Legal Advisor Rohingya Crisis

LAW’s Rohingya Crisis programme seeks to ensure meaningful Rohingya participation in the ongoing international justice processes pertaining to their treatment in Myanmar, including: the case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v. Myanmar); the ongoing investigation by the Officer of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC); and work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar (IIMM). Additionally, LAW is currently supporting multiple legal initiatives before foreign domestic courts based on universal jurisdiction principle. LAW represents over 500 Rohingya clients and ensures Rohingya voices are prioritised throughout its advocacy.

Addressing the brutal sexual violence perpetrated by the Myanmar Army (Tatmadaw) during the 2016 and 2017 ‘clearance operations’ which led to the displacement of more than 800,000 Rohingya from northern Rakhine state, Myanmar, into neighbouring Bangladesh, is a central area of focus within LAW’s Rohingya Crisis response. In addition to empowering Shanti Mohila (Peace Women), a group of Rohingya women and girls displaced in 2017, LAW works closely with male and hijra (third gender, transgender, intersex) survivors of sexual and gender-based violence to ensure their access to justice for crimes experienced in Myanmar.

LAW is looking for a qualified lawyer with experience in international law and having worked directly with vulnerable and at-risk individuals. You will join the dynamic team to deliver high quality legal advice and technical support to Cox’s Bazar ground-breaking programme aimed at justice and accountability for the Rohingya refugees.

Where? The position will be based in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Some travel to regions will be required.

Duration? This position is funded for 9 month on a full-time basis with possibility to be extended subject to funding.

Salary: Competitive salary apply. (Return flight from home country and allowances in Cox’s Bazar will be covered)

Role Overview and Responsibility:

The Legal Advisor will work closely with the programme manager and LAW’s senior management team to implement LAW’s Rohingya Crisis Programme.

Legal and Research:

• Support LAW’s strategic litigation initiatives aimed at justice and accountability for the Rohingya community, including research, drafting, advice, and coordination.
• Develop high quality legal documents including submissions, position papers, reports and legal briefs.
• Conduct interviews with individual survivors and witnesses of serious international crimes and international human rights violations, and draft statements and build casefiles.
• Screen for protection concerns and support field staff in making urgent, informed interventions in vulnerable cases.
• Collaboration with relevant service providers and stakeholders to ensure protection delivery and legal counselling and assistance.
• Conduct capacity-building sessions for practitioners and humanitarian actors.
• Monitor and provide updates on key developments in international law, especially as it relates to LAW’s work.

Programmatic:

• Design and devise delivery of trainings and briefings for LAW’s network of community advocates on international law, refugee rights, human rights practice.
• Conceptualizing and undertaking community-participatory studies and research, and implementation of evidence-based programming.
• Desk research to support preparation of donor briefings and proposals for new funding.
• Support in monitoring cases, trends and progress on programme indicators including indicators on case work.
• Coordinate with LAW’s Senior Management Team, and other programme managers as needed.

Advocacy and Communications:

• Promote LAW’s innovation and thought-leadership, including LAW expert roundtables, and the development of LAW policy and positioning on key thematic issues.
• Develop grassroots advocacy initiatives through conceptualizing effective dissemination and advocacy material.
• Promote the profile and visibility of the programme and represent LAW on national and regional platforms, when required
• Establish networks with local and international NGO’s and participate in coordination mechanisms at a regional level.
• Coordinate and ensure that website and social media content related to the programmes is up to date and engaging audiences.

Any other duties as specified by the Rohingya Crisis Programme Manager or LAW’s Senior Management Team.

About you:

• Lawyer with minimum of 3 years’ experience in international law with a focus on international criminal law or international humanitarian law or human rights law or refugee law.
• Demonstrated experience advising vulnerable individuals is essential, with experience in cases of sexual and gender-based violence preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in implementing legal aid services, working with vulnerable communities and gender programming.
• Experience working in conflict-affected or fragile environments; preferably with displaced populations.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills, including fluency in English;
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Microsoft Word and Microsoft Powerpoint.