European Union

Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Recruitment of Gender and Legal Aid Coordinator Application deadline: July 25, 2023

Start of Assignment: August 15, 2023

Duty Station: Gbarnga City, Bong County

On October 28, 2020, Serving Humanity for Empowerment and Development (SHED), formerly Finn Church Aid, signed a grant agreement with the European Union (EU) Delegation in Liberia following approval of the project titled: “Strengthening Democracy and Respect for Fundamental Human Rights in Liberia” which is being implemented in Bong, Nimba and Margibi counties for the period 2021– 2023.

SHED and its partner – the Rural Human Rights Activists Program (RHRAP), developed the three-year project and it is based on the outcomes of a former EIDHR funded project that came to an end in January 15, 2021 after two years of implementation.

The strategic goals/objectives of the new project are:

The overall objective of this action is to contribute to enhance the rule of law and the respect of the fundamental human rights of the most vulnerable prisoners in Liberia, most often women and youth.

The specific objective (Oc) is to enhance access and equity before the law for most vulnerable groups while supporting improved conditions of the correctional system.

SHED, formerly Finn Church Aid (FCA) is seeking a Gender and Legal Aid Coordinator for the overall coordination, gender mainstreaming and management of legal aid component of the herein mentioned project in the three counties respectively. The Gender and Legal Aid Coordinator will lead the coordination, monitoring and ensuring gender mainstreaming in all project activities and oversight of legal aid and pro bono representations (including courtroom representation where possible) of pre-trial detainees. The Gender and Legal Aid Coordinator position is full time and will be based in Bong County with often travels to the other two project counties (Margibi, and Nimba) and including Monrovia. Gender and Legal Aid Coordinator will work under supervision of the Project Manager and report monthly on project activities and in the same vein produce a quarterly report.

About SHED

SHED, formerly Finn Church Aid is a Liberian organization established as a national office following FCA’s ten (10) years of work in Liberia. We are a right based organization working on human rights, peacebuilding, education, Watsan, and livelihoods programs in Liberia. Our head office is located around Rehab Junction, Above Krishna Superstore, RIA Highway, Paynesville. SHED’s action is guided by international human rights standards and principles. As a right based actor, SHED facilitates dialogues and peace-building between the right-holders and duty-bearers to address root causes of conflict.

Duties /responsibilities of the successful candidate will include but not limited to: • Responsible for gender mainstreaming in all project activities, monitoring the effective provision of the pro bono legal service, fast track court systems and the performance of the defense counsels assigned by firms/organization contracted by SHED in the four counties.

• Oversight of effective implementation of gender mainstream in project components in terms of content and administration by the partner organizations-Rural Human Rights Activists Program (RHRAP).
• In consultation with the project manager, coordinate training for legal professionals and prepare regular reports to the project manager whilst also coordinating with RHRAP.
• Participate and provide technical input in county dialogues and national level platforms meetings and joint prison monitoring visits organized by or in consultation with RHRAP in the four counties.
• Provide technical inputs for the trainings coordinated by RHRAP in terms of SGBV and gender equality in general to all target groups as well as provide pro bono legal services according to the needs and in consultation with the project manager.
• Participate and provide technical input in project content planning, realization and monitoring of project activities in consultation with the project.
• Build and participate in Liberian civil society networks in the fields of human rights, democracy, gender issues, and other regional issues; and contribute to preparation of shadow reports. • Network and build relationship and synergies with national government agencies and international stakeholders working in access to justice and human rights.
• Support and contribute to national and international level advocacy including the establishment of fast-track courts, sustainable healthcare and continuation of existing communications program in prison facilities;
• Participate in the development of the office’s overall program;
• Create, maintain and improve database for tracking caseload of pro bono legal representations and identify trends, compelling stories, and opportunities for advocacy by reviewing intakes within the database.
• Support the development of appreciated I.E.C materials and implement awareness raising activities, ensuring visibility of project at all levels in accordance with EU guidelines/communication plan as well as participating in radio talk shows organized in coordination with RHRAP.
• Ensure the timely submission of defense counsels/legal firm’s reports for revision and thereby requesting for trench payments upon approval of said reports.
• Perform other duties as may be required;

Qualification Required:

• At least 5 years’ experience in gender mainstreaming in rule of law and access to justice projects with specific focus on lobby, advocacy and human rights either in national or international NGO as gender advocate, coordinator and legal practitioner.
• Good knowledge of international human rights instruments and Liberian laws including courtroom practice
• University degree in social science, political science, law or comparable qualifications;
• Strong project-implementation skills, including budget planning, monitoring and reporting;
• Thorough understanding of and sensitivity for human rights, democracy, gender and minority issues;
• Results-oriented, highly analytical, team builder and good interpersonal relationship,
• Excellent time-management, communication and organizational skills;
• Interest in political developments and gender issues
• Strong verbal and written command of English;
• Good computer skills, especially MS Office.

Desirable:

• Experience in rule of law and access to justice and human rights projects and or implementing EU funded projects;
• Experience in gender sensitive project planning, implementation and advocacy How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit an application not later than July 25, 2023 via e-mail to:

Ms Joyce Queeglay-Pajibo, Executive Director

Email: joyce.pajibo@shed-liberia.org

Emmanuel Sandi, Project Manager

Email: emmanuel.sandi@shed-liberia.org

Applications should be written in English and include a letter of motivation, and the CV Please, indicate “EU-EIDHR Project Gender and Legal Aid Coordinator, LIBERIA” in the subject line. Women are highly encouraged to apply. We regret that due to the high volume of responses only short-listed candidates will be contacted.