Legal Adviser, Middle East & North Africa Programme

Legal Adviser,

Middle East & North Africa Programme

The International Commission of Jurists is an international non-governmental organization of judges and lawyers dedicated to advancing the rule of law and the legal protection of human rights around the world. Composed of 60 eminent judges and lawyers representing all legal traditions, the ICJ has been established in 1952 and has offices in Geneva, Brussels, Bangkok, Katmandu, Tunis, Johannesburg, Harare and Guatemala City. 

We are recruiting a Legal Adviser to contribute to the implementation of ICJ’s programme of work in Lebanon. The position will be based in Beirut. Candidates should ideally be available to join in January 2019. 

The ideal candidate will be a 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 framework of Lebanon. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting directly to the MENA Programme Director,the Legal Adviser holds the following responsibilities:

• Monitor, analyse and provide sound and timely legal advice with regard tothe developments relating to the rule of law, human rights and the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession in Lebanon;
• Identify the legal and policy priorities of the MENA Programme in Lebanon and contribute to develop proposals for strategies and plans of action;
• Monitor and observe trials on behalf of the ICJ, and report on fair trial violations before Lebanese courts;   
• Draft legal memoranda, public statements, reports, UN submissions and press releases relating to the ICJ’s work in Lebanon; 
• Provide logistical support to the work of the MENA Programme, in particular in organising ICJ missions, trial observations and seminars in Lebanon;
• Develop and maintain a substantive dialogue on issues related to the work of the MENA Programme in Lebanonwith multiple stakeholders, in particular representatives of civil society as well as the judicial, legal and human rights communities;
• Assist in identifying, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with counterparts in relevant human rights organisations with the aim of developing networks, alliances and coalitions;
• Inform and mobilise the ICJ Network in support of the work of the MENA Programme in Lebanon;
• Ensure close internal coordination between the MENA Programme and other ICJ regional and thematic programmes;
• In conjunction with staff responsible for finance, assist in preparing and managing the MENA Programme’s budget in Lebanonas well as monitoring expenditures;
• In conjunction with the fundraising staff, contribute to fundraising for the MENA Programme’s work in Lebanon, including drafting proposals and assisting in maintaining good relations with donors.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have:

Education & Experience

• University degree in law with further academic studies in international human rights law;
• At least seven years of legal experience at the national and international levels, including with non-or inter-governmental organizations in the MENA region.

Essential Skills

· 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;

· Strong research, writing and analytical skills; 


· Excellent oral and written English and Arabic skills,knowledge of French is an asset;

· Very good organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage conflicting demands, meet deadlines and adjust priorities; 


· 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.

The ICJ is an equal opportunities employer.

APPLICATIONS close on 16 December 2018 and should be addressed with your resume, a cover letter and the names and contact details of at least two referees to: 

Ref: MENA Legal Advisor - Lebanon

By email: [email protected] 

Please appreciate that due to the volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. We cannot answer phone enquiries, thank you for your understanding.