Legal Advisor at Jesuit Refugee Services LTD/GT

 Supervisor: Project Director

Country of Assignment: Nigeria     
Place of Assignment: Taraba 

Project Duration: Six (6) Months

Introduction 
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), is an International Catholic Organization working across 56 countries whose mission is to accompany, serve and advocate for the rights of refugees and IDPs in conflict zones, detention centers, camp and urban settings, and on remote borders.

Job Summary
The Legal Advisor is expected to provide on-call Legal Advice and have an experience and knowledge of the anticorruption and human rights fields with a strong commitment to human rights, protection of refugees, transparency and accountability.

The Legal Advisor defends and explains complex issues and advocates on these positions, thinking legally, analytically, strategically and effectively as he/she implements these attributes to support JRS Nigeria.

Key Responsibilities of the Position

Role/Mission

• Provide legal advice to JRS Nigeria and its beneficiaries through research, drafting legal notes, providing legal representation, participating in meetings and drafting minutes, on a broad range of legal issues, especially pertaining to the right of refugees in Nigeria.
• Provide legal advice to JRS Nigeria concerning contracts as well as other legal queries.
• Provide interpretation of international legal frameworks applicable in Nigeria to JRS Nigeria.
• Conduct research and analysis on specific legal matters to support JRS Nigeria’s operations, as needed.
• Assist the Project Director in carrying out comprehensive reporting of external activities, meetings, record keeping, and internal communication.
• Maintains and expands a strong network amongst governmental authorities and other organisations (civil society organisations, NBA, etc.)
• Facilitate trainings/workshops with relevant authorities on topics related to field activities.

Required Profile 

Have a university degree in law and a member of the Nigerian Bar.

Experience and Qualification

•  3-5 years relevant work experience, preferably in international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and Nigerian criminal law
• Studied international law with a strong understanding of international humanitarian, human rights and criminal law.
• Relevant work experience in international organisations and Nigerian organisations (e.g. civil society organisations, law firm)
• Proven research and analytical skills; able to think critically and articulate legal arguments in a structured and professional manner

Qualities

• Adhere to JRS values and abide by the code of conduct and other policies.
• Demonstrate leadership skills, active listening skills, initiative and personal discipline, etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Have good computer skills and mastery of MS Office tools.
• Mastery of English (fluency in spoken and written languages).
• Have a knowledge of a local language preferably Hausa.