Ethiopia Project Lead

About Project Expedite Justice: Founded in 2016, Project Expedite Justice (PEJ) is dedicated to assisting survivors of atrocities and severe human rights abuses in their pursuit of justice through all available legal means. Our approach is structured in three steps: (1) training local organizations in internationally recognized evidence collection standards, (2) fostering peer mentoring through action learning, and (3) offering independent legal consulting. This adaptable model can be applied in both conflict and post-conflict scenarios, addressing a wide range of criminal matters and serious human rights violations. We collaborate with local organizations that share our mission and goals, working alongside them to empower local communities, identify and link perpetrators to crimes or human rights violations, and ultimately, dismantle criminal networks.

PEJ is looking for a dynamic, energetic, ambitious, and results-oriented Project Lead who will be responsible for one of its projects in Ethiopia.

Duties and Deliverables:

The Project Lead is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Project.

The Project Lead will supervise PEJ’s Ethiopia team members assigned to work on the Project and manage sub-grantees and implementing partners to build the capacity of and empower beneficiary civil society organizations (CSOs), human rights defenders (HRDs), lawyers’ associations, and other community-based organizations (CBOs) to investigate and document serious human rights abuses, including conflict-related sexual violence, and meaningfully participate in transitional justice activities in line with the objectives of the aforementioned Project. Additionally, the Project Lead will advise on potential case strategies should the opportunity arise to pursue accountability.

Under the direct supervision and reporting to the Country Director the Project Lead shall assume the following specific responsibilities:

• Delivering mentoring and advisory support to CSOs, HRDs, and CBOs on human rights investigations and documentation with an eye toward accountability;

• Developing the capacity of CSOs, HRDs, lawyers’ associations, and CBOs to sustainably participate in transitional justice activities;

• Working closely with lawyers’ associations to advise on cases related to human rights, including conducting research on legal questions relating to human rights;

• Supervising Legal Consultants, other consultants and interns assigned to work on the project;

• Managing sub-grantees and implementing partners working with PEJ;

• Collaborate with the Communications team in gathering and providing information for PEJ’s communication channels;

• Ensure that all the project progress are carefully measured and communicated to the donor;

• Conducting trainings, including training of trainers and targeted skills workshops;

• Preparing quality programmatic reports for the donor;

• Reporting regularly to the Country Director;

• Participating in and contributing to fundraising activities;

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Country Director;

Qualifications:

• Law degree, and preferably also an LLM degree.

• At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in public international law, including international criminal law and human rights law.

• Experience working in an NGO and managing donor-funded projects.

• Very good background and relevant experience in supporting institutional capacity-building activities.

• Broad understanding of Ethiopia’s legal, security, and political landscape.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with relevant local and international partners.

• Good command of the English Language and excellent writing skills.

• High degree of organization, professionalism, integrity, trustworthiness and flexibility.

• Experience in donor compliance and reporting.

• Ability to work independently and work in high-pressure or complex work environments.

How to Apply:

Email [email protected] with “Application: Senior Finance Officer” in the subject line, and attach:

• CV/resume (maximum of two pages);

• Cover letter;

• Writing sample (academic or related to the position)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply by October 15, 2024, for the best consideration. Please note that this position may be filled at any time.