Lawyer / Senior Attorney (2 Positions)

Background

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) is an Ethiopian civil society organization re-registered on September 19, 2019, before the FDRE Civil Societies Organizations Authority as per Proclamation No. 1113/2019. Currently, LHR is implementing a project aimed at advancing human rights through legal aid services to make pre-trial legal assistance accessible to detainees in the early stages of criminal proceedings in police stations. Accordingly, LHR is seeking to hire Two (2) Senior Attorneys to be stationed in Hawassa and Shashamene.

Role and Responsibilities

The principal role of the Senior Attorney is to provide legal representation, technical supervision of legal aid providers, case reviews, and capacity-building support for pre-trial legal aid operations in police stations:

• Provide free legal services, representation, and advice to pre-trial detainees in accordance with the guidelines prepared by Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR).
• Supervise and mentor local paralegals/legal aid service providers, review intake logs, and ensure technical quality in all pre-trial interventions.
• Prepare pleadings, bail applications, habeas corpus petitions, and court briefs for pre-trial detainees.
• Lead capacity-building sessions, stakeholder dialogues, and legal guidance initiatives targeting police officers and justice-sector stakeholders.
• Report and document the details of free legal aid services following LHR guidelines and submit monthly technical reports to LHR.
• Discharge duties in strict adherence to the ethical standards of lawyers and human rights frameworks.

Job Requirements

Professional Competencies:

• University degree in law (LL.B) with a minimum of 5–7 years of progressive practical experience in criminal litigation, pre-trial defense, or human rights advocacy.
• Valid advocacy license authorizing legal practice before regional or federal courts.
• Sufficient knowledge of the Ethiopian legal system, the criminal justice framework, criminal and procedural laws, constitutional rights, and national/international human rights standards regarding persons arrested in police stations.
• Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office, KoboToolbox, and documentation skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Amharic is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages (Sidamu Afoo / Afaan Oromo) is advantageous.

Personal Qualities:

• A passion for justice, fairness, and the respect of Human Rights.
• Ability to work under pressure and with limited supervision in a challenging environment.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and organizational skills.