Project Officer – Lawyers for Human Rights, Ethiopia

Organizational Profile

Lawyer for Human Rights (LHR) is a civil society organization established by like-minded lawyers in 2018 and re-registered in September 2019 before the FDRE Civil Societies Organizations Agency in accordance with Proclamation No. 1113/2019.  It principally aims to increase the role and contribution of lawyers in the promotion and protection of human rights in Ethiopia. The objectives of the Organization includes increasing the participation and contribution of lawyers in the area of human rights through trainings and other capacity building activities, supporting lawyers across the country and helping them to exchange ideas, information and experience for better protection of human rights and prevalence of human rights; litigating strategic cases in courts and other relevant organs to ensure protection of human rights recognized under the FDRE Constitution and other laws; creating awareness for justice organs about international human rights instruments ratified by Ethiopia; providing free or low cost legal services for victims of human rights violation particularly disadvantaged communities; influencing the government to enact new laws or amend existing ones to give full protection for human rights; familiarizing the idea of human rights defenders among the lawyers etc.

With a view to achieve these objectives, LHR has been implementing varying projects in collaboration with its donors. Currently, LHR is implementing a project titled “Enhancing Juvenile Justice in Ethiopia” with the support of USAID Feteh (Justice) Activity in Ethiopia. The project aims at improving the human rights situations in the country with respect to juvenile justice and extending reform initiatives to the juvenile justice system.

Job overview  

LHR is looking for a Project Officer, who will be responsible for managing and follow-up the day-to-day management of this project transactions and procedures, with a demonstrated in-depth knowledge of program/project policies, procedures, and systems with excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills.

Job Description

The Project Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination of LHR’s project and interventions in the juvenile justice system. The ideal candidate must be able to work independently (autonomously with loose supervision) and at the same a good team player, have strong administrative and project management skills, as well as the delivery of the project milestones in accordance with the deadlines. Knowledge of human rights law or advocacy is also mandatory. The Project officer must have strong communication skills as well as professional interpersonal skills.

Disclaimer

This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder may differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be part of the job.

Category: Project team

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Under the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator, the Project Officer will be responsible for the following tasks:
• Ensure the implementation and follow-up of the project activities as set out in the project document, work plans, and other related documents
• Ensure operational management of the project stated above and delivery of results in accordance with the project documents and work plans;
• Prepare terms of reference, training and workshop schedules and upon approval, facilitate the selection of consultants and organize workshops and trainings;
• Take part in biweekly meetings with the donor, prepare monthly and quarterly reports, upon approval communicate with the donor organization;
• ensure the proper communication of project results through LHR communication channels in collaboration with other staffs working on communications;
• Ensure compliance with respective donor’s project management policies and procedures;
• plan, organize and facilitate workshops, training, and prepare proceedings;
• Assist the Program Coordinator in planning and coordination of projects and their activities;
• ensure project implementations activities are in line with the available budgetary resources and annual plan.
• Work to keep projects on schedule, within stated budgets, and functioning smoothly;
• Develop concept notes and project proposals in collaboration with other program staffs to ensure sustainability of the project activities;
• Contributing to LHR’s publications, briefing papers, training materials, legal opinions, etc.
• Performs other related duties as required by the Program Coordinator

Required Skills and Experience

• First degree or Masters in Law, specializations in human rights law preferred;
• Proven experience in project management or officer positions for a minimum of two (2) years in projects related to human rights advocacy particularly in juvenile justice is advantageous;
• Knowledge of civil society context and human rights situation in Ethiopia;
• Experience in working with relevant projects from the governmental and non-governmental institutions;
• Experience in developing terms of reference, concept notes and project proposals;
• able to use computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel);
• Fluency in Amharic & English is required (both spoken and written)