LEGAL ASSOCIATE: FEMINIST LITIGATION NETWORK

About The Organisation

The Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA) is a feminist pan-African organisation focused on the strategic litigation of women’s human rights and sexual rights both at national levels and within the African human rights system. Our work is based on the belief that strategic litigation is an immensely powerful tool for social change because it helps to reframe the understanding of entitlements before the law and challenges the legal discourse. ISLA seeks to gain ground by creating domestic and regional jurisprudence in women’s human rights and sexual rights; strengthening the capacity of litigators and NGOs on the continent; and conducting rigorous research.

Overview of Work

ISLA is seeking to recruit a legal associate to support the Feminist Litigation Network (FLN) across Africa, covering both Anglophone and Francophone regions (West Africa). The legal officer will work under the joint supervision of the FLN’s Anglophone manager and the FWA’s (Francophone West Africa) legal manager, contributing to the development of the network, partner relations, capacity-building activities and knowledge generation within the FLN team.

Minimum Responsibilities

Key responsibilities:

Capacity strengthening (50%)

Support the two FLN managers in strengthening the capacity of FLN partners and network lawyers in both Anglophone and Francophone West Africa.
Assist in the development and delivery of training materials, webinars and capacity strengthening activities for network members.
Document the outcomes of capacity strengthening activities in reports and accessible resources.
Collaborate across all ISLA priority areas to enhance the effectiveness of capacity strengthening efforts.

Knowledge Production (30%)

Support the development and dissemination of legal tools, case notes, training programmes and thematic publications relevant to the FLN.
Contribute to research and documentation of trends in strategic litigation in the Anglophone and FWA contexts.
Support the dissemination of the network’s findings and collaborate with partners to amplify ISLA’s impact.

Partnerships and network coordination (20%)

Assist the two FLN managers in maintaining and developing strategic partnerships with FLN partners across Anglophone and FWA.
Support the coordination of FLN meetings and partner engagement activities.

Minimum Job Requirements

Minimum requirements

Education

A law degree (LLB or equivalent).

Experience

Proven experience in human rights law gained through academic research, litigation or programme implementation.
Knowledge of frameworks relating to women’s rights and/or sexual rights, regional human rights protection systems and feminist advocacy strategies.
Experience of working with civil society organisations or networks in Anglophone and/or Francophone West Africa contexts.
Ability to manage and coordinate projects both independently and as part of a team.

Skills

Strong legal research and writing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality outputs within deadlines.
Analytical mind and attention to detail.
Understanding of constitutional, regional and international human rights law.
Fluency in French and English (written and spoken) is required, given the bilingual nature of the role.

Additional Information

Other

Commitment to ISLA’s values: feminism, Pan-Africanism and strategic litigation for social change.
Willingness to travel within Africa where necessary.
Willingness to work occasionally outside normal working hours.
Preference will be given to eligible candidates.

Remuneration

This post represents a total cost of USD 35,000 per annum in accordance with the salary scale approved by ISLA. Salaries are not subject to individual negotiation; all staff members are placed on the approved scale upon appointment.

Closing Date: 18 June 2026

Suitable candidates who meet the requirements for this position are invited to click here to complete an application form.

ISLA’s job application form replaces the need to submit a CV, as we prefer to have standardised information from all candidates. Upon submission, the applications will be received by the ISLA recruitment team for selection. Only shortlisted candidates will receive feedback on their applications, including any further requirements. Late applications will not be considered.

Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, as we are looking for someone to start immediately.

Preference will be given to qualifying women applicants.