Public Interest Litigation Specialist: Local NGO

Deadline: 31 December 2018

Background
A human rights organisation is seeking the services of a highly motivated Public Interest Litigation Specialist (PIL Specilist) to join a small team of high impact researchers and lawyers for its Harare office. The ideal candidate for the position must be a lawyer who understands the Zimbabwean context and is eager to make an impact in human rights protection through litigation. The litigation specialist must be someone who must excel at targeted litigation, legal research and must believe in all human rights for all people, in justice and accountability for all, and must be willing to go an extra mile to ensure that the goals of the organisation are achieved.

Overall Job Purpose
Under the supervision of the Team Leader: Public Interest Litigation Programme, the Public Interest Litigation Specialist will take charge of litigation as well as all processes leading to litigation. S/he may also make recommendations on extra-territorial litigation.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Litigation Specialist will have the following key duties and responsibilities:
Identifying cases for public interest litigation; Attending to persons in detention at risk of being victimised at police stations and in prisons; Providing rapid response and emergency legal services for victims of organised violence and torture; Litigating matters of human rights public interest in line with organisations’ strategy on public interest litigation; Liaising with stakeholders on litigation matters before the organisation; Developing and maintaining a proper manual and electronic filing of all litigation files; Training of members and other stakeholders on human rights litigation; Preparing periodic reports on litigation issues; Preparing advocacy tools that advance public interest; Participate in training, facilitation and advocacy programmes in line with the organisation’s mandate; Design and execute public interest campaigns that advance the mandate of the organisation; Any other duties as may be allocated from time to time

Qualifications, skill and experience
A Bachelor of Laws degrees from a recognized university; Registration as a legal practitioner is a must; At least three years’ experience; A Master’s degree in Human Rights will be an added advantage

Personal Competencies
Good knowledge of constitutional law and human rights; Excellent researcher; A team player who respects diversity, flexibility, adaptability and has strong communication skills.

Application Details
Interested candidates must email their applications and CVs to: [email protected]