Regional Legal Adviser

Regional Legal Adviser for Central and East Africa, Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre. Fixed term 24-month contract at 100%.

We are looking for a passionate humanitarian and outstanding lawyer to lead the work of the IHL Centre in East Africa.

Who we are

The Diakonia International Humanitarian Law 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 International Humanitarian Law Centre is part of the Swedish development organisation Diakonia and has regional teams based in Bamako, Beirut, Geneva, and Jerusalem, which cover conflicts in the Middle East, West Africa, and emerging crises worldwide. 

The Global Desk

The Global Desk sits within the International Humanitarian Law Centre. The Global Desk has a help-desk function, leads and coordinates core thematic projects, provides surge support to our context-specific desks and works on contexts where we do not have a physical presence. The Global Desk works with a range of stakeholders including arms bearers, UN (United Nations) mechanisms and treaty bodies, regional bodies, and inter-governmental organisations, as well as civil society and self-advocates. Our goal is to support and facilitate the inclusive interpretation, application and monitoring of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in conflict and post-conflict settings.

Purpose of the position

Reporting to the Global Desk Manager, the Regional Legal Adviser will work on a multi-year project to raise capacity and respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) with a focus on Mozambique, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and South Sudan. Responsibilities will include:-

• Providing legal and policy advice to our partners in the region.
• Drafting legal and policy documents.
• Building and sustaining relationships with stakeholders within the humanitarian community.
• Developing and delivering workshops and other capacity development activities with a range of stakeholders.
• 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.

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 international humanitarian law. 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.

Essential experience and qualifications

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

Conditions and application

Location: Nairobi (at Diakonia’s regional office).

Duration: The desired start date will be June 2023. This is a 24-month full-time contract with the possibility of extension.

The successful candidate will be provided with a salary based on level of experience and qualifications. Diakonia offers a competitive benefits package. 

If you have the essential experience and qualifications outlined for this position, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please submit your CV and one-page cover letter outlining your relevant experience, by 26 May 2023.

If you have questions regarding the position or the recruitment process, please contact Alice Priddy at alice.priddy@diakonia.se 

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