POST:Chief of Party

Public International Law & Policy Group
Location: Kenya
Last Date: February 15, 2010

Public International Law & Policy Group
Position: Chief of Party, Kenya

Overview

The Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates as a global pro bono law firm providing free assistance to developing states and governments involved in violent conflicts. To facilitate the utilization of this legal assistance, PILPG also provides policy formulation advice and training on matters related to conflict resolution. To date, PILPG has advised over twenty states and governments on the legal aspects of peace negotiations and post-conflict constitution drafting, and over two dozen states and War Crimes Tribunals in Europe, Asia and Africa concerning the protection of human rights, self-determination, and transitional justice.

The Public International Law & Policy Group’s (PILPG) Kenya project is designed to build the capacity of Kenyan government officials, civil society and political party leaders, and key community leaders to negotiate and implement power-sharing agreements and develop national justice and reconciliation mechanisms. PILPG’s legal assistance is intended to support widespread understanding and implementation of a comprehensive political settlement that includes a durable power-sharing agreement, institutional reforms, and national justice and reconciliation process that will serve as the basis for sustainable peace.

PILPG is working with Kenyan government officials, political party leaders, as well as civil society to identify and draft legal memoranda on key issues, engage in consultations and roundtables with stakeholders, and facilitate capacity building and technical assistance workshops to identify viable solutions to political disagreements and design appropriate mechanisms to ensure justice and reconciliation.

Role of the Chief of Party

PILPG is seeking a professional with at least seven years experience in the field of international law, with particular expertise in peace negotiations, rule of law, democracy and governance, and transitional justice, to serve as the Chief of Party for its Kenya project. The Chief of Party is based in Nairobi, Kenya and works under the supervision of the Project Director of the Kenya project.

Program Responsibilities
• Build and maintain relationships with PILPG clients, including Kenyan government officials, political party leadership, civil society organizations, and key community leaders.
• Maintain relationships and respond to requests made by USAID Mission personnel.
• Facilitate workshops and trainings on power-sharing agreements and justice and reconciliation mechanisms.
• Manage and undertake a comprehensive analysis of the current power-sharing agreement.
• Oversee the drafting of legal memoranda for PILPG’s Kenyan clients.
• Supervise the work of pro bono law firms and research associates providing legal assistance on the Kenya project.
• Coordinate closely with PILPG’s Washington, DC office on the overall strategy and development of the project.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with civil society, NGOs, and INGOs and other development organizations operating in the region.
• Provide regular briefings to PILPG’s Washington, DC office on political developments and implementation of the program.

Administration
• Draft materials on the Kenya project for PILPG’s website and annual reports at the request of senior staff.
• Coordinate with the Project Director on the preparation legal memoranda and other documents required to implement activities.
• Assist in maintaining PILPG’s financial books related to the Kenya project in accordance with PILPG’s financial policies and procedures manual.
• Develop quarterly project reports that detail project activities and measure and evaluate project results.
• Maintain regular communication with the Project Director, as well as the research team, including conducting weekly Skype calls and drafting bi-weekly updates on project activities.
• Coordinate closely with other PILPG field offices located in Nepal, Uganda, Somaliland, Tanzania, and South Sudan.

Additional Educational and Professional Qualifications
• A law degree or master’s degree in international affairs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public international law, including international humanitarian law, constitutional law, international criminal law, and international human rights law.
• A minimum of seven years work experience in international law, including experience with peace negotiations, post-conflict rule of law, democracy and governance, and/or transitional justice.
• Knowledge of East Africa and the Kenya conflict in particular is highly desirable.
• Prior overseas field work is preferable.

Communication and Organizational Skills
• Excellent political judgment and the proven ability to develop and carry out program strategy.
• Strong analytic and organizational skills.
• Fluent in English with proven legal writing and editing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and able to work closely with multiple team members located across the globe.
• Ability to manage effectively multiple activities in a fast-paced environment.
• Responsive, a self-starter, and able to solve problems independently.

How to Apply:

Send resumes, cover letter, and writing sample to brutherford @ pilpg.org
Include in the subject line: Application: Kenya Chief of Party

The Public International Law & Policy Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.