Position : Volunteer legal advisor position – transitional justice
Country : Bamako, Mali
Duration : Voluntary cooperation mandate of 6 months (renewable)
Starting date : January 2018
Working language : French
Conditions : The mandate is of a voluntary nature. All costs related to the assignment (food, housing, insurance, airplane tickets) are covered by the program. The mandate is unaccompanied. The volunteer must participate in pre-departure training and preparation sessions.
Context
Lawyers without Borders Canada (LWBC) is supporting the main active institution in transitional justice in Mali: the ‘’Commission vérité, justice et réconciliation’’ (CVJR). Established in 2014 pursuant to a presidential order, the CVJR is one the mechanisms established by the Malian State to promote national reconciliation.
Security
The security of the volunteers and others collaborators is a primary concern of LWBC. Security measures and protocols are applicable to all local personnel, expatriates, volunteers and personnel involved in shortterm missions. The selected candidate will be trained on safety and will have to commit to the respect of the established measures and protocols. Because project activities are carried out only if there are sufficient guaranties and acceptable conditions, the Consortium can postpone or annul the deployment of the selected volunteer, notably for security-related reasons.
Job summary
The volunteer legal advisor will be deployed to support the CVJR in carrying out its mandate and action plan. He or she will be called upon to collaborate with members of some of the CVJR’s sub-commissions, for example, the “search for truth”, “support to victims and reparation”, “studies, reports and documentation”, “gender”, and “public education and reconciliation” sub-commissions.
Description of tasks
- Carry out research and participate in the drafting of notes on methodology, for the production of reports about serious violations of human rights perpetrated during the conflict, amongst other topics;
- Organize, create and lead training workshops on topics considered useful by the CVJR;
- Participate in the development of a reparations policy or program, including gender-based reparations;
- Participate in the development of a methodology for the preparation of detailed recommendations on the guarantees of non-repetition, especially to ensure the realities of girls and women are taken into account;
- Participate in the completion of a documentary mapping of the serious violations of human rights perpetrated during the conflict;
- Perform others tasks associated with ASFC’s office activities in Mali on demand of the Head of Mission, the Transitional Justice Coordinator or the Programming Director.
Qualifications
- University education in law, transitional justice or related discipline;
- Knowledge and relevant experience in transitional justice (truth and reconciliation commissions, reparations, guarantees of non-repetition, investigation of serious violations of human rights, etc.);
- Good knowledge of international criminal law, human rights law and international humanitarian law;
- Interest in promoting and defending human rights;
- Skills in written composition and legal research;
- Excellent command of written and oral French;
- Ability to adapt to sometimes difficult working conditions and situations (restrictive security measures, limited resources, logistical difficulties, work under pressure etc.);
- Strong organizational motivation, sense of international solidarity; support for the values of consortium members
- Independence and impartiality with respect to the internal affairs of Mali;
- Ability to work as a member of a team and strong interpersonal skills;
- Ability to integrate in various work environments;
- Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook);
- Absolute respect for confidentiality.
Assets
- Previous work experience with truth and reconciliation commissions or in transitional justice processes in others contexts;
- Lawyer called to the Bar;
- Relevant experience in responding to gender based violence;
- Masters or doctorate degree in law or related discipline;
- Previous experience in similar functions;
- Proficiency in English;
- Previous experience with vulnerable communities or groups;
- Previous work experience in West Africa or knowledge of of the social, economic and legal contexts in developing countries or post conflict situations.
Eligibility requirements
- Preference will be given to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. However, other applications will also be considered;
- Be covered by the health care insurance plan provided by a province or by a private plan;
- Be available to attend a pre-departure training session (dates to be confirmed).
How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit their application (cover letter and curriculum vitae) before Sunday, December 3rd 2017 at 23h59 at the following address : [email protected]
Please make sure to submit your application for the position: ‘’Volunteer Legal Advisor – Transitional Justice’’.
We thank every candidate for their interest. However, we will only be contacting the candidates selected for interviews.
More Information
- Job City Bamako
