About ISLA
ISLA is a feminist and Pan-African organization that is based on the belief that strategic litigation is an immensely strong tool for social change because it helps to reframe the understanding of entitlements before the law. Mindful of the limitations of the law in bringing about social change, we reinforce our work by creating partnerships and strengthening our partners’ capacity to do strategic litigation in order to create an enabling environment for strategic litigation to achieve its intended impact. We use the law to advance sexual rights and sexual orientation (SOGIE), gender identity and expression in particular and women’s human rights in domestic courts and regional accountability mechanisms across the continent.
Responsibilities
The intern should expect to do a combination of the following –
- Carry out research for strategic litigation under ISLA’s thematic areas, which are -Violence against Women (VAW), Sexual Rights (SXR), Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Practises and Procedures (PP).
- Conduct research and investigations on the human rights situation in East, West and Southern Africa.
- Monitor human rights developments under ISLA’s thematic areas of work;
- Support in the development of materials for ISLA’s capacity strengthening by searching for and collating relevant information, developing short notes or briefings and documenting materials in a systematic manner for easy retrieval.
About the Intern
This position will be suited to an individual who meets the following criteria:
Skills:
- Excellent research and public-speaking skills;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English required; additional oral and written communication skills in French are desired;
- Proficiency in other official African Union languages is a plus;
- Organisational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
- Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills;
- Ability to juggle multiple tasks and consistently meet deadlines; and
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Google applications, and Dropbox;
Personal attributes:
- Highest standards of excellence and integrity at all times and to all persons;
- Demonstrated commitment to human rights, feminism and social justice;
- Highly motivated with the confidence and the ability to act proactively, think quickly, and work independently;
- A courteous, professional and cooperative attitude;
- Meticulous attention to detail;
- Self-driven, resourceful person who is able to manage and coordinate teamwork well;
- Ability to work constructively and professionally across multiple issue areas and under deadline pressure;
- Be a self-starter and goal driven; and
- Ability to work well in a diverse group.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Have, or be currently enrolled in, an undergraduate or a professional law degree (LLB/JD or similar).
- Have a strong interest in international human rights law and practise.
Working Relationships
- Reports to: The Strategic Initiatives Manager (SIM)
- Other key relationships: ISLA Staff particularly the Legal Programmes Coordinator, Thematic Leads, Network Managers and Executive Director.
Other Essentials Specific to the Job
- Commitment to the overall aims and values of ISLA; feminism and Pan Africanism; and
- Expectation of occasional work outside regular weekday hours, as required to complete the required activities and tasks.
Send application materials to Kay Mahonde at kay@the-isla.org.