General Summary:
The Government of Liberia, working in cooperation with the JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (“JSI”) and the Center for Global Development (“CGD”), is seeking two professionals with strong legal backgrounds to serve as Law Fellows working in the Ministry of Justice (“MOJ”) in Liberia for one year beginning in February 2010. The role of the Fellows 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 Fellows will work primarily to promote positive change in the Liberian legal and policy landscape. Liberians are especially encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities will vary, but may include:
· Providing litigation, commercial or other legal support as directed by the Minister of Justice or other officials designated by the Minister;
· Researching law and drafting memoranda reporting relevant findings;
· Framing, articulating and preparing recommendations for senior 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 support to other Government of Liberia Ministries.
Qualifications:
· Strong knowledge of and familiarity with Liberian history and customs is highly desirable;
· A law degree (JD or LLB ), 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:
Fellows will be employed by JSI, 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 $35,000.00 with a $500.00 monthly housing allowance, $500.00 monthly transportation allowance, international health and evacuation insurance, and will be expected to work in Monrovia for one year, with the possibility of an extension for a second year. In addition, the program will provide an economy class round trip ticket. Fellowship assignments will begin in February 2010. Please do not apply if you are unavailable to take the assignment in February 2010. 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.
How to apply:
The application process is being managed by JSI. Applicants should submit a cover letter of no more than two pages describing key qualifications, areas of expertise and career objectives, along with a CV/resume by close of business Monday, December 14, 2009 to: Andrew Swindell, Program Coordinator, JSI, aswindell@jsi.com (aswindell[AT] jsi.com). Please indicate “Liberian Law Fellow Application” in the subject.
