Programme Lawyer, Irish Rule of Law International, Access to Criminal Justice, Malawi – Deadline 22 January

Programme Lawyer, Access to Criminal Justice, Malawi
Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) is a joint initiative of the Law Society of Ireland and the Bar Council of Ireland, dedicated to promoting the rule of law in developing countries. IRLI seeks to harness the skills of Irish Lawyers in using the law as a means of tackling global injustice and empowering all people to live in a society free from inequality, corruption and conflict.

Background
The practice of detaining prisoners on remand, along with an inefficient criminal justice system and limited access to legal aid, has led to overcrowding and grave conditions throughout prisons in Malawi.

IRLI have two Lawyers volunteering on an access to justice project in Lilongwe since 2011. One Lawyer is based in the Legal Aid Department with ongoing outreach clinic work within the local prisons.

The other Lawyer operates from within the Director of Public Prosecutions while concurrently providing advice, assistance and training to police officers in the main police station in Lilongwe. There is particular concentration on restorative justice and diversion, which allows minor offenders to be diverted from the formal justice system. Diversion is accompanied by an aftercare programme specifically designed to rehabilitate juveniles who come in conflict with the law.

The project places significant focus on capacity building of local stakeholders especially through the training of police, magistrates, lawyers and prisoners themselves.

Job Description

Irish Rule of Law International is looking for a Programme Lawyer to undertake a voluntary placement in Malawi for six months commencing March 2013, with possible extension.

Travel expenses, insurance and accommodation will be provided for, in addition to a weekly stipend.

This position will be based within the Legal Aid Department, with particular focus on cases coming from Kachere Juvenile Reformatory Centre.

Responsibilities

• Practical assistance through the drafting, processing and review of bail applications, file progression and representation in court;
• Facilitation of activities such as camp courts, legal literacy programmes for prisoners and ongoing training of stakeholders;
• Drafting of human rights, restorative justice and fair trial materials for dissemination;
• Improvement of communication networks and co-ordination between various criminal justice stakeholders both governmental and non-governmental;
• Strengthen sector linkages and coordination with other international actors by information sharing and collaboration;
• Liaise with partners, local agencies and national authorities on issues related to the project;
• Work with Legal Aid and relevant bodies to strengthen, improve and reform the Legal Aid system in Malawi;
• Monitoring of project results and comprehensive reporting on activities;
• Reinforce links between the Malawian legal profession and the Irish legal profession.

Requirements

• Qualified Barrister or Solicitor;
• Criminal justice experience a distinct advantage;
• Work overseas, or development experience and/or knowledge, will be looked upon favourably;
• Self motivated with the ability to work independently and cooperatively;
• Strategic thinking and planning capacity;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with excellent analysis and writing skills;
• Ability to work in a challenging environment;
• Ability to establish good working relations with a variety of players and stakeholders;
• Strong interest in human rights and international development.

To Apply
Please forward a CV and cover letter to Rachel Power at: rpower@irishruleoflaw.ie by Tuesday 22nd of January 2013.

For more information on the project please visit the Irish Rule of Law International website. This project is part-funded by Irish Aid.