Legal Officer - Judicial Education Above All (EAA) Qatar

Legal Officer-Judicial

Introduction to EAA and its Legal Program

Education Above All (EAA) is an independent non-governmental organization established by Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser of Qatar, UNESCO Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education. A policy, research, and advocacy organization, EAA is concerned with the protection of education during insecurity and armed conflict.

Through the strategic use of international and regional law, EAA’s Legal Program contributes to EAA’s strategic objectives of prevention of, strengthened accountability for, and targeted response to education-related violations of international law in areas affected by insecurity and conflict. To meet this aim, the four core objectives of the Legal Program are:

1. To contribute to increased adherence to education-related international and regional law by States and Non-State Armed Groups in areas affected by insecurity and conflict.

2. To contribute to increased protection by States and Non-State Armed Groups against education-related violations of international and regional law in areas affected by insecurity and conflict.

3. To contribute to reduced impunity for past, current and future education-related violations of international and regional law in areas affected by insecurity and conflict.

4. To facilitate orders and/or recommendations for appropriate and focused reparations in judicial, quasi-judicial, and international and regional human rights mechanisms for education-related violations of international and regional law perpetrated in areas affected by insecurity and conflict.

THE ROLE

The Legal Officer-Judicial will report to the Legal Program Manager. In coordination with the Legal Program Manager, the Legal Officer-Judicial will:

1. Develop and implement international and regional legal advocacy strategies around the protection of education in areas of insecurity and conflict, the reduction of impunity for education-related violations of international and regional law, and the facilitation of orders/recommendations for reparation to support EAA’s Legal Program objectives.

2. Ensure cooperation and appropriate communication between and among partners on legal and policy advice and the sharing of best practices.

3. Develop and maintain professional relationships with targeted international and regional judicial bodies (and their relevant organs), as well as relevant media, diplomatic personnel and non-governmental organizations.

4. Provide ongoing analysis of and research on, and develop strategic legal resources on education-related violations of international and regional law (and protection of students, teachers, personnel, and educational institutions and facilities) in areas affected by insecurity and conflict for submission to targeted judicial bodies and wider dissemination.

5. Monitor and analyze legal developments at targeted judicial bodies in relation to proceedings, cases, and decisions.

6. In consultation with EAA staff, conceptualize and oversee project activities related to the protection of students, teachers, personnel, and educational institutions and facilities in areas affected by insecurity and conflict and legal redress for education-related violations, drawing on the views of experts in the field and working with partners.

7. Coordinate with and assist partner organizations and/or experts who are working with EAA to develop resource materials.

8. Prepare and develop materials for the website, board meetings and Legal Advisory Group meetings.

9. Plan and organize workshops, conferences and other events, often in cooperation with partner organizations.

10. Other relevant duties at the request of the Program Manager / Director.
    

THE PERSON

The Legal Officer—Judicial will have an advanced degree in law, either a Juris Doctor or Master’s level or above, with specialization in international humanitarian and/or international criminal law. The successful candidate will have substantial experience working at or with international and/or regional judicial bodies. Ideally, the successful candidate will have knowledge and experience relating to the protection of education in areas affected by insecurity and conflict and redress for education-related violations of international and regional law. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker and able to take initiative. Discretion, personal integrity, excellent research, analysis, and writing skills, and teamwork are essential, as is a strong interest in the legal protection of education during insecurity and conflict.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

· An advanced university degree (J.D. or Masters or above in law) with specialization in international humanitarian and/or international criminal law (recognition for entry / registered or licensed to practice law in a national / state bar association) (Essential)

· Knowledge of and expertise in international human rights law, specifically in economic, social, and cultural rights but also civil and political rights (Desirable)

· A minimum of 5 years professional experience with domestic or international criminal law/international humanitarian law and domestic or international human rights law and relevant mechanisms and processes (Essential)

· Familiarity with international and regional courts/tribunals and jurisprudence (Essential)

· Practical and/or academic expertise and/or experience working at, with or through international and regional courts and tribunals (including particular experience with the International Criminal Court, and/or with other international and hybrid courts) (Essential)

· Strong analytical skills and the ability to absorb and analyze information quickly, with a proven track record of legal analysis (Essential)

· Excellent research and writing skills for publications and legal submissions, including a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in all areas of work (Essential)

· Complete fluency in English with excellent writing, editorial, and oral advocacy skills; together with good written and spoken Arabic, French, Spanish, or other language (Desirable)

· Awareness of the discipline of education in emergencies and of the interactions between education and protection (Desirable)

· Demonstrated capacity to design and manage legal programs and partnerships (Desirable)

· Excellent inter-personal skills (Essential)

· Willingness to work within the ethos and values of EAA (Essential)

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package will be provided, including salary, housing allowance, transport allowance within Qatar, relocation allowance, yearly return trip to home country, health care and end-of-service benefits.

An initial one to three-year appointment is envisaged, with possibility of renewal.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications should be sent by email to John Gregg, Director of EAA, at jgregg@hho.gov.qa no later than 12 midday KSA on June 10, 2012.

Applications should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae, which should address the key selection criteria outlined above.

Applications should also include the names and contact details of two professional referees. The subject of the email should accord with the following format: Candidate’s Name – Position (Legal Officer-Human Rights or Legal Officer-Judicial) – Application. Late applications will not be considered.