Job Description

A women rights organisation that works for the full protection of women’s rights , the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, is seeking the services of a highly motivated lawyer to join its small team of high impact researchers and lawyers. The ideal candidate for the position must be a lawyer who understands the Zimbabwean context and is eager to make an impact on women rights policy and practice in Zimbabwe and beyond, multi-talented, highly collaborative, an excellent writer and skilled communicator who must excel at policy analysis, targeted litigation, research, and advocacy initiatives.

The lawyer must excel at convening diverse groups of stakeholders to move strategy from vision to implementation and impact. The lawyer must believe in feminism, justice, accountability and increased participation of women in all spheres of life and must be willing to go an extra mile to ensure that the goals of the organisation are achieved.
Under the supervision of the Programmes Coordinator, the Senior Projects Lawyer will implement and accomplish strategic objectives by overseeing multiple project activities in the organisation. In particular, the Senior Projects Lawyer shall be directly responsible for the implementation of the following projects: policy, research, advocacy, public interest litigation; access to justice; legal empowerment; women rights protection at national and international levels.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Projects lawyer include:

• Providing strategic leadership and guidance to the policy and advocacy programme.
• Planning annual programmes and troubleshooting the same.
• Overseeing and implementing strategic impact litigation, research, and women rights lobby and advocacy strategies of the organization.
• Spearheading policy reform campaigns, including development of model laws and policies, policy briefs and analysis on topical women rights issues.
• Developing funding proposals.

Qualifications and Experience

The candidate must have the following experience and qualifications:
• A registered legal practitioner with at least 5 years of professional experience in litigation, human rights research and advocacy, access to justice and community engagement.
• Possession of a master’s degree in human rights from a reputable institution is an added advantage.
• At least 3 years working experience in donor/NGO projects in the human rights sector.
• Experience in engaging state institutions, independent commissions, international mechanisms such as SADC, AU, ACHPR and UN (Human rights system).
• Previous work experience in advocacy and lobbying is necessary.

How to Apply

Applications should be addressed, with a CV, cover letter and the names and contact details of at least three referees. Please submit your applications by Friday , 28 June 2024 at the following email address [email protected]. The subject of the e-mail should clearly state the position.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Individuals from minority groups, Indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Our organisation does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.