2 Interns Legal Aid Providers for Women in IDP Camps in Woldia, Amhara Region

Introduction:

Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association has been established at the federal level in 1995 by Women lawyers and re-registered as Local Organization in accordance with the Civil Society Organization. It has been working for more than 25 years to promote women’s social, economic, political and legal rights to help women exercise their constitutional and other rights. The aim of the association is to promote equal participation of women in all sectors and to prevent sexual violence against women and create a safe environment for women through its three programs: Legal Research and Advocacy, Public Education and Capacity Building, and Free Legal Aid service.

The lack of legal representation and legal aid services for women prisoners, detainees, and those residing in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps poses significant challenges to their access to justice and protection of their rights. Women in IDP camps may be further isolated from legal resources due to logistical challenges, such as distance from legal aid offices or the absence of mobile legal services. This situation not only affects their immediate legal needs but also has long-term implications for their reintegration into society and the safeguarding of their rights.

In response to this critical issue, EWLA is committed to empowering law enforcement bodies with basic human rights trainings. And one of the projects aimed in achieving this is the Enhancing Access to Legal Aid for Vulnerable Women in Ethiopia’s criminal Justice System” financed by the European Union (EU) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), seeks to address the ongoing need for legal support and representation for women prisoners, detainees in police stations, and women residing in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Benishangul Gumoz (Asosa), Gonder and Woldia.

Thus, we are pleased to announce this vacancy for to recruit intern legal aid providers. This initiative aims to ensure that vulnerable women have access to justice and legal assistance, thereby enhancing their rights and improving their legal outcomes.

Role and responsibilities

The principle role of the Intern legal aid provider is to render legal aid service to women in IDP camps in Woldia.

Specific duties and responsibilities:

The Intern legal aid providers will be responsible for the following:

• Provide legal advice for women prisoners and detainees during court proceedings and police investigations.
• Provide legal advice and counseling to women in IDP camps regarding their rights and available legal recourse.
• Manage cases effectively, including documentation, follow-ups, and communication with relevant authorities.
• Prepare regular reports on activities conducted, challenges faced, and recommendations for improving legal aid services.
• Render the legal aid services in accordance with ethical standard of lawyers.

Job Requirements

Competencies

Competencies are important in order for the employee and the organization to deliver desired results. They are relevant for all staff and are divided into the following two categories:

Professional competencies:

• A University degree in law (LLB) with 0 years of experience;
• Experience of legal aid provision at law schools legal aid centers or worked as an intern at legal aid centers is advantageous;
• Have sufficient knowledge on the Ethiopian legal system; the criminal justice system of Ethiopia; the Ethiopian criminal and procedural laws; Constitutional right to access to justice through legal aid services and the National and International legal framework on the rights of persons arrested in police stations and prisons;

Personal Qualities:

• The ability to explain legal matters clearly in non-legal language;
• A passion for justice and fairness and for the respect of Human Rights;
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities, carries out multiple tasks simultaneously, and meets deadlines;
• Ability to work under pressure and with limited supervision in a challenging environment;
• Excellent communication skills including written communications;
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Amharic languages. Knowledge of additional local languages is an advantage.
• Computer literate and skills;
• Excellent documentation skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of marginalized groups.