Environmental and Climate Law Expert

BACKGROUND

Climate change has a significant impact on the ASEAN region, recognized as one of the most vulnerable areas in the world to environmental crises. Countries in the region face challenges such as rising temperatures, sea level increases, transboundary pollution, and the loss of biodiversity and many of them have seen a rise in climate change-related litigation, emphasizing the crucial role of the judiciary in ensuring that laws are fairly enforced, and environmental policies are effectively implemented.

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO), in collaboration with the Supreme Court of Indonesia as a co-chair of the ASEAN Working Group on Judicial Education and Training of the Council of ASEAN Chief Justices and with financial support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is developing a self-paced e-learning introductory course on environmental law which will be made available to judges across ASEAN.

A regional workshop was held in early 2024 in Jakarta on environmental law and climate change litigation, during which participants from various ASEAN countries exchanged information and best practices on handling environmental law cases. The input gathered through the workshop informed a preliminary course outline. A survey was subsequently conducted to gather additional insights, to identify knowledge gaps, learning preferences, and the challenges judges face in environmental and climate change adjudication. The survey also addressed the mainstreaming of gender-responsive approach in tackling environmental issues and climate change and explored major issues on handling environmental and climate change-related cases, including legal standing, scientific evidence, and crafting remedies. 

THE ASSIGNMENT

Under the direct supervision of the IDLO Field Programme Manager, Indonesia, and in close coordination with the Climate Justice Team and the Capacity Development Unit and other relevant colleagues at IDLO, the Subject Matter Expert (SME) will be required to develop the substantive content of the e-learning course on climate change adjudication. Course content will be converted into an e-learning format by an Instructional Designer (ID), with whom the Subject Matter Expert will coordinate with for the finalization of the course,

Specifically, the Subject Matter Expert will perform the following tasks: 

1. Complete IDLO’s online Training of Trainers course before the commencement of the assignment to familiarise himself/herself with IDLO’s training methodology and quality standards;

1. In close coordination with the IDLO team, develop a work plan detailing milestones and deadlines for the course content overall development process;

1. Conduct in-depth research on legal and policy frameworks, as well as recent case laws, precedents, and scholarly articles related to environmental and climate adjudication, ensuring accuracy and relevance in course content;

1. Based on the workshop report and the survey’s results and in consultation with IDLO team, design and develop quality and engaging course content in the format of a manual in line with adult learning principles and gender sensitivity, and in compliance with IDLO’s training quality standards. Course content should include: 

• Comprehensive and detailed outline based on the below guidance:

1. Module1: Introduction

1. Module 2: The interplay between law and science

1. Module 3: Principle of scientific inquiry (i.e. uncertainty, logical interference, objectivity, relevancy and reliability)

1. Module 4: The process of Adjudication (Finding the law, Finding the facts; and applying the law to the facts to determine the case)

1. Module 5: Finding the Facts (Methodologies on evaluating scientific evidence, including identify and determine relevant facts and dealing with conflicting expert evidence)

1. Module 6: Recap and Assessment

• Performance-based learning objectives for the overall content;

• Brief introduction to each session;

• Exhaustive course modules aligned with the identified outline and learning objectives;

• Learning assessment materials, including pre/post-tests and quizzes with the relevant feedback, (quiz templates will be provided), case studies, and integration of multimedia elements such as videos, infographics, or interactive elements to enhance the effectiveness of the online training modules;

• All necessary support materials (background and supplementing material, etc.).

1. Following approval of the course content by IDLO, collaborate with the Instructional Designer in the process of converting the content into an e-learning format to ensure that the desired results are achieved and produce a high-quality finished product, by:

• Provide the written content according to the instructions and framework provided by the Instructional Designer;

• Provide input for the definition of the e-learning course structure and the selection of appropriate instructional methods to ensure easily digestible content;

• Review the e-learning modules as they are produced by the Instructional Designer and provide feedback within the set timelines for adjustments and fine-tuning. Several revisions will be necessary to fully finalize the course;

• Attend regular coordination meetings via online platform to review progress, share updates, and discuss any challenges or concerns.

1. Any other relevant task that the Supervisor may assign.

Education

Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental/climate law and/or related fields, experience working with issues related to climate change, is required. 

Work experience

• Minimum ten (10) years of professional experience in the field of environmental law and at least five (5) years in climate law.

• Experience in conducting legal research or policy analysis related to climate change mitigation, adaptation strategies, loss and damage, climate finance, climate justice, or environmental governance.

• Proven experience in curriculum development and delivery.

• Practical experience in delivering training or workshops for legal professionals, particularly judges, on environmental law and climate law, preferably at the national or international level.

Specific knowledge and competencies

• Expert knowledge of global trends of environmental and climate change litigation, especially, environmental and climate change trends in ASEAN countries, including familiarity with regional and international environmental and climate change treaties and agreements, and their implications for climate change and environmental policy in the ASEAN region.

• Expert knowledge of evidentiary law, particularly in evaluating scientific evidence and how to apply it in climate change adjudication.

• Knowledge of recent case laws, precedents, and scholarly articles related to climate adjudication are desirable. 

• Understanding of the principle of scientific inquiry (i.e. uncertainty, logical interference, objectivity, relevancy and reliability) and of scientific knowledge related to the case (i.e. scientific evidence on greenhouse gases effect, scientific evidence on forest fire case). 

• Solid understanding of the need for judges to improve their skills in evaluating scientific evidence. Understanding of the cultural and socio-economic context of the ASEAN region, which is essential for enhancing judges' knowledge in applying environmental law would be an advantage.

• Experience in integrating a gender-responsive approach into training initiatives and materials.

• Excellent written and drafting command of the English language.

Abilities

• Ability to work in a team and independently in a fast-paced environment with minimum supervision.

• Ability to meet deadlines and respond to feedback in a timely and professional manner.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work and communicate with different typologies of stakeholders. 

• Ability to work with a globally remote team. 

• Flexibility to work off hours to accommodate global audiences. 

• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate. 

• Should express his/her interest/motivation in entering this initiative.

Languages

• Excellent oral and writing skills in English.

The services will be required between December 2024 and March 2025. 

Applications will be screened on a regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

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

IDLO is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

Application Deadline: November 30, 2024