Liberia: Law fellows
The Government of Liberia, working in cooperation with the John Snow, Inc. Research and Training Institute (JSI R&T) and the Center for Global Development (CGD), is seeking a young professional with a strong legal background to serve as a Law Fellow working in the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) in Liberia for one year beginning in February 2009. The role of the Fellow will be to provide timely and effective support in a wide range of areas to senior officials in Liberia’s Ministry of Justice. The Law Fellow will work primarily to promote positive change in the Liberian legal and policy landscape.
The Government of Liberia, working in cooperation with the John Snow, Inc. Research and Training Institute (JSI R&T) and the Center for Global Development (CGD), is seeking a young professional with a strong legal background to serve as a Law Fellow working in the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) in Liberia for one year beginning in February 2009. The role of the Fellow will be to provide timely and effective support in a wide range of areas to senior officials in Liberia’s Ministry of Justice. The Law Fellow will work primarily to promote positive change in the Liberian legal and policy landscape. This job presents a unique opportunity to work on substantive projects on a range of progressive legal issues, including ethics, policy, and criminal justice, among others. Liberians are especially encouraged to apply.
Major Duties:
The Law Fellow’s responsibilities will vary from position to position and will depend on the specific senior official with whom they work, but may include:
Providing litigation, commercial or other legal support as directed by the Minister of Justice or other officials designated by him;
Researching law and draft memoranda reporting relevant findings;
Framing, articulating, and preparing recommendations for senior MoJ officials/staff to resolve assigned issues;
Performing discovery and assisting in the preparation of related documents;
Aiding in the drafting of court pleadings and the Ministry’s prosecutorial efforts;
Reviewing, drafting, negotiating and otherwise handling such other legal matters as directed;
As directed from time to time, working with and providing support to rural county attorneys;
As assigned, providing similar support to other GOL Ministries.
Qualifications:
Strong knowledge of and familiarity with Liberian history and customs is highly desirable.
A law degree (LLB or JD), and at least 1 year of relevant experience.
Admission to a bar. The applicant should list all bar admissions in his/her application.
Excellent research and writing skills along with the ability to anticipate problems, initiate action and take ownership of resolving assigned issues in a timely manner.
High ethical, moral and personal standards in decisions, communications, actions, and when dealing with others.
A team player capable of multi-tasking and independently prioritizing and handling a number of matters concurrently to satisfactory completion.
Ability to take direction and guidance well and flexibility to assist on projects that may be outside immediate area of responsibility.
Willingness to travel and spend time in rural areas working with county attorneys assigned to those jurisdictions.
Prior experience in working in developing countries is highly desirable.
Benefits:
You will be a fellow of JSI R&T, a leading international public health organization, but will report on a daily basis to the relevant senior government official. Fellows will receive a stipend of $44,000 with a $500 monthly housing allowance, international health and evacuation insurance, and will be expected to work in Monrovia for one year. In addition, the program will provide an economy class round trip ticket. Fellowship assignments will begin in February 2009, please do not apply if you are unavailable to take the assignment in February 2009. Fellows will be expected to complete a short paper on their experience by the end of their assignment. The Fellowships are funded through the generous support to Liberia from Humanity United and the McCall MacBain Foundation.
How to apply:
The application process is being managed by JSI R&T (not by CGD). Applicants should submit a cover letter of no more than two pages describing key qualifications, area of expertise, and career objectives, along with a CV/resume by close of business Monday, December 1, 2008 to: Sharon Rocco. Program Manager, JSI, [email protected] Please indicate “Liberian Law Fellow Application” in the subject line.
JSI R&T and CGD are committed to attracting and maintaining a diverse and dedicated workforce. Minorities, women and developing country nationals with I-9 employment status are encouraged to apply.