Regional Legal Advisor, Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre

Job Profile: Regional Legal Advisor, Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre

About:

The Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre is an independent expert group that provides rapid and in-depth advice on the laws of war to ensure the protection of persons in conflict zones worldwide.

Essential experience and Qualifications 

Purpose of the position

Reporting to the Global Desk Manager, the Regional Legal Adviser will work on a multi-year project to raise capacity and respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) with a focus on Mozambique, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and South Sudan. Responsibilities will include:

– Providing legal and policy advice to our – partners in the region.

– Drafting legal and policy documents.

– Building and sustaining relationships with stakeholders within the humanitarian community.

– Developing and delivering workshops and other capacity development activities with a range of stakeholders.

– Identifying opportunities for advocacy and policy development.

– In addition, they will also represent the Centre at national, regional, and international fora. In their work, they will appreciate the age, gender, and disability dynamics of armed conflict and take a gender-inclusive and intersectional approach.

The successful candidate will be a passionate humanitarian and outstanding lawyer. They will be a dynamic, yet pragmatic and strategic thinker, who is committed to strengthening the inclusive interpretation, application, and monitoring of international humanitarian law. They will be an assertive individual who has excellent time management and interpersonal skills. They will be a dedicated team player who will excel in a diverse and respectful team environment.

Essential experience and qualifications

A high level of proven expertise in international humanitarian law (IHL)

Degree in law (JD or LLM) with specialization and/or experience in international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international criminal law.

8-10 year’s relevant experience as a legal adviser within an international governmental organisations, the United Nations or non-governmental organizations.

High level of knowledge and expertise on the countries of focus.

High level of experience in developing and delivering high quality training to professionals.

Existing relationships and credibility within the IHL and humanitarian community within the region would be an asset.

Demonstrated capacity to conduct advanced legal research and analysis independently, and draft high-quality legal texts in English.

Expertise in intersectionality, and the age, gender and disability dynamics of armed conflict would be an asset.

Outstanding level of English writing proficiency, other languages are an asset (in particular Portuguese, Arabic, or French).

Duration: The desired start date will be June 2023. This is a 24-month full-time contract with the possibility of extension.

Location: Nairobi

submit your CV and one-page cover letter outlining your relevant experience, by 26 May 2023.

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