IHL/IHRL Legal Adviser – Juba, South Sudan (International)

Mission

In situations of armed conflict, Geneva Call, as a neutral, impartial and independent international humanitarian organization, endeavors to strengthen the respect of humanitarian norms and principles by Armed Groups and de facto Authorities(AGDA), in order to improve the protection of civilians, while supporting local communities in their efforts to enhance their own protection. Appel de Genève/Geneva Call is a private, not for profit, humanitarian organization foundation under Swiss law, founded in 1998.

Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. Geneva Call is an inclusive working environment for all its staff. Applications are particularly encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Role

Developing, updating, and adapting training materials on IHL and IHRL, capacity building of staff and partners, operational research and program quality, knowledge management, communications and relationship building.

Core responsibilities

Training and building capacity

• Train and build capacity on IHL and IHRL all mission staff and armed groups and de facto authorities, communities, and partners. Integrate innovative training methods into thematic training tools and adapt them to different audiences.
• Ensure that all projects and programmes in the country are equipped with humanitarian training materials on International Humanitarian Law (IHL)and International Human Rights Law (IHRL) that are updated and adapted, in coordination with PPL.

Research and Knowledge management

• Maintain and develop high-level knowledge and expertise on IHL/IHRL and advise colleagues as well as external stakeholders, as required.

Legal Programming Tools

• Identify the right engagement tool and themes (Doc vs UD, or Food Security vs Child Protection for e.g..); ensure GC standard document is adapted to the country, and ensure proper DoC, UD etc. are implemented and monitored

Advocacy

• Support the Country Director and Head of Program (HoP) to maintain and strengthen Geneva Call’s role and proactively position as a neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian actor, positioning the organization and its operations within the country to obtain maximum access to AGDAs, influential stakeholders and affected populations.
• Engage with the wider diplomatic community, like-minded organizations (NGOs, INGOs, UN), South Sudan NGOs Forum, the Protection cluster and work in collaboration with like-minded organizations to develop country level advocacy messages. Participates in and supports global engagement efforts.

Communication

• Actively contribute to Geneva Call’s public communication, raising awareness about the work of the organization to reinforce GC influence, access, and response.
• Write advocacy briefings, reports, public articles, and blogs, as well as assist in the drafting of Q&As and opinion pieces. Function as communication focal point for the country; in that role, liaises and takes part in HQ’s communication coordination meetings to ensure optimal flow of information, communications need and challenges.

Relationship building and Fundraising.

• Support the Country Director & HoP in building effective working relationships with civil society, protection and peacebuilding stakeholders, donors, and international organizations with relevant mandates.
• Support the CD in identifying areas for possible funding opportunities and develop concept notes and proposals for potential donors as well as costing efforts.

Programme implementation & monitoring

• Support CD and HoP on operational activities on thematic legal perspectives and input on country programme design and implementation.
• Ensure process review IR/CoC or signature policy commitment properly implemented and, together with HoP and PPL, ensure monitoring of these (DoC, UD, etc) in line with Geneva Call programmatic guidelines.

Programme development, implementation & quality.

• Together with the HoP, participates in and provides support to country mission in assessments, planning and implementation of activities. Ensure that Gender is factored/mainstreamed in these processes.

Engagement across the organization.

• Build a community of practice on IHL/IHRL at the country level.
• This position will have a technical reporting line to Geneva Call’s PPL unit and will engage with EA Operations team, and Global Engagement team.

Security Management

• Give high consideration to the principle of conflict sensitivity in coordinating program design and implementation.
• Support Crisis Management Team efforts, whenever necessary, as per GC Security Framework.

Main qualifications

Education and experience

• Completed degree of Higher Education in relevant field such as International Humanitarian or Human Rights Law, Political or Social Science.
• Previous experience in engagement with armed actors, access negotiations, Training, and/or civilian protection highly desirable.
• Proven experience in developing humanitarian protection projects in conflict affected countries.
• Minimum 6 years relevant work experience in humanitarian/protection organisations working in conflict affected areas, of which a minimum of 2 years in a management role.

Technical skills

• Solid experience in the analysis of IHL violations & monitoring IHL violations.
• Experience in training and developing training/teaching-learning materials on IHL/IHRL.
• Programme cycle management skills including influencing and advocacy, and implementation and reporting.
• Demonstrable capacity to analyse complex contexts and translate analysis into programme adaptations.
• In depth knowledge of the conflict context(s) in South Sudan and broader region desirable.

Languages

• Excellent English skills (written and oral) and any other local or relevant language is an asset.

Personal skills

• Understanding and respect for organisational principles and confidentiality.
• Strong logic and organisational skills, flexibility and adaptability to change.
• Accuracy and reliability, ability to reach results and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Ability to integrate a gender and intersectional perspective into all aspects of work.
• Proven ability to work well with colleagues and partners from diverse ethnic/cultural backgrounds.

Conflict of interest

Any candidate affiliated to, or openly supporting, one or more interest groups opposed to the Foundation’s principles and values, or whose previous position could engender safety issues for co-workers at Appel de Genève / Geneva Call, will be excluded from this selection process. The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the Geneva Call Performance Management guidelines. The following documents will be used for performance reviews:

• Job Description
• Action plan
• Performance Review Template

Conditions

• Position : IHL/IHRL Legal Adviser
• Type of Contract: Fixed term contract (International position)
• Activity rate: 100%
• Work place: Juba, South Sudan
• Preferred start date: August 1st, 2023