Regional Legal Adviser for the West Africa Regional Desk, Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre (IHL Centre)

Position description

The Diakonia IHL 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.

As a group of experts, we share knowledge about and promote international law relevant for situations of armed conflict through research, advocacy, and training. Our rapid and in-depth analyses enable the humanitarian sector to respond to urgent needs and improves understanding and application of international law.

The IHL Centre is part of the Swedish development organisation Diakonia and has regional teams based in Bamako (and/or Dakar), Beirut, Geneva, Jerusalem and Nairobi, which cover conflicts in the Middle East, West Africa, and emerging crises worldwide.

THE WEST AFRICA DESK

The West Africa Regional Desk advances the Diakonia IHL Centre’s overall objectives by working as a hub of expertise on IHL and related areas of international law for stakeholders operating in Mali and the broader Sahel region.

It works with a range of stakeholders in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Tchad, and Mauritania, including arms bearers, United Nations mechanisms and treaty bodies, regional bodies in West Africa, and inter-governmental organisations, protection clusters in Mali and in the region, as well as civil society and self-advocates.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Regional Legal Adviser plays a senior and lead role within the Centre providing expert legal guidance, conducting thorough legal research and analysis, and engaging strategically with stakeholders to raise capacity and respect for IHL with a focus on Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities will include: –

• Conducting IHL-related legal research and analysis on issues pertinent to the West African region.
• Drafting legal and policy documents.
• Building and sustaining relationships with stakeholders within the humanitarian community in the region.
• Developing and delivering workshops and other capacity development activities with a range of stakeholders.
• Providing clarification on the law to various stakeholders, in the context of the “Legal Advisory” function of the West Africa regional Desk.
• Engaging in high-level representations in the region and beyond.
• Contributing to the identification of future research and other activities on issues pertinent to the region.
• Assisting the Management of the Centre in actualizing the IHL Centre’s commitment to feminist principles and inclusivity.
• 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.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• A high level of proven expertise in IHL.
• Degree in law (JD or LLM) with specialization and/or experience in IHL, international human rights law, and international criminal law.
• 8-10 year’s relevant experience as a legal adviser within an international governmental organization, the United Nations or non-governmental organizations.
• High level of knowledge and expertise on the Sahel region.
• 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 Sahel region would be an asset.
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct advanced legal research and analysis independently, and draft high-quality legal texts in French and English.
• Expertise in intersectionality, and the age, gender and disability dynamics of armed conflict would be an asset.
• Outstanding level of French and English writing proficiency. Arabic is an asset.

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 IHL. 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.

Application instructions

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