Pro Bono Development Manager

IRLI have just announced 2 openings to join their team in Dublin and Belfast. In particular, IRLI are looking for a Pro Bono Development Manager, and a Programme Lawyer (Northern Ireland).

The deadline for both is the 5th of September at 5pm Irish time.

Posting 1

Position: Pro Bono Development Manager

Location: Dublin

Hours of work: Full time

Reports to: IRLI Executive Director

Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) is a legal non-governmental organisation (NGO) with charity status set up under the auspices of the Law Society of Ireland and the Bar of Ireland as well as the Law Society of Northern Ireland and the Bar of Northern Ireland dedicated to promoting the rule of law in developing countries. IRLI is primarily a project-based organisation with a variety access-to-justice projects in countries such as South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania. IRLI is an all-island organisation which seeks to progress resource-restrained societies by protecting human rights, promoting and strengthening the rule of law and providing technical support and assistance in the form of legal capacity and institute building in those jurisdictions in order to help tackle the effects of global injustice and empower freedom from inequality, corruption and conflict.

Position Summary – Pro Bono Development Manager

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to lead IRLI’s development of harnessing the power of pro bono legal services to deliver our mission of using the law as means of tackling global injustice and empowering all people to live in a society free from inequality, corruption and conflict.

The Pro Bono Development Manager will nurture existing relationships IRLI has with members of the profession on the island of Ireland. The person will also be responsible for identifying new opportunities and development of partnerships with civil society organisations (CSOs), both national and international, who are in need of pro bono legal assistance. The person will be responsible for scoping such opportunities and mobilising each partner to ensure projects are deliver on time and in line with expectations.

The Pro Bono Development Manager will also provide additional support to IRLI’s core Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, Afghanistan and South Africa Programmes as required. They will support these programmes and activities, including by ensuring adequate administrative support, supporting the on-going monitoring of programme activities as may be required from time to time and support internal administration in the organisation.

The Pro Bono Development Manager will be responsible for engagement and communication with the profession on the power of pro bono; in particular to highlight the pro bono work being undertaken by supporters of the organisation and more broadly on the ways in which pro bono legal services can assist in the promotion of the rule of law.

The position is full time and with the position based primarily based in IRLI’s office in Dublin, with occasional travel to programme field locations. IRLI does offer hybrid working; with potential to work from home also. The person will report directly to the Executive Director.

Main Responsibilities:

Programmatic Support

• Maintain and establish links with members of the Irish and Northern Irish legal professions
• Provide technical, managerial and desk based support to IRLI’s pro-bono portfolio including meeting with stakeholders as necessary.
• Network with members of Irish, Northern Irish and International Civil Society to assess their pro-bono needs and connect them with the support that they require.
• Ensure that the work-product is of the highest quality, and that any deadlines are met.
• Look out for innovative rule-of-law projects where IRLI could partner with CSOs and members of the legal professions in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
• Produce up-to-date material to share information about pro-bono work being carried out by members of the Irish and Northern Irish legal professions.
• Present the work of IRLI alongside the Executive Director and other team members with a view to securing new funding opportunities.

Person Specification:

Essential Requirements:

• A Bachelors’ degree and/or a Master’s level degree in Law, Development, International Politics, Human Rights or related fields.
• A minimum of 2 years professional experience in international development, human rights and/or the rule of law.
• Familiarity and previous engagement with the Irish and/or Northern Irish legal professions. Experience and a keen interest in programmes related to human rights, rule of law and legal development issues.
• Proven track record in proposal and report writing, ideally within the development context and/or to institutional donors.
• Familiarity with Irish and or United Kingdom-based and international donor priorities and grant implementation, monitoring and evaluation guidelines.
• Ability to work well under pressure, prioritise a wide range of competing tasks and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated, dynamic and the ability to work independently and cooperatively.
• Demonstrated excellent research and communication skills.
• Adept in use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Fluent in spoken and written English with strong analytical skills.
• Have the correct visa or citizenship status to be able to work in the Republic of Ireland and to travel to Northern Ireland.

Desirable Requirements:

• Overseas work on international programmes is highly desirable.
• Fundraising experience for charities and the capacity to organise and manage public events.
• Previous experience in pro bono management, whether as part of a pro bono brokerage or in a coordinating role at a law firm.