Consultancy - National Legal Trainer

IDLO IN SOMALIA

IDLO has extensive experience and a good track record of implementing successful rule of law programs in conflict and post-conflict contexts like Somalia. Since 2012 IDLO has been working with government authorities at both the federal and state levels as well as key justice institutions and the informal justice system to enable them to fulfil their core functions, improve governance and strengthen access to justice for citizens, particularly for the most vulnerable. IDLO’s programs aim to promote the rule of law in Somalia across a number of areas, including institution building, policy and legal reform, access to justice and human rights, stabilization and countering violent extremism.

THE ASSIGNMENT

In Somalia, IDLO has been promoting equitable access to justice for Somali citizens, including vulnerable populations, through a reformed and modernized Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system. In collaboration with the Ministry of Justice of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Ministries of Justice of the Federal Member States (FMS), IDLO is supporting the establishment and operationalization of nine ADR Centers across the country. In light of the essential role played by informal justice actors and the newly-established ADR Centers in their communities, it is vital that the ADR Centers’ adjudicators settle disputes in compliance with the human right standards, with a focus on women’s rights, the Somali Provisional Constitution, the judicial system, and the Somali Law provisions with reference to the ADR areas of jurisdiction. In addition, given the essential role played by informal justice actors and the newly-established ADR Centres as it is vital that ADR Centre Adjudicators are familiar with the Constitution, the structure of the judicial system, key legislation, and human rights standards - especially as these apply to women and other vulnerable groups. To support compliance of ADR actors with human rights standards, IDLO - with support of the ADR Units in the respective states - will conduct seven 4-day pieces of training on key legislation and human rights including women’s rights and on inclusive modes of dispute resolution, targeting all the ADR Centre Adjudicators, as well as other relevant stakeholders (including Government officials and women’s groups) in Galmudug, South West, Jubaland, Puntland and Hirshabelle using a dedicated training manual and training materials. 

To reach the above deliverables, IDLO is looking to engage two Legal Trainers with relevant experience in teaching basic human rights principles, Sharia Law, women’s rights, and children's rights and with a great understanding of the local context and particularly of the customary system. 

THE POSITION

The Legal Trainers, depending on their area of expertise, will be requested to achieve one or more of the following deliverables:

Deliverables:

Estimated Timeframe and Reporting 

The deliverables will be produced over a period of a maximum of 60 days. The specific dates for training to be delivered in the different locations will be agreed upon with the ADR Field Program Manager and the counterparts. The Legal Trainers will report to the Field Program Manager. IDLO might engage more than one trainer to reach the deliverables, depending on the time available as well as the mobility and accessibility to the training locations vis-à-vis the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and security challenges.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILES

Education and Work Experience 

• Advanced University Degree in Law and Islamic Law;
• A minimum of 7 years experience in delivering training on human rights standards and Islamic Law;
• Previous experience in drafting training materials, concept notes, reports and manuals’
• Previous experience of working in Somalia in the area of access to justice, informal justice, ADR is an asset.

Language skills

• Fluent oral and writing skills in English and Somali. 

Specific Technical skills and competencies

• Excellent writing skills in English and Somali;
• Excellent knowledge of the Somali traditional justice system and ability to interact with elders, sheiks, and scholars
• Excellent knowledge of the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Puntland Constitution, Sharia Law; international human rights standards, as well as of the protection of vulnerable groups, such as women and children;
• Demonstrated experience in conducting training and seminars; 
• Expertise in utilizing Microsoft Office and related software;
• Ability to interact and engage with government representatives, elders, and stakeholders.

Behavioral competencies

• Strong communications and organizational skills;
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines;
• Ability to respond timely to queries and provide feedback;
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO's mandate; 
• Ability and willingness to travel across Somalia.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Applications will be screened on regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making the 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 and strongly encourage qualified female and diverse applications to our positions.

DISCLAIMER 

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 may not be 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.