Strategic Litigation Program Consultant Full Time

Organization and Program Overview

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is a non-profit organization that implements legal reform programs. ABA ROLI has worked for over 25 years in more than 100 countries to promote the rule of law, advance human rights, strengthen judicial institutions, support legal professionals, and advance understanding of the law and rights of citizens by the public. To this end, ABA ROLI has established partnerships with a wide range of actors, including institutions in the justice sector (judges, prosecutors, public defense offices, mediation offices and national human rights institutions, investigators, and police), civil society organizations, bar associations, legal aid organizations and lawyers, among others.

ABA ROLI is hiring a Strategic Litigation Program Consultant (Consultant) to support an anticipated program in Ghana, a potential US government-funded grant which is aimed at training local lawyers and civil society organizations (CSOs) in strategic litigation on freedom of speech, freedom of association, and privacy rights.

ABA ROLI plans to work in partnership with several Ghanaian and international organizations on this program. In addition, the Consultant will support CSOs to engage with private sector partners and members of the Ghanaian government, in public awareness and potential legal reform in the three thematic areas named above. The Consultant will also be expected to engage with the US Embassy in Accra.

Terms of Reference

The Consultant will report directly to the ABA ROLI Program Manager (or equivalent) in Washington, D.C. and will be responsible for program management, including oversight of ABA ROLI sub-grantees in country. The Consultant will be responsible for the delivery of trainings and public awareness campaigning in the thematic program areas implemented by ABA ROLI and should have the requisite competence to lead in this program area. Their key responsibilities will include:

• Implement ABA ROLI activities in country, including:
  • o Develop curriculum, provide/create all relevant materials to accompany the curriculum, coordinate with local experts and CSOs, and lead three trainings on strategic litigation—covering theory and practical skills—for participants working on issues related to national, regional, and international standards and best practices on free expression, free speech, and privacy rights;
  • Support and participate in program implementation including work plan development, planning, and implementation of activities; and
  • Coordinate and manage workshops, meetings, and other stakeholder engagements for ABA ROLI programs.
• Serve as the focal point with ABA ROLI sub-grantees/partner organizations, especially with respect to oversight and support of program implementation, administrative reporting, and accounting by sub-grantees;
• Conduct regular coordination and act as liaison between ABA ROLI Washington and sub-grantees to ensure that sub-grantee reporting and all relevant administration of sub-grantee implementation is on track with agreed targets and commitments;
• Ensure effective stakeholder engagement and coordination between ABA ROLI projects and CSOs, government, and private sector partners to advance program priorities;
• Support CSOs to engage in public awareness campaigns and legal reform processes through advocacy, engagement, and priority-setting;
• Prepare bi-weekly updates and consolidated monthly or quarterly reports for ABA ROLI Washington on overall program implementation, donor reporting, publications, and social media outreach;
• Represent ABA ROLI at meetings with partners or donors related to the project; and
• Stay abreast of legal and other, broader developments in Ghana and communicate them to program staff in Washington as well as partner staff in Ghana.

Position requirements

• An advanced degree in law; (Master’s degree in international development or related field will also be considered);
• 5-7 years of relevant professional experience in program management or coordination with the NGO sector, preferably in Ghana if not elsewhere on the African continent;
• Experience with financial program management/oversight;
• Experience leading strategic litigation efforts or otherwise engaging in rights-based litigation;
• Knowledge of the current political and human rights situation in Ghana, specifically, minority rights, privacy rights, rights to free speech and association, and knowledge of the civil society sector;
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Ability to organize and coordinate activities among several actors/partners;
• Works well independently.

NB : Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Applications 

• Cover letter/motivation letter with a daily and monthly rate
• Curriculum vitae
• 3 professional references (name, affiliation, email, and phone contact)

Candidates should submit their applications by email with the subject line « Strategic Litigation Consultant » to africa-recruitment@abaroli.org by August 16, 2023.

Only applications that are complete and sent by email will be considered. Only candidates whose applications are shortlisted will be contacted.