Legal Advisor, Legal Equality

• Applies a sound understanding of regional and international human rights frameworks, particularly the Maputo Protocol, to assess and analyze legal, policy, and programmatic components related to family law and nationality rights.
• Conducts country-specific and thematic research to inform Equality Now's advocacy strategies, demonstrating an understanding of conceptual and analytical frameworks under guidance.
• Provides legal and policy analysis in support of the design, implementation, and delivery of advocacy initiatives, especially related to family law and nationality rights across Africa.
• Supports the development of research-based advocacy strategies and contributes to knowledge products, including reports, briefs, and training materials.

• Works closely with colleagues within the Legal Equality programme and the Rights of Women in Africa Campaign to gather, analyze, and share information relevant to programmatic advocacy.
• Contributes to internal planning, coordination, and learning processes, including staff meetings and organization-wide thematic discussions.
• Engages with civil society organizations, legal experts, coalition members, and regional partners to acquire subject-matter information and support coordinated advocacy efforts.
• Supports collaboration with the Africa Family Law Network, the Africa Nationality Rights Coalition (Pan African Nationality Network), Solidarity for African Women's Rights (SOAWR) Coalition, and global campaigns, including the Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law and the Global Campaign for Equal Nationality Rights.

• Provides timely research, analysis, and coordination support to ensure effective implementation of advocacy initiatives, campaigns, and convenings.
• Supports the coordination of meetings, trainings, and convenings related to family law and nationality rights reform.
• Produces high-quality research outputs and analytical inputs that inform advocacy, litigation support, and policy engagement.
• Supports monitoring and documentation of legal and political developments, including litigation outcomes related to the Maputo Protocol and other women's and girls' rights treaties.

• Deep expertise in women's rights and gender justice across Africa, with particular strength in the Maputo Protocol and complementary regional instruments.
• Proven experience in gender equality law and policy, regional accountability mechanisms, and women's rights advocacy.
• Advanced knowledge of international human rights law and advocacy, with specialized focus on gender equality, women's rights, and feminist movement-building.
• Authoritative understanding of the African Human Rights System, regional policy environments, and treaty body mechanisms, positioning Equality Now to influence national, regional, and global agendas.
• Deep analytical understanding, knowledge and ability to monitor backlash against women's rights and gender equality and develop research, policy briefs and advocacy strategies to counter the backlash.
• Skilled in legal research, strategic litigation, and policy advocacy related to gender justice.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff, interns, and volunteers in gender policy, legal frameworks, and rights-based approaches.

• Fluency in English required; proficiency in French preferred, with regional language skills considered an asset.
• Adept at fostering cross-cultural collaboration and cultivating trust-based relationships consistent with the mission and values of Equality Now.
• Exceptional writing, research, and referencing skills, with the ability to craft clear, persuasive advocacy messages for diverse audiences
• Ability to contribute to high-quality publications, reports, and advocacy materials
• Strong interpersonal and active listening skills; represents Equality Now externally with professionalism and cultural sensitivity
• Effectively engages stakeholders across complex and sensitive sociopolitical contexts, translating legal and policy issues into accessible, impactful communications
• Builds, sustains, and strategically leverages partnerships with civil society actors, donors, and institutional allies to advance women's rights
• Contributes authoritatively to high-level programmatic discussions, grounding advocacy in regional realities and actionable strategies
• Collaborates seamlessly across international offices and multicultural teams to ensure coherence in cross-border initiatives
• Applies cultural fluency and language skills to deepen advocacy impact and strengthen relationships
• Coaches team members in messaging, advocacy framing, and strategic communications to support their professional growth

• Strong program and project management skills, including cost planning, milestone tracking, budgeting, and donor reporting
• Experienced in managing multi-stakeholder initiatives, with oversight of planning, implementation, performance monitoring, and compliance
• Familiarity with donor requirements, including grant reporting and regulatory standards
• Highly organized and results-oriented, with a sharp focus on details, deadlines, deliverables, and measurable impact
• Responsive to shifting geopolitical dynamics and evolving organizational priorities, adapting strategies as needed
• Effective in both independent and cross-functional, multicultural team environments, especially under high-pressure conditions
• Provides clear direction, structured delegation, and constructive feedback to foster team accountability and professional development.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally and domestically, sometimes on short notice, to support regional teams, engage with partners, and represent Equality Now.

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (Master's or equivalent certification) strongly preferred.
• Academic background in law, international human rights, gender studies, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent professional experience (6-9 years) is required.
• 6+ years of progressively responsible experience in gender justice, human rights, or legal advocacy.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff or consultants, with a track record of mentoring, coaching, and delegating effectively to support team development and accountability.
• Budgeting, media engagement, and moot court coordination experience desirable.
• Experience working with coalitions, networks, or consortia focused on human rights and/or women's rights in Africa.
• Experience in legal or policy research, advocacy, or NGO programming.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong overall technical literacy.

Applications can be submitted at: https://equalitynow.bamboohr.com/careers