversight and coordination of local partners, and ensuring that ABA/ARISA sub grantees are on track with programme implementation and activities in Angola;
2. Provide technical assistance and support to local partners in meeting their programme objectives;
3. Undertake legal and human rights research on electoral issues in Angola with an aim to provide strategic advice to project team and civil society partners on timely and strategic interventions;
4. Support electoral litigation, including provision of case support through legal advice and legal research;
5. Support human rights monitoring, with a focus on electoral rights and recommending appropriate action, including litigation where the monitoring identifies possible electoral rights violations;
6. Support internal and external meetings and missions related to the project including the provision of logistical support to the Program Team and partners;
7. Build, strengthen and nurture partnerships with local CSO partners, as well as human rights organisations/defenders, the Government of Angola, the Angola Bar Association and other legal sector actors, as well as relevant regional and international intergovernmental bodies;
8. Assist with program administration including budget preparation, expenditure reports, program and mission reports, meeting minutes and compiling monitoring and evaluation information and reports;
9. Representing ABAROLI at meetings, at partner activities; and
10. Any other duties as directed by the Deputy Chief of Party.

Qualifications and Experience

1. A first degree in law from a recognised institution. A Masters’ degree in international or human rights law will be a distinct advantage;
2. At least 5 – 7 years’ experience working on elections, legal and human rights issues, including relevant work in Angola (SADC regional level experience would be an advantage);
3. At least 5 years of programme management experience;
4. Admitted to practice law in Angola;
5. Must have a right to live and work in Angola;

Skills and Competencies

1. Fluency in both Portuguese and English as well as writing and reading proficiency in both languages;
2. Ability to work independently (remotely), with minimum supervision whilst delivering exceptional results;
3. Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as the use of computer and online skills for research, reporting and holding meetings with dispersed colleagues;
4. Excellent coordination and communication skills to serve as a liaison with ABAROLI office in South Africa and local partners;
5. Excellent research and report writing skills; and
6. Good interpersonal skills and experience working well in a team.

How to apply

If you meet the requirements for this position, please submit your application to: [email protected] by 24 March 2021.

Your application must include the following documents:

1. A cover letter explaining how your qualifications, experience, skills and competencies match the requirements of the position; and
2. A detailed curriculum vitae including the details of three (3) contactable references. At least one of the referees must be a current or previous employer/supervisor.