African Union Commissioners Recruitment 2025 – Apply Offline

The African Union (AU), in collaboration with the Government of South Sudan and the United Nations (UN), is inviting applications for the nomination of Non-South Sudanese Commissioners to serve on the South Sudan Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing (CTRH). This represents a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to contribute to peacebuilding and transitional justice in a country emerging from prolonged conflict.

Background

South Sudan has endured years of conflict characterized by widespread human rights violations. The need for truth, justice, and reconciliation remains critical. In September 2018, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and other parties to the conflict signed the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Chapter V of this agreement mandates the establishment of three transitional justice mechanisms:

• The Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing (CTRH)
• A Hybrid Court for South Sudan (HCSS)
• The Compensation and Reparations Authority (CRA)

In November 2024, President Salva Kiir signed the CTRH Act (2024) into law. The CTRH is a cornerstone institution within South Sudan’s transitional justice framework, tasked with addressing past injustices, promoting reconciliation, fostering healing, and laying the foundation for sustainable peace and development.

The Commission will operate for six years and comprises seven Commissioners: four South Sudanese nationals (including at least two women) and three Non-South Sudanese nationals from other African countries (including at least one woman). The South Sudan Council of Ministers, in consultation with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the UN Secretary-General, is responsible for nominating the three non-South Sudanese Commissioners. Nominations will then be submitted to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan for endorsement.

Responsibilities of CTRH Commissioners

Commissioners will be responsible for:

• Overseeing truth-telling and reconciliation processes to address the root causes of conflict in South Sudan.
• Investigating and documenting human rights violations from July 2005 to September 12, 2018.
• Developing and implementing strategies to foster peace, national unity, and healing.
• Engaging with stakeholders, including victims, communities, and civil society, to ensure an inclusive approach.
• Providing leadership in the documentation and reporting of human rights violations.
• Recommending measures to ensure victims’ rights to remedy, reparations, and compensation.
• Producing a comprehensive report with recommendations for submission to the Government of South Sudan.
• Advising on the implementation of CTRH recommendations.

Academic and Professional Requirements

• Education: Master’s degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations, or related fields.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years in truth and reconciliation processes or related areas such as Law, Human Rights, Peacebuilding, or Conflict Resolution.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of Transitional Justice and the African Union Transitional Justice Policy.

Required Skills and Competencies

Key Attributes:

• Impartiality: Commitment to integrity, fairness, and objectivity.
• Regional and International Experience: Ability to operate effectively in multicultural and post-conflict settings. Familiarity with South Sudan’s history is an advantage.
• Language: Fluency in English; knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

Leadership Competencies: Visionary leadership, ethical governance, strategic influence, conflict sensitivity, and inclusive leadership.

Core Competencies: Communication & advocacy, cultural & political awareness, team collaboration, accountability, resilience, and adaptability.

Functional Competencies: Expertise in transitional justice, human rights investigation, peacebuilding strategies, legal & policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and report writing.

Application Process

Apply online at jobs.au.int/job/Commissioners-for-the-South-Sudan-Commission-for-Truth%2C-Reconciliation-&-Healing

Qualified candidates are invited to submit:

1. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. A cover letter outlining interest in the position and relevant experience
3. Contact information for three professional references

Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates will undergo a rigorous competitive process, including interviews conducted by an expert panel appointed by the AU and UN. Final endorsement and appointment will be made by the authorities of South Sudan.

The African Union and United Nations are committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged.

Regional Representation: This is a Non-South Sudanese position. Qualified candidates from other African Union Member States are invited to apply.

All applications must be submitted no later than December 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM EAT.

This is a rare opportunity for professionals with a strong background in transitional justice, human rights, and peacebuilding to contribute meaningfully to South Sudan’s journey toward healing and sustainable peace.