JSMP : JOB VACANCY INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ADVISOR, LEGAL RESEARCH UNIT

Job vacancy

INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ADVISOR, legal research unit

Location: Dili, Timor-Leste

Contract duration: 6 months from January 2013

JSMP was established in 2001 in Dili, Timor-Leste to monitor the Ad Hoc Human Rights Tribunal in Indonesia and the Special Panels for Serious Crimes in Timor-Leste. JSMP now exists as a Timorese led not-for-profit organisation working to improve the justice system in Timor-Leste through independent monitoring, analysis, advocacy and community education. JSMP’s goal is a justice system where the rights of all citizens are respected and protected in accordance with international human rights standards.

The Legal Research Unit (LRU) monitors hearings in all district courts (Dili, Baucau, Suai and Oe-Cusse) and the Court of Appeal. LRU monitors court cases, undertakes critical analysis of court decisions and provides substantive and practical recommendations on issues that arise during trial. LRU also conducts activities to improve the community’s understanding of the formal justice system, for example through training in the districts, national seminars, workshops and public debates on radio and television. LRU implements the Parliament Watch Project (PWP) which monitors the activities of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste and provides information to the public about democracy and the legislative process.

Position description:

The International Legal Advisor will support the work of the Legal Research Unit, focusing primarily on developing the capacity of LRU staff in the following areas:

·         legal research and analysis

·         legal writing

·         developing and delivering community legal education 

·         strategic planning and project management 

·         preparing grant proposals and managing donor relations 

A key component of the International Legal Advisor’s role will be to assist LRU with project planning for the two-year Facilitating Access to Justice in Timor-Leste project funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund. 

Salary:

USD $3500 per month (gross). The successful applicant will be required to arrange their own airfares, insurance and visas as required. 

Selection Criteria: 

Applicants must have the following qualifications and experience:

·         Strong Tetum language skills

·         Tertiary degree in law

·         At least 3 years experience in legal analysis, law reform and advocacy 

·         Substantial experience in training and mentoring

·         Experience working in a development and/or post-conflict context 

·         Demonstrated knowledge of domestic criminal law and criminal procedures, international human rights law, international humanitarian law 

·         Strong interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills 

It is highly desirable for the applicant to have the following skills:

·         Fluent in Indonesian or Portuguese

·         Demonstrated understanding of the justice sector in Timor-Leste

·         Previous work experience in Timor-Leste

APPLICATION AND CONTACT DETAILS

A statement (maximum 2 pages) addressing the required qualifications and experience with a current CV must be submitted by email to the Legal Advisor of the Women’s Justice Unit at anna@jsmp.minihub.org by COB Monday 10 December 2012. 

All questions regarding this TOR can be directed to:

Anna Yang
Legal Advisor, Women’s Justice Unit
Judicial System Monitoring Programme
anna@jsmp.minihub.org
Phone: 77994017