Legal Reform Fund Mexico Program Officer

Job Title: Legal Reform Fund Focal Point (México)

Work Status: Full/Part time local staff

Location: Mexico City

Travel Requirements: Willingness to travel in country for in-person meetings (dependent on COVID-19 restrictions)

Expected Start Date: For immediate hire (expected start date in January 2022)

Closing Date Applications accepted on a rolling basis through January 31, 2021

The Rule of Law Initiative of the American Bar Association (ABA ROLI) seeks an individual to serve as a focal point to support the work of the Legal Reform Fund (LRF) program in Mexico. LRF is a three-year global project supported by the Office of Global Women's Issues (S/GWI) of the US Department of State to address barriers to the full and effective participation of women in economic life in five key areas. These include: access to institutions; eliminate labor barriers; property acquisition, ownership and management; credit creation; and ability to travel.

In this position, the focal point will work in collaboration with a US-based team comprised of ABA ROLI staff and pro bono attorneys to conduct activities to mitigate barriers to women’s economic empowerment identified through an assessment process. The position is envisioned as a mid-career opportunity for an individual with experience in relevant sectors with a commitment to gender justice and equality.

About ABA ROLI

For 30 years, the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) has worked in more than 100 countries to strengthen legal institutions, support legal professionals, foster respect for human rights, and advance public understanding of the law and citizen rights. In collaboration with government agencies, the judiciary, lawyers, bar associations, legislatures, and civil society, we design programs that are responsive to local needs and that prioritize sustainable solutions to pressing rule of law challenges.

For more information on ABA ROLI, please visit:

https://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/rule_of_law/about.html

Key responsibilities

· Contribute substantively toward a workplan of technical assistance activities to follow-up on an assessment report that assesses the economic situation of women in Mexico based on five areas: access to institutions; eliminate labor barriers; property acquisition, ownership and management; credit creation; and ability to travel.

· Organize in-person and virtual activities primarily focused on 1) sensitizing and improving the understanding of key constituencies on existing employment law and methods for recourse; and 2) improving the financial literacy and entrepreneurial confidence of women and girls.

· Work closely with a team comprised of ABA ROLI staff located in Washington DC, pro bono attorneys, and Mexico field office, reporting directly a Mexico-based Country Director and DC-based Program Director.

· Bear primary responsibility for monitoring program deliverable, input data into management systems, and provide initial drafts of country updates for donor reporting.

· Lead and participate in bi-weekly team meetings.

· Provide remote support and guidance for ongoing LRF assessment and technical assistance activities in Guatemala, in direct communication with a dedicated Guatemala Program Coordinator.

· Manage and establish institutional relationships with institutional operators, key informants and interested parties.

· Ensure compliance with all relevant ABA financial and operational procedures, and with support from administrative staff, provide regular financial reporting.

Required qualifications

· University degree in law, gender studies, development studies, sociology, public policy, or social sciences.

· Familiarity with the legal and economic context of Mexico.

· Project management skills (for example, ability to support multiple priorities, adapt to changing project/job needs, and deliver timely results).

· Strong communication skills (oral and written) in Spanish and English.

· Experience in creating reports or evaluations.

· Experience in managing institutional work relationships with representatives of the government, national politicians, and representatives of civil society.

· Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365 and remote communication tools.

· Knowledge of financial and economic issues in Mexico.

Preferred Qualifications

· Proven work experience on issues related to women's economic empowerment and gender equality.

· Work experience with non-profit organizations and civil society organizations.

· Experience in implementation and management of programs and projects.

· Experience in data analysis and monitoring and evaluation.

To apply, submit a CV as well as a cover letter (one page maximum) that includes: Availability and anticipated level of effort, salary expectation and relevant experience.

Applications should be sent to: lac-recruitment@abaroli.org with the title of the position in the subject line. Applications will be evaluated continuously until January 31, 2021.

The Rule of Law Initiative of the American Bar Association is committed to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in all its programming. Individuals who identify themselves as belonging to marginalized, vulnerable or under-represented populations/communities are especially encouraged to apply