ABA Sudan Legal and Policy Advisor

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is a non‐profit organization that implements legal reform 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. To this end, ABA ROLI has established partnerships with a wide range of actors, including institutions in the justice sector (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. ABA ROLI’s work in Africa spans a variety of programming around the rule of law, access to justice, atrocity prevention as well as human rights protection and promotion. ABA ROLI’s Africa Division has country office across the continent, including in Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Liberia, Niger, South Africa, Sudan, and Uganda.

Program Overview:
ABA ROLI is hiring a Legal and Policy Advisor to support a US Government-funded program in Sudan, which focuses on supporting the Sudanese people in a flexible and responsive manner in their sovereign pursuit of a new Constitution that will serve as a true social contract for a liberal and democratic Sudan. ABA ROLI works in partnership with several Sudanese and international organizations on this program.

Job Summary:
The Legal and Policy Advisor will report directly to the ABA ROLI Sudan Country Director, who is based in Kampala, Uganda. The Legal and Policy Advisor’s role is critical in ensuring that ABA ROLI remains informed and responsive to the evolving legal and policy landscape in Sudan. The Advisor will be tasked with monitoring, researching, and analyzing Sudan’s socio-political and legal context as well as providing strategic advice and recommendations to ABA ROLI on stakeholder and partner engagement.

Principal Duties/Job Responsibilities:

• Monitor and prepare briefs on the political, economic, legal and institutional context in Sudan, with a focus on the constitutional process and security situation
• Responsible for providing periodic briefs to ABA ROLI Sudan DC and field office staff
• Research and analyze political developments, peace negotiations, security dynamics, and humanitarian and economic trends in Sudan, offering regular updates to ABA ROLI
• Provide strategic and technical leadership in program design, reflection, work planning, reporting, and other implementation touchpoints.
• Consult with colleagues and stakeholders in Sudan, advising ABA ROLI on strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, maintaining relationships with existing stakeholders.
• Ensure technical integrity of participant-facing program materials and donor-facing interim and final reports, related technical deliverables, and briefings to the USG donor and partners.

Qualifications:

• A degree in law, international law, political science, international relations, or related field
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in legal analysis, policy advisory, or a related role, with significant experience in conflict or post-conflict environments, experience in Sudan is preferred
• Experience working with international NGOs, government agencies, or multilateral organizations, especially in legal or policy advisory roles
• Background in monitoring and analyzing political, legal, and security developments in complex environments
• Excellent spoken and written English skills. Proficiency in Arabic is preferred
• Mastery of Microsoft office tools and systems (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and professional experience working within a multicultural team
• Ability to organize and coordinate activities among several actors/partners

Submission of Applications:

• Cover letter/motivation letter
  • The cover letter should also include a statement of motivation answering the following questions:
    1. Why do you believe you are the best candidate for the position?
    2. Describe (with examples) your background and experience in monitoring and preparing briefs on political, economic, legal and institutional contexts, and
    3. Describe your relevant past experience in report writing and preparing briefs (what did you include in the report, what were the most important features, etc.)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • 3 professional references (name, affiliation, email and phone contact)

Only applications that are complete and sent by email will be considered. Only candidates whose applications are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.