Israel: Legal Advisor

Position: Legal Advisor

Placement: Jerusalem

Period: 1 year (with possibility of extension) pending funding.

Deadline for applications: 18 July 2017

Responsible to: Director, International Humanitarian Law Resource Centre (IHLRC)

Form of employment Working hours are not regulated

Working hours are normally office hours, but travel is expected

Service volume

100% (37, 5 hour/week)

Location within the organization

Employer: Diakonia Country Office in Palestine/Israel, Jerusalem The post holder will report to: Director – IHL Resource Centre Place of employment: Country Office in Palestine/ Israel, Jerusalem

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and suitable candidates will be included in a roster valid for one year after closing of the present call for applications.

Responsibilities:

Main Responsibilities:

The Legal Advisor will work within a dynamic team of legal, advocacy, information, policy and programming experts at the Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Resource Centre (IHLRC). She/he will conduct legal research, produce reports and briefs, deliver training sessions and presentations (50%). The position holder will also be required to lead, organize and implement strategic advocacy activities at the local and international level (50%) towards capacity Building.

· Conduct other tasks whenever requested or appointed by the Director. To be responsible to prepare regular summary reports on progress of grants Management/administration to the programme director.

· Assist the programme director to prepare annual work plans, HR plan and procurement plan in line with IHL Resource Centre activities.

Specific Responsibilities:

The Legal Advisor will be responsible for the following specific tasks:

1. Conceptualize and provide legal analysis on IHL/IHRL and related international law;

2. Conduct legal research, writing and analysis for legal briefs, reports, fact sheets, responses to IHL Helpdesk enquiries, and other written materials;

3. Support efforts towards strengthening presence and profile of the IHLRC in key advocacy fora, including establishing and developing relationships with key stakeholders;

4. Prepare and present legal briefings and presentations to IHLRC target groups;

5. Develop and conduct IHL/IHRL trainings, particularly related to mainstreaming IHL and related law into programming for humanitarian and development actors and donors;

6. Participate in internal peer review of legal analysis and writings;

7. Under the supervision of senior staff, lead, organize and implement strategic advocacy activities at the local and international level.

8. Translating legal arguments into effective advocacy messaging and developing advocacy materials;

9. Actively engage with visiting delegations, including with regard to organizational aspects;

10. Participate and represent the IHL Resource Centre in relevant legal fora and advocacy meetings;

11. Participating with the IHLRC Director and under his/her guidance in joint work with partner organizations as well as provide advice, development and capacity building of partners;

12. Contribute to the development of the IHLRC’s strategy, programme and policies, including by working with the team and partners to identify thematic priorities;

13. Support gender mainstreaming in the organization and contribute to a more equal society through gender conscious behavior, role modeling, and openness towards capacity building

14. Assist senior management in other tasks where required.

15. Maintain strict standards of confidentiality;

Qualifications and skills:

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

2. Minimum of four years of experience working in international law, including in the non- profit sector;

3. Excellent analytical, research, writing and editing skills;

4. Ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including diplomats, policy makers and state officials.

5. Proven organizational skills and ability to multitasking;

6. Excellent communications skills, in particular in public speaking;

7. Excellent knowledge about the current oPt and Israel context, including of local civil society;

8. Solid experience of team work and external networking;

9. Preference for native-level English writing proficiency; strong command of Arabic and/or Hebrew highly desirable;

10. Ability to work flexible hours in a fast paced work environment and willingness to travel;

11. Strong organization skills, attention to detail, flexibility and sense of humor.

Cover letter (max 2 pages A4) and curriculum vitae, including at least two (2) references, along with an unedited writing sample/excerpt of maximum 3 pages A4, should be submitted by email to Diakonia at vacancies@jslm.diakonia.se

Incomplete application will be automatically excluded. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Diakonia is an equal employment opportunity organization.