occupied Palestinian territory: Legal Advisor

Diakonia is a Swedish civil society organisation working with a long-term and rights-based perspective to advance democracy and human rights, social and economic justice, gender equality, peace and justice in developing- and crisis-countries. Our mission is to change inequity, discrimination, unfair political, economic and social structures which generate poverty, oppression and violence.

Since 2004 Diakonia runs an International Humanitarian Law Resource Center (IHLRC) with the aim of increasing respect for international law, specifically IHL and IHRL, in the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The IHLRC focusses on legal research, legal analysis, production of reports, advocacy and outreach, specifically addressing third state responsibility and accountability among the humanitarian community.

Respect for the International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law within the broader umbrella of Protection of Civilians is fundamental in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As synergies increasingly are sought between humanitarian and development interventions, the IHLRC serves as a resource for these both communities, as well as the diplomatic community. Through its services, the IHLRC supports mainstreaming and integration of IHL and IHRL into policies, programmes and the broader discourse in the oPt. Together with the diplomatic missions we strive for collective advancement regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation.

We are now seeking a Legal Advisor to be part of our IHLRC team in Jerusalem.

Position: Legal Advisor

Placement: Jerusalem

Period: 1 year (with possibility of extension)

Deadline for applications: June 10, 2015

Responsible to:Director, International Humanitarian Law

Resource Centre (IHLRC)

Responsibilities:

Main Responsibilities:

The Legal Advisor will work within a dynamic team of legal, advocacy, information, policy and programming experts at Diakonia IHL Resource Centre. He/she will conduct research, produce reports and briefs, conduct training and engage with local and international partners through advocacy and outreach. In 2015, the IHLRC will finalizing and roll out a new updated and progressive three-year strategy, which makes this position particularly rewarding.

Specific Responsibilities:

In specific, the Legal Advisor will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Legal advice, writings, presentations/briefings to the IHLRC’s target groups:

1.1. Provide legal advice on IHL/IHRL and other relevant international laws

1.2. Prepare and present legal briefings/sessions/ presentations

1.3. Develop and conduct IH/IHRL trainings, particularly related to mainstreaming IHL into programming for humanitarian actors and donors

1.4. Conduct research and write legal reports/reviews

1.5. Be part of the internal peer review of legal writings

1.6. Work together with IHLRC director on advocacy and outreach with partners, and serve as focal point for organizing and coordinating advocacy events.

1.7. Be part of the IHLRC team working with visiting delegations and the website

1.8. Respond to help desk function requests

1. Participate and represent the IHL Resource Centre in various relevant forums and meet with stakeholders for consultation

2.1. Work together with the IHLRC director to conduct joint work with our partner organisations as well as provide advice, development and capacity building of partners

1. Development of the IHL Resource Center’s programme and policies

3.1. Participate in the policy and programme development by identifying thematic priorities for the IHL Resource Center

1. Support the mainstreaming of gender in the organization and contribute to a more equal society through gender conscious behavior, role modeling, and openness towards capacity building
2. Assist the IHLRC director in other tasks where required

Qualifications:

1. Degree in law (JD, or LLM) with specialization in international law (e.g. international law, IHL, IHRL)
2. Three to seven years of working experience in the area of international law.
3. Excellent research and writing skills.
4. Strong communications skills, including public speaking and training.
5. Excellent knowledge about the present context in oPt and Israel.
6. Good familiarity with the Palestinian and Israeli civil societies.
7. Willingness and ability to work in a team.
8. Good command of Arabic and/or Hebrew is desirable.

Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including references should be submitted by email to Diakonia by 10 June at vacancies@jslm.diakonia.se

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Diakonia is an equal employment opportunity organization.

http://www.diakonia.se/en/IHL/About/Work-with-us/job-vacancy-legal-advisor/