chantal kisoon

I have a deep knowledge of human rights and management honed by over 18 years at the Constitutional Court of South Africa and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). I am able to achieve consensus with diverse stakeholders in complex and nuanced environments on matters or positions advanced. The adoption of the Model Law on Access to Information by the African Union is testament to my expertise in law, appreciation of geopolitical, social and economic drivers; ability to persuade diverse stakeholders and successfully lead diverse senior teams. These skills and attributes stood me in good stead during missions to various African states aimed at consultation and advocacy of a model law for the region.

In my role as the Chief Operations Officer at the SAHRC, I successfully led national and provincial offices of the Commission on programmatic delivery on advocacy, communications; legal; research and monitoring outputs spanning all areas of human rights. Additionally, I served on a number of committees; and was responsible for corporate matters in respect of the operations division. As a member of the C-suite, board support; policy development; reporting (key stakeholders, media, board, exco's etc.); compliance; corporate governance; financial management; assurance; risk management; human resource management and all aspects of planning were critical functions fulfilled.

I found engagements with donors, grant management; the development and marketing of novel projects stimulating. During my role as a senior lecturer in law and deputy director of the Center for Human Rights key projects were initiated and remain much acclaimed.

My work ethic is fueled by a desire to advance human rights and extends beyond convention; shaped by respect; integrity; creativity, curiosity;  and a drive to excel.