In pursuit of the ideals of excellence, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy. The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international development.

The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria seeks the consultancy services of five consultants to conduct research on the laws and policies relating to the SRHR of older women in five regions of Africa. This research should provide a detailed report on the forms and nature of SRHR challenges facing older women in each of the regions. More importantly, it should provide detailed information and analysis on laws, policies, and programmes on SRHR of older women as well as the good practices in this regard.

Terms of Reference

Despite this array of human rights instruments on the rights of older persons in the region, older persons still face serious challenges regarding their rights. Worse still older women, continue to experience barriers to their sexual and reproductive health needs. A significant number of older women still experience unmet needs for their sexual and reproductive health. It is therefore necessary to examine some of the reasons why access to SRHR services to older persons in general and older women in particular remains unrealisable at the national level. It is also important to interrogate laws and policies on the SRHR of older women in many African states.

Responsibilities:

The consultants will be responsible for conducting research for and preparing a report on the SRHR of older women in 5 selected regions. The research report will achieve the following:

• Ascertain the obligations of African states in advancing the SRHR of older women.
• Analyse laws, policies and programmes on SRHR of older women in 5 regions of Africa.
• Unpack the barriers and challenges to the realisation of the SRHR of older women in Africa.
• Identify good practices in the realisation of SRHR of older persons in Africa.
• Provide concrete recommendations for the realisation of SRHR of older women in Africa.
• Prepare and deliver the report at a meeting towards the end of the project

The work is to be completed as per the following timeline:

The position is home-based.

Minimum requirements:

• Postgraduate degree in law, development, gender or social sciences with about 6 years’ experience working in the field of SRHR.
• Knowledge on human rights, especially SRHR of older persons.
• Ability to synthesize materials of diverse nature.
• Good knowledge of the African human rights system.
• Three years of professional experience with non-profit human rights focused organisations, research projects, advocacy campaigns or government offices.
• Experience with desktop and qualitative research.

Required competencies (skills, knowledge and behavioural attributes)

• Enthusiasm for SRHR advocacy.
• Skills required of consultants.
• Analytical skills.
• Excellent research and inter-personal skills.
• Highly motivated with ability to meet deadlines.
• Confidence and the ability to be proactive and work independently.

In applying for this post, please attach the following documents and send the email to rutendo.chinomona@up.ac.za/ bianca.knight@up.ac.za:

• A cover letter;
• A comprehensive CV;
• A writing sample of no more than 15 000 words; and
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

Closing date: 30 June 2024
Enquiries: matilda.lasseko-phooko@up.ac.za and rutendo.chinomona@up.ac.za

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.