Legal Advisors

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, and peace and justice in developing countries. Our mission is to change unfair political, economic and social structures which generate poverty, oppression and violence.

In 2004 Diakonia has established an International Humanitarian Law programme with the aim of increasing respect for and further implementation of international law, specifically IHL and IHRL, in the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The IHL programme is functioning as a resource centre addressing third state responsibility and accountability among humanitarian community.

Respect for the International Humanitarian Law and protection of civilians is fundamental in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, recognising occupation and thereby the applicability of IHL, as well as for the importance of state building. As synergies increasingly are sought between the state building agenda and humanitarian interventions, IHL is an increasingly important tool for developing policy options on how to address the conflict. Diakonia is supporting the humanitarian community to mainstream IHL into policies, programmes and discourse in the oPt. Together with the diplomatic missions we strive for collective advancement regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation.

We are now seeking two legal advisors, one Palestinian and one international, to be part of our IHL team in Jerusalem.


Position:2 Legal Advisors
Placement:Jerusalem
Period:1 August 2011 – 31 December 2011
 (renewable pending funding)
Deadline for applications:26 June 2011
Responsible to:Programme Manager, International Humanitarian Law Programme

Responsibilities:

Main Responsibilities:
The Legal Advisors will work within a team of legal advisors at Diakonia IHL Resource Centre on legal analyses related to the development in the conflict with focus on protection of the civilian population. They will obtain updated information on international and Israeli law relevant to the oPt and contribute to the development of the program. They will give legal advice, make IHL briefings, and develop and conduct IHL trainings for the international community.

Specific Responsibilities:
In specific, the Legal Advisors will be responsible for the following tasks:

1-Legal advice, writings, presentations/briefings to Program’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 IHL 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 programme manager towards partners. Be responsible for legal advice, development and capacity building of partners.
2-Participate and represent the IHL resource centre in various relevant forums and meet with partners and stakeholders for consultation.
3-Development of the IHL Program:
3.1-Participate in the programme development by identifying thematic priorities for the IHL team

Qualifications:
1-Advanced degree in international law.
2-Excellent knowledge of international humanitarian law, international law and international human rights law.
3-At least 7 years working experience with IL, preferably IHL, including research.
4-Commitment to human rights.
5-Fluent in English.
6-Good research skills.
7-Good familiarity with the Palestinian and Israeli civil societies.
8-Ability to work with Palestinian and Israeli civil society NGOs.
9-Good communication skills and ability to work in a team.
10-Ability to lead projects.
11-Computer skills

For one of the positions we are looking for a Palestinian lawyer.

Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including references should be submitted by email to Diakonia by 26 June 2011 at [email protected]

If you need any further clarifications please contact Ms. Sara Lindblom on
+ 972 (0)2 5322972 Ext. 103.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Diakonia is an equal employment opportunity organization.
The position, beyond 2011, is pending future funding