Job Location: Tunis, Tunisia
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide organization of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights. Its strategic goals for 2021-2025 are: (1) to develop, defend, and strengthen international institutions, instruments, and standards on rule of law and human rights; (2) to improve domestic implementation of, and compliance with, international law and standards; (3) to bolster the effectiveness and independence of judges and lawyers; and (4) to improve access to justice for all and accountability. With its Headquarters based in Geneva, Switzerland, ICJ has a presence in Africa, Latin America, Asia & the Pacific, Europe & Central Asia, and the Middle East.
We are recruiting a Legal Adviser to contribute to the implementation of ICJ’s programme of work in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region, with a focus on Libya. The position will be based in our Tunis office. The ideal candidate will be an international human rights lawyer with strong knowledge and experience of international human rights and humanitarian law, with high interest in human rights legal research and advocacy, as well as a sound understanding of the history, politics and legal frameworks of the MENA region.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Programme Director and Senior Legal Adviser, the Legal Adviser is responsible for legal research, analysis, drafting of reports, as well as project management duties, and generally contributing to the implementation of the MENA programme in the region.
The Legal Adviser’s tasks and responsibilities include:
- Lead implementation of the ICJ’s Libya work, using the full range of innovative ICJ advocacy strategies and legal interventions, conduct field research, prepare legal reports, memos and submissions, support and/or conduct capacity building and training for legal practitioners;
- Actively contribute to the development and shaping of ICJ MENA Programme strategies at the regional and national levels;
- Provide sound and timely legal advice on specific regional and national human rights and rule of law issues in the region;
- Monitor relevant legal and policy developments in the MENA region, and carry out legal advocacy to strengthen the rule of law and human rights in the region;
- Develop and maintain a substantive dialogue and effective working relationships with multiple stakeholders, including relevant human rights organizations, representatives of civil society as well as the judicial, legal and human rights communities;
- Represent the ICJ at the external level, including in the field and before international organizations and other actors;
- Organize ICJ missions, trial observations and seminars in the region, including managing logistical arrangements with local partners;
- Research, draft and edit ICJ reports, background briefings, submissions to UN bodies, press releases and advocacy papers;
- Ensure close internal coordination between the MENA Programme and other ICJ regional and thematic programmes;
- Inform and mobilize the ICJ Network in support of the work of the MENA Programme;
- Contribute to fundraising for the MENA Programme and assist in managing its resources and budget;
- Undertake other relevant tasks as requested by MENA Programme Director or Senior Legal Adviser.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Education & Experience
- University degree in law with further academic studies in international human rights law.
- A minimum of four years of legal experience/working for the promotion of human rights at the national and international level, including some experience with non or inter-governmental organizations in the MENA region; prior experience working on Libya an advantage.
Essential Skills
- Excellent oral and written English, with fluency in Arabic strongly preferred.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft office.
- Excellent legal and political judgment and proven ability to develop and carry out innovative legal advocacy strategies;
- Excellent knowledge of human rights and related advocacy work, including at the international level;
- Strong research, writing and analytical skills;
- Very good organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage conflicting demands, meet deadlines and adjust priorities;
- Experience of project management
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team;
- At ease with fundraising and outreach;
- Demonstrated commitment to human rights and the rule of law in the MENA region.
APPLICATIONS
nterested applicants should apply by 09 December 2022. However early application is encouraged as we will review applications and commence interviews throughout the advertising period. We reserve the right to close this advert early if the right candidate has been identified.
Applicants should provide all materials outlined below to [email protected]
• A CV (maximum 2 pages);
• A cover letter (maximum 1 page);
• The names and contact information of at least two recent references.
Please include “Legal Adviser” in the subject line of the application e-mail. The ICJ shall not be liable for not opening proposals that are submitted with a different subject.
Please appreciate that due to the volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
The ICJ is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity and value a diverse workforce. The ICJ’s policy is to practice a fair and non-discriminatory recruitment and selection procedure and to strive for and maintain international and multi-cultural personnel.
Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. ICJ staff must adhere to its Code of Ethics which states that discrimination, bullying and harassment in any form will not be tolerated, nor sexual harassment, violence or assault in any form.
The ICJ conducts systematic reference checks to confirm the absence of such misconduct during previous employments.
