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 @IDLOnews.
BACKGROUND
Across the world, people are demanding greater participation, accountability, transparency and respect for human rights and human dignity. Spontaneously or through organized movements, they are mobilizing for political change which in turn is opening up space for constitutional, legal and institutional reforms. At the same time, there is often a dangerous deficit of public trust in institutions and a deep disconnect between the formal mechanisms of rule of law and people's understanding and lived experience of justice and equity.
Providing assistance with constitution making, especially in countries emerging from conflict or moving towards democracy, is an integral part IDLO’s work to build confidence in the justice sector by supporting legal and institutional reforms and promoting good governance. Over the past years, IDLO has worked with several governments to establish legislative and constitutional frameworks based on locally defined parameters and respectful of legal pluralism, but aligned to international standards and enriched by regional and global best practices.
EXPERT ROLE
IDLO seeks a short-term Expert in constitutional reforms in development and transition contexts for a period of 6 months, with possible renewal, to develop its operational /programmatic strategy and explore opportunities in the area of reformed or new constitutions.
The short-term Expert will be working within IDLO’s Research & Learning Department, in close collaboration with the Program Department and Program Development Unit. The Research and Learning Department drives knowledge generation and impact assessment across the organization. It contributes to IDLO’s thought leadership role, develops innovative research agendas and optimizes the Organizations work by linking program strategy to thought leadership and best practices in the design and implementation of programming. It supports the formulation of policies in line with IDLO’s strategic plan by following and responding to global trends on the rule of law and justice, and by capturing lessons learned from IDLO’s own programming.
Working in a matrix management and shared resources environment, the short-term Expert in constitutional reforms will support IDLO’s overall program development, delivery, and thought
leadership activities as needed, as well as the formation of cross-functional teams coalescing around initiatives and projects on constitutional reforms.
Under the general supervision and coordination of the Director of Research & Learning, and in close cooperation with the Director of Programs and the Head of Program Development, the expert will deliver and perform the following:
Develop a strategy and mapping of opportunities in the area of expertise; contribute to the development of new programs or expansion of existing ones; integrate substantive and technical inputs into the preparation of proposals, concept notes, reports, etc.
Provide support and assistance to program implementation teams and activities in the area of expertise, as needed.
Support the Head, Resource Mobilization with external stakeholders and donors to develop, maintain or enhance existing relationships to the benefit of the organization; actively participate, where possible, in advancing new donor and stakeholder partnerships;
Under the guidance of the supervisor and the Director of Programs, develop and leverage the organization’s networks, alliances, and partnerships with relevant governments, multilateral organizations, NGOs and civil society organizations, universities, think-tanks, and others in the area of expertise, for the purposes of increasing IDLO’s visibility and participation in the international community as well as expanding its reach, capabilities, and capacity to develop and deliver world-class programming;
Contribute to thought leadership and policy dialogue in the field of expertise through research, publications, active engagement with networks and partners, and attending conferences and other external meetings; and
Provide input into institutional and project communications media in the area of expertise, including websites, social platforms, marketing materials; prepare analytical reports, briefing notes, background papers, talking points, as may be required.
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
Education
Graduate Degree in law preferably with specialization in constitutional law. Post-graduate degree in constitutional studies, comparative legal systems, development studies is desired.
Legislative drafting qualifications or substantial legal drafting experience is an asset.
Work experience
Minimum of 8-10 (eight-ten) years of progressively responsible expertise in managing or designing constitutional reform strategies and programs at the international level.
Minimum of 5 (five) years of expertise in working with development issues and legal/justice issues, including in field situations. The candidate is expected to bring a consolidated network of partners and stakeholders in the area of expertise.
Languages
Strong professional oral and writing skills in English is required. Knowledge of Spanish and/or another of French, Arabic, Chinese or Portuguese is desirable.
Technical competencies
Demonstrated ability in researching constitutional reform processes.
Demonstrated ability in designing and implementing constitutional reform strategies and field projects.
Excellent analytical, critical reasoning and problem solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to effectively use research methodologies,
Proficient in utilizing standard industry technology, including Microsoft Office and related software.
Behavioral competencies
Proven ability to work proactively and independently, as well as in a team environment;
Strong interpersonal skills and able to deal with people of different cultural backgrounds and across a globally based organization; Good sense of diplomacy;
Ability to take initiative, share and communicate ideas;
Openness to change and ability to work under pressure;
Good team player, positive attitude, flexible mind, comfortable in matrix management settings;
Self-motivated, hands-on and solution oriented professional; able to function effectively in a rapidly changing and dynamic work environment;
Keen sense of ethics, integrity and commitment to IDLO's mandate;
COMPENSATION
IDLO shall offer a competitive compensation to the appropriately qualified candidate.
DISCLAIMER AND CLOSING DATE
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the staff member 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 10 April 2015.
HOW TO APPLY:
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.
IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications.
