Project Co-ordinator for African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) - Centre for Human R

FACULTY OF LAW

CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR FOR AFRICAN COALITION FOR CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY (ACCA) (ONE-YEAR CONTRACT APPOINTMENT)

BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

PEROMNES LEVEL 9

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

ABOUT ACCA:

The African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) was launched in November 2013. The ACCA is a coalition of 116 civil society organisations based in Africa and supporting communities and individuals whose human rights are adversely impacted daily by the activities of corporations, both multi-national and domestic.

ACCA’s members work on issues ranging from mining and other extractive industries to public and private security sector accountability; natural resource rights, including land acquisition, tenure, and property rights; financial regulatory policy; accountability mechanisms for human and peoples’ rights; and environmental rights.

ACCA’s vision is a continent where business is done in a manner that is respectful of human rights, and where victims and affected communities of human rights violations have access to adequate and effective remedies. ACCA’s overall goal is to facilitate an alliance that crosses borders and creates a strong and united African network of civil society organisations and communities, and to protect and promote human rights in relation to business activity. In aiming to fulfil this goal, ACCA will use policy advocacy, evidence-based research, capacity building, and technical support to promote community rights, while also focusing on regional and international standards and mechanisms.

ABOUT THE BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS UNIT AT THE CHR:

The Business and Human Rights Unit at the CHR started operating in early 2013, and has since been involved in various projects focusing on different aspects of business and human rights. Its focus includes issues around the extractive industries in Africa, international developments around business and human rights, supporting the special mechanisms of the African Commission on Human and THE United Nations, and education and capacity building in the field of business and human rights.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The priority of the Project Co-ordinator is to co-ordinate the substantive work of the ACCA. The ACCA is a coalition of civil society organizations in Africa working on issues around business and human rights, and corporate accountability. The ACCA is looking for a dedicated, creative, and energetic leader who will serve as the coalition’s first Project Co-ordinator. Together with the membership, the Project Co-ordinator will be responsible for the planning, co-ordination, and management of ACCA’s substantive work-streams. In addition to helping to develop and manage the coalition’s programme of research, and policy and advocacy campaigns, the Project Co-ordinator will work closely with the Communications and Development Co-ordinator to formulate strategies for the ACCA, and do fundraising accordingly.

This will include:

• Strategy and project development:
  • Stay abreast of business and human rights developments at domestic, regional and global levels;
  • Identify gaps and opportunities in the business and human rights, and corporate accountability frameworks in Africa;
  • Formulate strategies and project proposals to address those gaps through research and advocacy;
  • Offer support to the substantive work done by ACCA members that is in line with the objectives of the ACCA;
• Advocacy:
  • Help to implement advocacy campaigns to change the actions of corporations and African governments, in both legislative and administrative forums;
  • Assist ACCA members in developing advocacy strategies;
  • Represent ACCA in meetings and in public platforms, along agreed-upon positions;
  • Develop position statements along agreed-upon work streams;
  • Assist in other research and writing tasks as needed;
• Financial planning and fundraising
  • Set and manage budgets for the implementation of ACCA projects;
  • Identify relevant funders and funding opportunities;
  • Develop and submit proposals that would give effect to the ACCA’s strategic objectives.

The Project Co-ordinator will also be expected to:

• Interact with ACCA’s Steering Committee, members, partners, and networks;
• Interact with government representatives, as well as representatives from intergovernmental bodies and regional/international organizations (e.g., the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights);
• Interact with some business representatives;
• Interact with funders.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field;
• A minimum of three years’ professional experience with non-profit organisations, advocacy campaigns, government offices, or relevant positions in the private sector;
• A successful track record of raising funds for not-for-profit organisations from major donors, foundations, and members;
• Experience working in a multicultural setting preferred.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• A keen interest in or understanding of business and human rights;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Enthusiasm for the organisation’s mission and campaigns;
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills;
• Experience working in coalition-based organisations;
• Highly motivated and disciplined;
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and consistently meet deadlines;
• Confidence and the ability to be proactive, think quickly, and work independently;
• Familiarity with international and regional human rights treaties, the UN system, and international legal frameworks relevant to corporate accountability, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
• Ability to do regional and international work-related travel;
• Ability to use mediums of communication including telephone, e-mail, and Skype;
• Ability to work remotely, either from home or from the office, as well as perform desk-based work for periods of time.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Postgraduate degree (Masters/ PhD) in Law, Political Science, International Relations or a related field;
• Fluency in both English and French highly desirable; additional languages, such as Swahili or Portuguese, a plus;
• Advanced degrees in fields related to human rights and business are desirable;
• A successful track record of raising funds for not-for-profit organizations from major donors, foundations, and members;
• Experience working in a multicultural setting;
• Pre-existing relationships within or knowledge of the NGO community, as well as with foundations, media, and relevant policymakers, are desirable.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

CLOSING DATE:

18 December 2017

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES:

Mr Josua Loots, Tel: (012) 420 3810, or e-mail: josua.loots@up.ac.za

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 28 February 2018, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.