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Legal Specialist The International Bar Association

9:23:00 PM

Legal Specialist required for the Democratic Republic of Congo

The International Bar Association (IBA) is a global federation of judges, lawyers, Law Societies and Bar Associations which works to influence the development of international law reform and shape the future of the legal profession. Its 200 member organisations and over 40,000 individual members cover all continents. The IBA’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) was established in 1995 and works across the association helping to promote, protect and enforce human rights under a just rule of law, and to preserve the independence of the judiciary and legal profession worldwide.
The IBA is seeking a Legal Specialist to work for a period of four months with the Lubumbashi Bar in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Lubumbashi Bar has a membership of approximately 600 individuals, including 450 qualified lawyers and 150 trainee-lawyers. It is looking at strengthening its capacities with regards to continuing legal education (CLE). The IBAHRI has run a programme in partnership with the Lubumbashi bar in 2010-2011 where a series of successful CLE workshops were implemented. The Legal Specialist will assist the Bar in establishing a sustainable year-long CLE programme. The Legal Specialist will be based in Lubumbashi and will be working at the Bar’s office.
Location: Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
Reporting to: Programme Lawyer, Human Rights Institute
Key Accountabilities:
The Legal Specialist will:
  • Work closely with the newly appointed CLE Coordinator at the Lubumbashi Bar to develop and implement a year-long plan for a CLE programme at the Bar including workshops, conferences and public interest discussion forums;
  • Participate in strategy meetings with the President and Council of the Lubumbashi Bar, and the relevant committees to develop a definitive action plan and targets at the outset of the project;
  • Work with the President and the Council of the Lubumbashi Bar to develop outreach as deemed necessary, such as the development of the website and newsletters;
  • Work closely with the CLE Coordinator, the Council and the committee on legal education to develop the ability of the Lubumbashi Bar to meet the educational needs of its members;
  • Provide advice on best practices in the implementation of a CLE programme;
  • Assist the Lubumbashi Bar with the development of links with regional and international legal bodies;
  • Oversee the management of a newly created public litigation/defence fund and in collaboration with the Lubumbashi Bar;
  • Provide regular, on-ground monitoring of rule of law developments and ensure an effective line of communication with the IBAHRI for the dissemination of information to the wider international community;
  • Carry out other related duties at the direction of the IBAHRI.
Standards: In carrying out the above, the legal specialist will at all times adhere to the highest professional standards and to IBA and IBAHRI procedures and policies as directed.
Levels of Contact:
Within the IBA: regular contact with the IBAHRI Programme Lawyer; periodic contact with the HRI Director. Outside the IBA: contact as necessary with legal and judicial officials; IGOs; NGOs; media; donors; individual lawyers and judges.
Qualifications:
Education and training:
Essential:
Law degree
Work experience:
Essential:
  • Minimum of five years experience in a legal environment
  • Experience in working with senior officials
  • Experience in project management
  • Experience in working with people from a variety of cultures
  • Experience in working with bar associations
  • Experience in designing and managing CLE activities
Desirable:
Training experience
Other Qualifications:
Essential:
  • Fluent written and spoken French AND English
  • Strong writing skills in French and English
  • Strong organisational, implementation, and communication skills
  • Ability to network/liaison
  • Budget management skills
  • High level of energy and initiative, and ability to work for periods without direct supervision to produce desired goals
  • Strong diplomatic skills
  • Good knowledge of human rights and rule of law issues
  • Computer skills
Desirable:
  • Experience in working in a post-conflict country
  • NGO development experience
  • International experience
  • Knowledge of DRC’s social, political, and economic environment and justice system
  • Knowledge of civil law
Support Package:
  • Return-trip international airfare from home base to Lubumbashi
  • Consultancy Fee (US$ 2,000 per month)
  • Housing allowance (up to US$ 1,200 per month, payable against receipts)
  • Living allowance (US$ 1,200 per month)
  • Medical/emergency evacuation insurance
  • Business expenses (up to US$ 650 per month, payable against receipts)
  • 6 days leave
How to apply:
Send cover letter and full CV by e-mail to: personnel@int-bar.org
Please copy all applications to: marie.olivier@int-bar.org
The cover letter should specifically address the qualification requirements listed above.
The closing date for applications is 7 December 2011. The successful applicant will be expected to start duties in early February 2012, or as soon as possible thereafter

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