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 offices across the continent, including in Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Liberia, Niger, South Africa, Sudan and Uganda.PROJECT BACKGROUND
The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI), in partnership with various stakeholders in Angola is implementing a three-year rule of law programme, focused on judicial strengthening. The program’s goal is to support the building blocks for the promotion of the independence and effective operation of the Angolan judiciary. It has three main objectives, namely; to strengthen the legal framework for judicial independence in Angola, to improve citizens’ awareness of their rights and responsibilities and to increase judges’ and courts’ ability to manage and adjudicate cases fairly and effectively.PURPOSE AND TASKS
In collaboration with the Angolan Bar Association (OAA) as part of its Congress for Justice Reform in Angola, ABA ROLI seeks to conduct a comparative legal analysis of legal issues related to judicial nominations, ethics, independence, and the new Civil and Criminal Procedure Codes. The ABA and OAA will review laws, regulations, and as appropriate, legal decisions that comprise the national legal frameworks and international and regional legal standards and best practices, providing a foundation for comparative analysis. Using a gender-sensitive and inclusive approach, this analysis aims to highlight areas of concern and if and how the legislation identified falls short of regional standards by comparing relevant provisions among Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. This will provide Angolan CSOs with timely legal analysis to challenge laws or policies that fall short of or are inconsistent with the constitution and democratic principles. The analysis will support both short- and long-term advocacy objectives. As such, recommendations from the analysis should include legislative reform to insulate judicial vetting, selection, appointment, and discipline proceedings from executive influence or supporting civil society to engage in shadow vetting of nominees and likely nominees to increase transparency in appointment proceedings. In addition, recommendations should include technical and procedural considerations to improve access to justice and general protection of human rights for the citizens of Angola through the use of courts and the entire justice administration system. SCOPE OF WORK
In line with the above, ABA ROLI is seeking a legal expert(s) with experience in comparative legal analysis in Africa, at both the national and regional/international levels. The specific purpose of the assignment will be to:
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From a gender perspective, analyse the Angolan legal framework relevant to judicial nominations, ethics norms, rules for independence, procedural laws including the Civil and new Criminal Procedure Code and the legal framework impacting access to justice for citizens;
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Undertake a comparative analysis of the Angolan legal framework with relevant regional provisions among Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. International best practices will also be considered;
3.
Analyse the impact of the Angolan framework on judicial independence, operations of the courts and access to justice for citizens;
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Provide recommendations on reform of the legal frameworks, judicial reform and improving access to justice as well the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
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Bachelor’s and/or master's degree in law or international human rights law.
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At least 5 years of professional experience at national, regional or international levels engaging in legal analysis, justice sector reforms, human rights work and access to justice.
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Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding and knowledge of the Angolan legal system, Angolan court operations and procedural law, African Human Rights Systems and mechanisms, and in-depth knowledge of other judicial systems in Southern Africa.
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Fluency in both Portuguese and English
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Specific timelines will be discussed with the successful candidate, but the consultant will be expected to work within the period from 3 June to 2 August 2024. APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested and qualified applicants must submit their CV and cover letter in English or Portuguese to africa-recruitment@americanbar.org by May 22, 2024. The application must contain a cover letter demonstrating the suitability of the applicant for the assignment, a detailed curriculum vitae and a detailed budget.
