The International Press Institute (IPI) is expanding our work to defend press freedom and independent media in Africa at a time when journalists on the continent face growing threats. This is an exciting and important time for us as we build up our work to monitor attacks on the press and on internet freedom across the continent; advocate for laws and policies that respect and enable media freedom, online expression, and privacy, and that respond to the needs of at-risk journalists carrying out public-interest reporting, including on climate and environmental issues. This work includes a new programme to combat the legal harassment of journalists, or “lawfare”, by advocating for laws that respect fundamental rights to expression, information, and privacy.
The Africa Senior Legal Advocacy Officer will shape and steer the implementation of our work aimed at combating the use of repressive cybercrime laws to censor, surveil, and punish journalists in countries across sub-Saharan Africa. We are looking for an individual with strong expertise in developing and carrying out strategic advocacy aimed at reforming laws and policies affecting the right to expression, information, and privacy in Africa. Successful candidates will bring to this role a deep understanding of and expertise in international human rights frameworks and mechanisms that support and enable these fundamental human rights, as well as extensive networks across the civil society and legal communities on the continent.
The Africa Senior Legal Advocacy Officer will join IPI’s growing Africa-based team, and will work with our Vienna-based advocacy and programme teams to ensure high-level, impactful implementation of our work to ensure journalists in Africa can work freely, safely, and independently.
Key responsibilities:
-
Working together with partners, develop and help implement strategic advocacy plans aimed at ensuring cybercrime laws in target countries in Africa respect press freedom and freedom of expression and are in line with regional and international human rights standards and instruments.
-
Draft analyses on cybercrime laws, proposals, and related legislation from the perspective of regional and international human rights standards and case law.
-
Lead on the development and drafting of public reports, briefs, analyses, and statements related to the abuse of cybercrime laws in Africa to target journalists and civil society.
-
Articulate persuasive policy positions on the fundamental rights to expression, information, and privacy, and on the need to ensure states and other dutybears meet their obligations to respect and protect freedom of the press and internet freedom in Africa.
-
Carry out direct advocacy with governments and other public authorities,
-
Represent IPI at public events in domestic, regional, and international fora.
-
Work collaboratively to ensure effective, inclusive participation by all project partners.
-
Build and maintain strong relationships with civil society and legal communities across Africa and globally.
-
Work closely with IPI’s Vienna-based advocacy teams to ensure consistency with policy positions and standards
A strong candidate for this position will bring to this role:
-
Strong legal advocacy experience, with demonstrated fluency in international and regional legal frameworks and mechanisms ensuring the protection of press freedom, digital rights and online expression, and privacy.
-
Advanced degree in law, human rights, or related field.
-
Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing legal advocacy strategies and plans focused on ensuring journalists’ rights, including freedom of expression and internet freedom, in Africa.
-
Exceptional English language writing skills, with demonstrated experience developing and drafting public reports, statements, and positions, with strong English writing skills.
-
Deep networks across the media freedom and digital rights communities in Africa and beyond.
-
Experience working collaboratively and inclusively with civil society partners and experts in Africa.
-
Strong advocacy instincts and ability to spot and mobilize opportunities to advance legal reform efforts and measures.
-
Ambition and drive to IPI’s expanding Africa programme, with a willingness to take on big tasks and help us to grow our impact at a time when press freedom faces growing threats.
-
A can-do attitude when faced with challenges and be proactive about suggesting solutions and alternatives when roadblocks arise.
-
Excellent organizational, time-management, and team communication skills.
-
The ability to manage multiple tasks, working with partners in different locations across Africa and globally.
IPI understands that qualified candidates come with a mix of valuable skills and experiences. We encourage interested candidates to apply even if you don’t meet all the exact criteria listed here.
Location and Term
-
This position is envisioned to be based remotely in a country in sub-Saharan Africa.
-
The start date for this position is October 15, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.
-
This position is based on the availability of project funds.
Remuneration
-
Salary will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and location of hire.
-
IPI remote team members are afforded 25 days of paid holiday per year.
Application Procedure
Apply by e-mail now. We will be interviewing shortlisted candidates as applications are received.
Applicants should provide the following:
-
Cover letter should not be longer than two pages where you explain: why you are interested in the position, and what skills, qualities and strengths make you uniquely qualified to excel in this role.
-
Current CV, including the names and contact information of at least two professional references.
-
Optional: A work sample of which the applicant is particularly proud. This could be a legal analysis or campaign related to legal advocacy, or other relevant writing sample.
