Exciting 2 Career Opportunities at ISLA: Language Justice Officer & Legal Manager Roles — Francophone West Africa

About the Organisation

The Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA) is a feminist pan-African organisation dedicated to advancing women’s human rights and sexual rights through strategic litigation at both national and regional levels within the African human rights system. ISLA’s work is grounded in the belief that strategic litigation serves as a powerful catalyst for social change. By reframing legal entitlements and challenging dominant legal narratives, ISLA strives to establish progressive domestic and regional jurisprudence that protects and promotes women’s rights. Alongside litigation, ISLA strengthens the capacity of litigators and civil society organisations across Africa while conducting rigorous, evidence-based research to inform its strategic efforts.

FLN in Francophone West Africa Language Justice Officer

Overview of the Role

The Feminist Litigation Network (FLN) under ISLA seeks to nurture a dynamic pool of African feminist litigators by providing long-term, high-quality support to individuals and partner institutions engaged in strategic litigation within ISLA’s thematic areas. Central to this mission is the FLN’s work in Francophone West Africa (FWA), where ISLA is currently reimagining and strengthening its network to better serve the region. To support this, ISLA is recruiting a Language Justice Officer dedicated to ensuring language accessibility and justice in all its engagements and initiatives within FWA.

The Language Justice Officer will play a crucial role in bridging linguistic and cultural divides between ISLA and its partners across Francophone West Africa. This position requires the provision of expert translation and interpretation services to facilitate clear, inclusive communication, thereby enhancing ISLA’s ability to build partnerships, support strategic litigation, and increase its visibility and impact in the region. Working closely with the Legal Manager and other team members, the Language Justice Officer will help ensure that language justice is integral to all aspects of ISLA’s operations in FWA.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and timely interpretation during meetings and communications between ISLA and its partners across FWA, ensuring that all parties fully understand one another in both French and English.
• Translate documents critical to ISLA’s work, including reports, legal texts, correspondence, and advocacy materials, to support smooth project implementation and partner engagement.
• Deliver internal language justice support within ISLA through ongoing interpretation and translation services that facilitate cross-team collaboration.
• Foster cultural understanding by advising on linguistic and cultural nuances relevant to ISLA’s diverse partners in FWA, thereby enhancing mutual respect and effective collaboration.

Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in translation, linguistics, or a related discipline; an advanced degree in human rights, political science, or similar fields will be an advantage.
• Fluency in both French and English is essential, with strong oral and written communication skills in both languages.
• Proven experience working in Francophone West Africa with a solid understanding of the political, social, and legal contexts within the region.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate projects independently while fostering effective teamwork.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including professionalism, integrity, and a respectful attitude toward colleagues and partners.

Skills and Attributes

• Exceptional language skills and a deep appreciation for the importance of language justice in advancing human rights.
• Strong cultural competency and experience navigating diverse organizational and cultural settings within FWA.
• Leadership qualities capable of managing complex relationships and providing effective support to partners.
• Analytical ability to offer solutions that address communication challenges in a timely and efficient manner.
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel across Africa and internationally as needed.
• Commitment to ISLA’s feminist and Pan-African values.
• Flexibility to work beyond standard hours when necessary.
• Preference will be given to women applicants.

Remuneration
The position offers a competitive annual salary of approximately US$42,000, commensurate with experience.

FLN in Francophone West Africa Legal Manager

Overview of the Role

Within the framework of the Feminist Litigation Network (FLN), ISLA is building a vibrant community of feminist litigators across Africa. The FLN focuses on supporting individuals and institutions that work on strategic litigation aligned with ISLA’s thematic priorities. In Francophone West Africa (FWA), ISLA is reimagining and expanding the network, aiming to deepen partnerships and build strategic capacity in the region.

The Legal Manager will lead this critical work by driving the development and implementation of the FLN’s strategy in FWA. This leadership role entails establishing and strengthening strategic partnerships, supporting ongoing litigation efforts through collaboration, and managing relationships with lawyers, social movements, and organisations engaged in women’s human rights advocacy. The Legal Manager will work alongside a Francophone Legal Officer, who also provides language justice services, ensuring a cohesive and effective approach to ISLA’s work in FWA.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and publish a comprehensive Network Development Strategy for FLN in FWA, outlining clear goals, partner engagement plans, and mechanisms for impact.
• Map out key stakeholders and establish partnerships to support the strategy’s implementation, creating databases of expert panels, advisory groups, and potential collaborators for legal mobilisation and case support.
• Lead efforts to strengthen institutional capacity through curriculum development and delivery aimed at enhancing FLN partners’ effectiveness in strategic litigation.
• Build and maintain a robust Expert Advisory team to support ongoing case work and provide technical expertise to partners.
• Facilitate effective relationship management between ISLA and its partners, nurturing collaborative, trusting, and impactful partnerships.
• Engage with social movements, lawyers, and organisations within the FLN network, fostering synergies to amplify advocacy outcomes.
• Provide strategic guidance to navigate complex political and geographical contexts across FWA, ensuring ISLA’s work remains relevant and impactful.

Qualifications and Experience

• A law degree is required; an advanced degree in human rights, political science, or related fields is advantageous.
• Fluency in French is essential; a working knowledge of English is acceptable but French fluency is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in human rights litigation, research, or programming, with a strong grasp of relevant frameworks, jurisprudence, and advocacy strategies.
• Proven track record working within FWA and understanding its political and legal environment.
• Experience in movement-building and network coordination, particularly in women’s human rights contexts.
• Strong project management skills and a self-motivated, resourceful approach to teamwork coordination.
• High professional and ethical standards, maintaining courteous and cooperative relations at all times.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to manage complex partnerships effectively.
• Strategic thinker able to adapt approaches to diverse geographical and political landscapes.
• Analytical and solution-oriented mindset, guiding teams toward successful project outcomes.
• Deep understanding of constitutional, regional, and international human rights law, particularly as it relates to gender and sexuality.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a feminist analytical lens in all work.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel within Africa and internationally when required.
• Commitment to ISLA’s feminist principles and Pan-Africanist values.
• Flexibility to work beyond regular hours when necessary.
• Preference will be given to women applicants.

Remuneration
The position offers a competitive annual salary of approximately US$60,000, commensurate with experience.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.