Gender and Legal Officer at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

Job Summary:

The Gender and Legal Officer is a key position within our organization dedicated to promoting gender equality, women's rights, and legal empowerment in Adamawa State. This role involves a combination of legal advocacy, gender mainstreaming, and community engagement to address issues related to gender-based discrimination, violence against women, and access to justice. The Gender and Legal Officer will work closely with local communities, legal authorities, and relevant stakeholders to advance gender and legal rights.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Legal Advocacy:
   • Provide legal support and guidance to individuals, particularly women and vulnerable groups, who have experienced gender-based violence or discrimination.
   • Collaborate with legal authorities and organizations to ensure access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence.
   • Conduct legal research and analysis to stay informed about relevant laws, regulations, and policies affecting gender and human rights in Adamawa State.
2. Gender Mainstreaming:
   • Develop and implement strategies to integrate gender considerations into all projects and activities.
   • Conduct gender assessments and impact evaluations to identify and address gender-specific challenges.
   • Promote gender equality and social inclusion in community programs.
3. Community Engagement:
   • Facilitate community workshops, awareness campaigns, and training sessions on gender equality, women's rights, and legal empowerment.
   • Collaborate with community leaders and organizations to promote gender-responsive initiatives.
4. Capacity Building:
   • Provide training and capacity-building sessions for local stakeholders, including legal practitioners, law enforcement, and community leaders.
   • Support the development of gender-sensitive legal policies and practices.
5. Monitoring and Reporting:
   • Establish and maintain a system for monitoring and evaluating the impact of gender and legal empowerment initiatives.
   • Prepare regular reports on project activities and outcomes for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in law, gender studies, human rights, or a related field.
• Professional legal qualification and experience practicing law in Nigeria.
• Demonstrated experience working on gender and legal empowerment projects.
• Strong knowledge of Nigerian legal frameworks, particularly related to gender and human rights.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and with diverse stakeholders.
• Sensitivity to cultural and social dynamics related to gender issues