Senior Prosecution Expert at the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999).  We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Prosecution Expert

Requisition ID: 503
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with frequent travel to South Sudan)
Job Grade: P3
Reports to: Project Coordinator – HCSS
Directorate: Office of the Legal counsel
Division: Hybrid Court for South Sudan (HCSS)

Purpose of Job

• Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the incumbent will be responsible to provide prosecutorial expertise support for the Hybrid court of South Sudan.

Main Functions
Under the overall supervision of the Legal Counsel and direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the Senior Prosecution Expert job level involves the following:

• Provide technical support in the preparation and implementation of programmes developed out of the HCSS strategic plan
• Actively contribute in the development of strategies, programmes and plans
• Ensure effective coordination and implementation at various levels
• Liaise with stakeholders including Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), etc on relevant matters
• Prepare and develop reports, budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the HCSS as required
• Manage and supervise employees under his/her supervision with regard to organization and performance evaluation.
• Conduct complex analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the HCSS’s use.
• Liaise with the various Departments/Units of the Commission for coordination and alignment purposes
• Prepare budgets for the HCSS in accordance with relevant frameworks.
• Provide technical support for the development of resource mobilization strategy
• Support the promotion of the activities of the HCSS including preparing guidelines and fact sheets as may be required.

Specific Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze and preserve evidence, exhibits, documents, reports, and materials in conformity with international standard that may be used by the HCSS;
• Set up system and processes for collecting and preserving evidence in preparation for the formation of the hybrid court;
• Prepare files for alleged perpetrators of crimes prescribed in the Statute of the Hybrid Court with the evidence needed to bring cases before the court;
• Liaise with both regional and international stakeholders to collect evidence and investigative reports and documents to be used in cases before the court;
• Assist and support the Project Coordinator in working with key stakeholders including the Government of South Sudan, IGAD, UN and Host State as required in developing and establishing the legal framework of the HCSS;
• Assist in the development and completion of the Rules of Evidence and Procedure and other legal and policy instruments of the HCSS;
• Support drafting and development of internal directives, policies, process and rules of the Court;
• Undertake any other relevant duties as assigned by the Legal Counsel and the Project Coordinator.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• University Master Degree in Law, International Criminal Law from a recognized Institution with 7 years’ experience, as a prosecutor or practicing lawyer in the fields of international criminal justice, rule of law, criminal or international law and working knowledge of national or international criminal law and procedure, international humanitarian law and public international law. 3 out of the 7 years of experience should be at supervisory level.

OR

• University Bachelor’s Degree in Law, International Criminal Law from a recognized University with 10 years’ experience as a prosecutor or practicing lawyer in the fields of international criminal justice, rule of law, criminal or international law and working knowledge of national or international criminal law and procedure, international humanitarian law and public international law. 3 out of the 10 years should be at supervisory level.
• Previous experience as a prosecutor in an international or hybrid criminal tribunal or court will be an added advantage.

Required Skills:

• Ability to apply prosecutorial expertise to analyzing complex evidence and documents particularly in international criminal justice,;
• Proven knowledge of the functioning of international criminal courts or tribunals and, in particular, the activities of the prosecution;
• In-depth theoretical knowledge of criminal law (both substantive and procedural), including knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments;
• Demonstrated ability to find creative and pragmatic solutions in a demanding, deadline driven environment and to establish and maintain effective, constructive working relationships with people from different national and cultural backgrounds;
• Good understanding of the political, cultural and security situation of the Horn of Africa, in particular South Sudan;
• Applicants must be proficient in English and Arabic. Advanced Knowledge of one more or several other working languages would be an added advantage.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and ability to adapt moving from the duty station to the grass root level; and
• Ability to perform under hardship and strenuous environment
• Demonstrate good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight.
• Developing others.
• Change Management.
• Managing Risk.

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationship.
• Foster Accountability Culture.
• Learning Orientation.
• Communicating with Influence.

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual thinking.
• Job Knowledge and information sharing.
• Drive for result.
• Continuous improvement orientation.

Tenure of Appointment:

• The Appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period.
• Thereafter, the contract may be renewed for a similar period subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance and agreed deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming:

• The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Remuneration
The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$ 96,921.34  (P3 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 78,461.08 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Application Closing Date
9th July, 2021.