About Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of more than 10 million people campaigning for a world where human rights are respected, protected, and enjoyed by everyone.
Operating across nearly every country, Amnesty International works through research, advocacy, campaigning, public mobilization, and policy engagement to challenge human rights abuses and hold governments and institutions accountable.
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About the Role
The Regional Advocacy Lead will provide strategic leadership for Amnesty International’s engagement with African intergovernmental organizations, regional institutions, and member states.
Job Title: Regional Advocacy Lead – Africa
Organization: Amnesty International
Department: Research and Advocacy Programme
Location: Nairobi or Dakar
Working Hours: 35 Hours per Week
Salary: USD 93,251 per annum (Nairobi) / EUR 71,083 per annum (Dakar)
Application Deadline: 10 June 2026 (23:59 UK Time)
Contract Type: Full-Time
The role focuses on maximizing advocacy opportunities within the African Union system, Regional Economic Communities, and regional human rights mechanisms. You will develop and coordinate advocacy strategies that ensure Amnesty International’s human rights priorities are effectively promoted and integrated into regional policy discussions and decision-making processes.
Reporting directly to a designated manager within the Research and Advocacy Programme, you will work closely with researchers, campaigners, civil society organizations, and international partners to strengthen Amnesty International’s influence across Africa.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Regional Advocacy Strategy Development
- Design, coordinate, implement, and evaluate regional advocacy strategies across Africa.
- Identify strategic opportunities to influence policy and decision-making within African institutions.
- Develop targeted advocacy approaches aligned with Amnesty International’s global and regional priorities.
- Ensure advocacy initiatives contribute to measurable human rights outcomes.
Engage with African Union Institutions and Regional Bodies
- Lead advocacy engagement with African Union organs, bodies, and institutions.
- Monitor developments within Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
- Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders.
- Represent Amnesty International in strategic dialogues and consultations.
Monitor Human Rights and Policy Developments
- Analyze emerging developments affecting human rights across Africa.
- Identify opportunities for intervention and policy influence.
- Prepare briefings, reports, and recommendations for internal and external audiences.
- Provide strategic advice on developments within regional governance systems.
Strengthen Engagement with Regional Human Rights Mechanisms
Monitor and engage with key regional mechanisms, including:
- African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
- African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
- African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
You will also monitor developments within the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and related institutions.
Coordinate Advocacy Projects
- Manage regional advocacy projects from planning through implementation and evaluation.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Monitor progress and report on outcomes.
- Coordinate resources and stakeholders effectively.
Collaborate Across Amnesty International
- Work closely with regional researchers and campaigners.
- Integrate advocacy strategies into research and campaigning outputs.
- Ensure consistency between regional and international advocacy priorities.
- Support integrated and cross-functional approaches to human rights advocacy.
Build Strategic Partnerships
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with:
- African Union officials
- Government representatives
- Regional institutions
- Civil society organizations
- Human rights defenders
- International partners
- Develop and strengthen formal and informal advocacy coalitions.
- Support collaborative initiatives that advance shared human rights objectives.
Lead Representation at Regional Platforms
- Coordinate Amnesty International’s participation at ACHPR sessions and other key regional forums.
- Represent the organization at conferences, consultations, and stakeholder meetings.
- Promote Amnesty International’s policy positions and recommendations.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Professional Experience
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Extensive experience in advocacy and engagement with African intergovernmental organizations.
- Proven experience working with:
- African Union institutions
- African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA)
- Regional human rights mechanisms
- International policy and governance frameworks
- Significant experience producing:
- Policy briefs
- Position papers
- Advocacy submissions
- Analytical reports
- Strategic recommendations
Human Rights Expertise
Applicants should possess:
- Strong knowledge of international human rights law.
- Understanding of international humanitarian law.
- Knowledge of international relations and multilateral diplomacy.
- Experience conducting research for advocacy purposes.
- Experience undertaking human rights field research.
Advocacy Skills
You should have the ability to:
- Identify and leverage advocacy opportunities.
- Influence governments and intergovernmental organizations.
- Develop evidence-based advocacy strategies.
- Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Language Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Excellent written and spoken French.
Bilingual proficiency is essential for this role.
Key Competencies
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Strategic thinking and political awareness.
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- Stakeholder engagement and relationship-building expertise.
- Project management capabilities.
- Ability to work collaboratively across multicultural teams.
- Commitment to human rights principles and values.
Benefits and Rewards
Amnesty International offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing and professional growth.
Benefits include:
- Competitive international salary.
- 37 days annual leave (including public holidays and grace days).
- Pension scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Life assurance.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Flexible and inclusive working environment.
- Global collaboration opportunities.
Why Join Amnesty International?
This is an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping human rights advocacy across Africa while working with one of the world’s most respected human rights organizations.
You will engage directly with influential regional institutions, contribute to meaningful policy change, and support efforts to protect and promote human rights for millions of people across the continent.
If you are passionate about justice, equality, and human rights, this role offers a unique platform to create lasting impact.
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How to Apply
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their application before the deadline.
Application Deadline: 10 June 2026 (23:59 UK Time)
Please note that Amnesty International reserves the right to close the vacancy before the deadline if a high volume of applications is received.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Amnesty International is committed to building a diverse, equitable, anti-racist, and inclusive workplace.
Applications are strongly encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
All recruitment processes are designed to be accessible and inclusive, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants.
