Executive Secretary 215 views

BACKGROUND 

The Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) of The Gambia  was established through an Act of the National Assembly in 2017 with a mandate  to compile an impartial record detailing the nature, causes, and extent of human  rights violations and abuses committed between July 1994 and January 2017.  Additionally, the TRRC was tasked with providing interim reparations to  victims affected during this period. 

The TRRC conducted thorough investigations into 17 themes of human rights  violations and abuses within its mandate. These themes included amongst  others; unlawful arrests, detention, enforced disappearance, persecution of  media personnel and political opponents, as well as instances of sexual and  gender-based violence (SGBV). Throughout its proceedings, the Commission  heard public testimonies from 393 witnesses, the majority of whom were victims,  while over 50 were either self-confessed or alleged perpetrators. 

On November 25, 2021, the TRRC submitted its Final Report to President Adama  Barrow, presenting its findings along with 265 recommendations for the  Government’s consideration and implementation. The report highlighted  numerous human rights violations that occurred in The Gambia during the  specified period, ranging from enforced disappearances to sexual violence.  Furthermore, the Commission made recommendations for reparations and  initiated compensation payments to certain victims. In response to the TRRC’s  report, the Government of The Gambia issued its White Paper on the TRRC  recommendations in May 2022. The Government indicated its acceptance to  implement all recommendations in varying degrees, with the exception of two, 

which were rejected. Notably, the Government committed to establishing a  Reparations Commission responsible for administering reparations to victims as  outlined in the TRRC’s report. 

In fulfillment of its obligations under the Government White Paper, the  Government conducted extensive consultations with various stakeholders,  including victims, civil society, and experts. As a result, the Victims Reparations 

Act was passed in December 2023. Section 29 of the Reparations Act 2023  establishes the position of Executive Secretary, who will head the Secretariat of the  Reparations Commission. 

 The Executive Secretary will head the Secretariat of the Reparations  Commissions, and oversee the Commission’s operations, manage financial  resources, process claims, and liaise with various stakeholders to ensure  reparations for victims of human rights abuses from July 1994 to January 2017. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

In accordance with Section 29 (4) of the Reparations Act 2024, the Executive  Secretary shall : 

“(a) have an in-depth understanding of the TRRC process; 

(b) have at least 10 years’ experience in administration and financial  management; and 

(c) hold advanced academic qualifications in a relevant field.” DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE SECRETARY  

In accordance with Section 30 of the Reparations Act, the duties of the Executive Secretary shall include  the following: 

“ (a) be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Commission;  (b) Receive, and process claims under this Act; 

(c) assist the Commission in technical Functions; 

(d) supervise staff of the Secretariat; 

(e) facilitate the business of the Commission;  

(f) keep all records of the Commission;  

(g) initiate and maintain contacts or relations with government departments,  agencies and third parties for purposes connected with the granting of  reparations;  

(h) be responsible for the financial management of the Commission;

(i) ensure that there are mechanisms in place for the decentralization of the  Commission’s services;  

(j) perform such other functions as the Chairperson may assign to him or her.” 

TERM OF OFFICE 

In accordance with section 29(3) of the Reparations Act 

“The Executive Secretary shall hold office for a renewable term of five years, on  such terms and conditions as the Commission may determine in consultation  with the Public Service Commission.” 

HOW AND DEADLINE TO APPLY  

All interested applicants must submit the following documents: 

Motivational Letter: A motivational letter (maximum two pages) highlighting  relevant experience in the field of human rights and the transitional justice  process of The Gambia. The letter should detail the applicant’s understanding  of the TRRC process and their vision for the Reparations Commission, and how  their role of Executive Secretary would enable its realization. 

Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date CV highlighting education, training, work  history, and any involvement in the transitional justice process of The Gambia.  

Two letters of recommendation: from individuals who can attest to the  applicant’s qualifications, character, and suitability for the position. These  letters should provide insight into the applicant’s professional capabilities, their  experience in human rights or related fields, and their ability to effectively lead  the Secretariat of the Reparations Commission 

All applications must be sealed and labeled as “APPLICATION FOR POSITION  OF EXECUTIVE SECRETARY FOR THE VICTIMS REPARATIONS  COMMISSION” and submitted to the Records Office of the Ministry of Justice on  Marina Parade in Banjul on or before the 5th of March 2025. 

Applicants are also strongly encouraged to apply through the email address:  bids@posttrrc.com