Policy Specialist – Research and Learning Department

ABOUT IDLO

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) enables governments and empowers people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development and economic opportunity. We contribute to creating stable and inclusive societies where every person can live free from fear and want, in dignity and under the rule of law.

To learn more about IDLO, please visit our website www.idlo.int or follow us on Twitter @IDLO.

BACKGROUND

Following the adoption of the SDGs and Agenda 2030, IDLO made an explicit commitment in its Strategy 2020 to champion access to justice and the rule of law, both as enablers and as outcomes of sustainable development. With a focus on SDG 16 as key to peace, justice and strong institutions, especially in fragile and conflict affected states, IDLO leverages its presence in Rome, The Hague, New York and Geneva to highlight the significance of the rule of law, equality and access to justice in international policy dialogues with governments, donors and policy thinkers. As the only international organization with a specific mandate on the rule of law, IDLO’s policy advocacy is based on lessons and results from its work in the field, supported by a strong institutional commitment to learn and report on progress.

THE POSITION 

Reporting to the Director of Policy, Research and Learning, and working in close cooperation with the Policy Advocacy Consultant, the Policy Specialist supports IDLO in carrying out its strategic, policy-related activities around the rule of law and SDG16, with a focus on the role of justice institutions in situations of conflict and fragility and with special attention to intersectional gender issues. S/he keeps the organization abreast on program and policy developments relevant to IDLO and strengthens the capacity of the organization to draft policy briefs, reports and statements on issues of strategic importance for the organization.  

In particular, the Policy Specialist will be responsible for the following duties: 

• Lead the drafting, production and successful delivery of policy advocacy outputs such as policy briefs, background materials for policy dialogues, roundtables, workshops, etc. on issues of strategic importance for the organization;
• Facilitate the development of policy positions, recommendations, strategic advice and proposed action for the Organization on substantive areas of IDLO’s work and ensures followup as relevant;
• Participate in key substantive and organizational policy development and assessment processes, including IDLO’s policy advocacy working group (PAWG) and ensure the organization is kept informed about key policy debates, opportunities, issues, country positioning as well as global trends and strategies relating to the rule of law;
• Support IDLO’s knowledge sharing work, including backstopping for events, workshops, dialogues and other knowledge sharing fora, with a view to generate and share policy lessons among the rule of law community, shaped by IDLO’s research, field and programmatic work;
• Liaise among departments on major developments in advocacy and policy related areas;
• Coordinate key messages and draft speeches and external presentations to be made by IDLO on strategic issues;
• Lead or coordinate specific policy projects and activities to support IDLO institutional initiatives.
• Perform other similar duties as may be requested by the Director – Policy, Research and Learning.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Law or other related field is required.
• Specialization in the rule of law / justice sector within situations of conflict and fragility is a strong advantage.
• Minimum 08years of significant relevant professional experience in policy and advocacy work, preferably within an international development or multilateral organization.

Languages

• Fluent oral and professional writing skills in English are essential; working knowledge of French and/or Spanish desirable.

Specific Knowledge / Skills / Competencies

• Solid and proven policy drafting ability, supported by publication records, is essential.
• Strong familiarity with the SDG framework and policy processes related to SDG16.
• Sound knowledge of gender issues in the justice sector and personal commitment to gender integration and mainstreaming.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficient use of other ICT software and internet software.
• Demonstrated capacity as a self-starter with a proven ability to produce results and to link policy, research and program work in the rule of law / justice sector.
• Proven client-oriented approach and customer service ethics; proven ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Works effectively across and within IDLO organizational boundaries;
• Proven ability to see through tasks set and deliver results;
• The ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility and an entrepreneurial spirit;
• Impeccable integrity, sense of ethics and commitment to IDLO's mandate.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The annual salary for this affiliate professional, internationally recruited position is in the range of € 65,000.- commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus additional admissible allowances and benefits. The selected candidate will be offered a contract for 12 months, renewable, subject to performance and fund availability. 

The IDLO benefit package in accordance with IDLO Employee regulations and Rules includes: Provident Fund (IDLO contribution 14%) and subsidized health insurance coverage including life insurance, medical and dental through CIGNA International to the employee and eligible dependents plus other admissible benefits. Relocation support is available for internationally recruited employees.. 

The remuneration is net of income tax for those without Italian nationality or permanent residence.

HOW TO APPLY

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications.

All interested applicants are encouraged to apply via our website: www.idlo.int/jobs  and submit the completed IDLO Personal History Form (PHF), resume and cover letter.

DISCLAIMER AND CLOSING DATE 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the employee assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. 

The Director - General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Application deadline is: Febrruary 04, 2019 (23:59hrs Rome time).

In the interest of making most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.