Legal Consultant, Economic and Social Rights in Africa

Location: home-based in Africa, Kenya or South Africa preferred

Target start date: February 2024

Duration: 6 months

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide organization of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights. Its strategic goals for 2021-2025 are: (1) to develop, defend, and strengthen international institutions, instruments, and standards on rule of law and human rights; (2) to improve domestic implementation of, and compliance with, international law and standards; (3) to bolster the effectiveness and independence of judges and lawyers; and (4) to improve access to justice for all and accountability. With its Headquarters based in Geneva, Switzerland, ICJ has a presence in Africa, Latin America, Asia & the Pacific, Europe & Central Asia, and the Middle East.

The ICJ is seeking a legal consultant to support the work of its Africa team generally, with a particular focus on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

SCOPE OF WORK

• The Consultant will assist ICJ Africa’s team with producing a report synthesizing available national, sub-regional and regional jurisprudence on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and criminalization of poverty.

In developing the report, the consultant will complete the following activities:

• Review an existing draft and design a detailed plan and timeline for the completion of the research;

• Conduct desktop research, interviews and other research necessary;

• Produce a draft report and a draft executive summary;

• Following review by ICJ staff, finalize research report for publication;

• In consultation with ICJ staff, conceptualize, design, organize and execute a webinar and/or in person event to present report findings;

• Report to the ICJ Africa Director or other designated ICJ staff, regularly on progress made with regards to all activities in terms of the consultancy;

• Remain available at reasonable notice to participate in other events and discussions relevant to the consultancy during the period of the consultancy;

• Developing relationships with civil society organizations, Human Rights Defenders and human rights lawyers involved in litigating ESCR cases to draw strategic insights on how they were litigated;

• Perform such other duties and tasks assigned by ICJ Africa’s Director in respect of ICJ Africa’s mandate whether related or unrelated to the research project described above.

DELIVERABLES

1. Inception Plan and Timeline
   • A detailed plan and timeline for completing the research, based on a review of the existing draft, submitted within [timeframe].
2. Draft Report and Executive Summary
   • A draft report synthesizing national, sub-regional, and regional jurisprudence on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR) and the criminalization of poverty.
   • A draft executive summary highlighting key findings and recommendations.
3. Final Research Report
   • A finalized, publication-ready version of the research report and executive summary, incorporating feedback from ICJ staff.
4. Event Execution
   • Conceptualization, planning, and execution of a webinar or in-person event to present the report’s findings, including a post-event summary of outcomes.
5. Stakeholder Engagement Summary
   • A summary of insights gained through engagement with civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and lawyers involved in litigating ESCR cases.
6. Regular Progress Updates
   • Reports to ICJ Africa’s Director or designated staff on the progress of activities, including challenges and next steps.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have:

• A degree in law. Further academic studies in international human rights law and in particular in respect of Economic, Social and Cultural rights is preferable.
• A minimum of 3 years progressive experience in the field of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at a domestic, regional or international level.
• Experience of litigation or litigation support nationally or before international or regional human rights systems is preferable.
• In-depth experience of legal research for advocacy purposes.
• Applied knowledge of international and regional human rights and humanitarian law and jurisprudence.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Competency in working in French and Portuguese is not required but advantageous.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to excel in creating partnerships.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multicultural team.
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

The consultant may be required to travel for occasional travel.