IDLO Italy Project Legal Advisor

About IDLO

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) works to enable governments and empower people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, and sustainable development.

IDLO is an intergovernmental organization that promotes justice, peace and development by providing legal expertise to governments, multilateral and civil society organizations. It seeks to enhance human rights, economic growth and good governance through technical assistance on judicial and legal reform, capacity-building and legal empowerment programs and projects. Bringing together a range of diverse local, national and international stakeholders and working in an enabling rather than directive or prescriptive way, IDLO acts as a catalyst for social change. It prides itself on its flexibility, speed and entrepreneurial spirit.

While IDLO works in all developing regions of the world, it has significant operations in countries emerging from conflict. IDLO is the only intergovernmental organization with an exclusive mandate to promote the rule of law. It currently has 27 Member Parties and benefits from the collective wisdom of a prestigious International Advisory Council.

To learn more about IDLO, please visit our website www.idlo.int or follow us on Twitter @IDLOnews.

IDLO Experience in Afghanistan

IDLO has 30 years’ experience of transferring knowledge and building good governance in developing countries, countries in transition and those recovering from armed conflict. Since 2001, IDLO has been working as a lead partner of the Afghan Government in justice and legal reform. Some specific achievements include:

•The establishment of eight specialized units which are dedicated to prosecute violence against women, in collaboration with the Attorney General;

•Support to a group of IDLO’s graduates to set up the Legal Aid Organization of Afghanistan, providing quality legal aid services to poor and disadvantaged groups, especially women and children, in 25 provinces of the country; and

•Capacity building of over 3,000 legal professionals, including judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers, members of parliament, civil servants and academics.

As a result of IDLO’s assistance, people across Afghanistan have gained access to legal representation, enhanced knowledge and fairer trials.

The Position

IDLO seeks a Project Legal Adviser for a U.S. funded multi-million dollar project for 30 months in support of the Afghanistan Justice Training Transition Progrram (JTTP), as part of the international community completing the transition and handover in Afghanistan. This is a full-time position based at IDLO Headquarters.

Reporting to the Director of Special Project, the Project Legal Adviser will be responsible for guidance on legal issues for the project team at Headquarters, in the field office, and between the team’s internal and external stakeholders. The Project Legal Adviser will provide an important link between the donor, Headquarters and the team in the field.

The Project Legal Adviser will be responsible for:

•Working on all Project contracts and agreements for all offices throughout Afghanistan;

•Working in close collaboration with the General Counsel, and in accordance with predetermined guidelines, carrying out research and preparing drafts for use in legal opinions relating to the project;

•Undertaking research and studies to examine legal precedents for issues relating to the functions, structure and activities of the JTTP Project;

•Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts for services and other agreements with donors and partner institutions relating to the project, in cooperation with internal organizational departments and units;

•Undertaking research on privileges and immunities and assisting the General Counsel in drafting and negotiating Headquarters agreement for the office in Kabul;

•Undertaking research and assisting in legal advice for the JTTP project including on personnel, security, procurement and related matters on any legal or ethical matters that arise in the course of project implementation; and

•Assisting the Department of Human Resources in providing model contracts, and rendering legal advice or interpretation of policies and rules in connection with staff issues for the JTTP project.

Ideal Candidate Profile IDLO seeks a Project Legal Adviser for a period of 30 months to be based in its Headquarters and who has a genuine interest and passion for the organization’s mission to ensure the successful implementation of a justice sector reform project aimed at handing capacity to Afghan institutions.

It is critical that the selected candidate has a strong sense of attention to detail in order to ensure prompt and accurate responses to issues and requests. Additionally, candidates must have a broad-based background in conducting extensive legal research and have excellent analytical skills. Outstanding English drafting and editing skills are essential, including an ability to prepare legal reports, letters, memorandums, and notices.

The new Project Legal Adviser will bring a high level of motivation, diplomacy, and tact to this role. The incumbent must be able to work as a member of a multi-cultural team and have the flexibility to participate in a variety of tasks. She/He will have an appreciation for proper processes and procedures, yet be able to work in a flexible and dynamic office environment.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

The new Project Legal Adviser will possess an advanced law degree. Experience of the reporting requirements of international organizations and the U.S. State Department in terms of legal requirements is highly desirable and a good knowledge of the tools and techniques needed for reporting to American donors is needed.

At least 5 years’ experience in successfully supporting with legal advice, the implementation of projects in development or post-conflict regions, is required. Experience of legal issues in a post-conflict zone is a pre-requisite.

She/he must have proven successful experience working with a remote team. Fluency in spoken and written English is required.

Terms and Conditions

IDLO offers professional staff based at Headquarters a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

The total compensation package is subject to various deductions, such as health insurance with Vanbreda International and contributions to the IDLO Provident Fund.

How to apply: 

How to Apply IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications.

To apply, please visit IDLO’s employment website at www.idlo.int/jobs ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY NOVEMBER 26, 2012.