Overview
Provide high-level expert advice on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and human rights to senior officials, focusing on strengthening compliance and operational adherence.
Tasks Summary
- Development of comprehensive policies, directives, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to strengthen AUSSOM’s compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and human rights efforts, including sustainable mechanisms for the prevention of and response to violations.
- Strengthened AUSSOM’s adherence to IHL, human rights, and the UN Secretary-General’s Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP).
- Enhanced operational compliance and delivering targeted IHL training to AUSSOM and Somali National Army (SNA) forces during joint operations.
- Enhanced oversight and accountability frameworks to ensure that AUSSOM’s military operations are conducted in full respect of international humanitarian and human rights law.
- To provide high-level expert advice to the SRCC and other senior officials on all matters relating to international humanitarian law and human rights applicable in Somalia.
- Develop together with AUSSOM leadership strategies for the promotion, protection, education, policy and practice of human rights in the mission, including through regular briefings and training for AUSSOM officers, and developing rules, guidelines and best practice.
- Assist AUSSOM in developing the capacity to analyze, investigate, and where necessary supervise investigations of IHL and human rights violations and report on allegations of abuses of human rights, including reports of civilian casualties caused by AUSSOM.
- Support AUSSOM leadership in the implementation of the HRDDP including with respect to strengthening mitigating measures.
- Conduct legal analysis and research on various legal matters pertaining to the application of international humanitarian law governing the conduct of military operations in Somalia;
- Designs, as appropriate, delivers and evaluates IHL and human rights training programmes for AUSSOM personnel.
- To assist AUSSOM leadership in developing capacity in the provision of training in IHL and human rights for AUSSOM and Somali National Army (SNA) and with monitoring and evaluation exercise of trainings and ensure that such training is conducted in accordance with AU-UN training standard.
- To assist AUSSOM leadership to engage in dialogue and consultation with Somali human rights organizations, in order to understand and address any concerns, and to build trust and confidence that would facilitate information sharing.
- Provide assistance to AUSSOM leadership in establishing a framework for partnership with humanitarian agencies, other international organizations and NGOs on issues of human rights and protection of civilians.
Experience Requirements
At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of International Humanitarian Law and human rights. Prior experience working with the African Union is highly desirable.
Qualification Requirements
A minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent, preferably in International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights Law, or a closely related field. A specialization in International Humanitarian Law is considered a strong asset.
