Background:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) coordinates
the provision of services across a broad spectrum of sectors in Kigoma Region, Tanzania.  This position is responsible for providing legal counseling and support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) together with their witnesses in Nyarugusu refugee camp in Kasulu District.  This position reports to the WPE/GBV Program Manager and works in close collaboration with the GBV Supervisors and psychosocial officers in Nyarugusu camp. 

Job Title:        GBV Legal Officer
Reports to:      Women’s protection and Empowerment Program Manager
Location:           Makere, Kasulu District, Tanzania

Program Responsibilities:
·         Provide comprehensive legal support to all GBV survivor, their witnesses and/or parents who opt for legal action.
·         Ensure GBV survivors and witnesses summoned to court are prepared for court sessions.
·         Accompany GBV survivors to police and to court whenever requested.
·         Create a tracking system to track and monitor cases sent to court.
·         Liaise with IRC WPE Manager and UNHCR Protection Unit in Kasulu to ensure that information used for case tracking is up-to-date and accurate.
·         Assist the IRC WPE Manager and UNHCR Protection Unit in Kasulu with researching, and drafting training materials on Tanzanian law and/or international law.
·         In collaboration with WPE Program Manager, train the police, sungusungu, women’s representatives, and other community representatives on Tanzanian law and/or international law, particularly the laws relating to sexual offenses, whenever required.
·         Participate/co-facilitate trainings relating to Protection/Legal issues.
·         Monitor Protection issues, related to legal action, in the refugee camps, particularly for GBV survivors as well as for other vulnerable people.
  • Link with other IRC sectors working within refugee camps and host communities, ensuring integrated approaches to access to justice.
  • Help in the establishment of collaborative relationships with other actors in the camps, including UN agencies, local authorities in particular the MHA, Police, WLAC and medical personnel.
  • Participate in preparation of activities work plan and ensuring that the targeted objectives are met in collaboration with the WPE Program Manager.
  • Track indicators and analyze data on all legal cases, including those where legal action is not pursued or has been pursued but subsequently failed.
  • Prepare monthly and donor reports for compilation by the WPE Program Manager.
·         Ensure all best practice standards are being met with regards to client information confidentiality.
·         Advocate with court officials where there are gaps in dispensing the justice system
·         Facilitate survivors and their witnesses to attend outside camp courts; preparation of their permits and arranging other necessary logistics
·         Prepare and submit weekly updates on court cases for all individual cases
·         Prepare monthly cash projections necessary to support GBV witnesses to attend court

Requirements:
  • Law degree with at least 3 year’s relevant work experience, particularly in women’s rights. Training as an advocate is an added advantage.
  • Experience working on gender based violence issues desirable.
  • Experience working with camp-based populations/ rural communities desirable.
  • Commitment to working confidentially, responsibly and with respect for legal ethics.
  • Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative required.
  • Good IT skills: knowledge of MS Word; Excel and Outlook required.
  • Swahili and good English written and oral skills required.  French a plus
  • Ability to work as part of a team that shares the common goal of helping stops GBV.

How to apply:
Applications for the position must include:
         i.            A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements.
       ii.            Detailed curriculum vitae showing contact address, email, and day-time mobile phone number(s) and three (3) referees, ONE being your last employer.
      iii.            ONLY copies of academic and professional certificates.

Applications will be considered valid if sent/received before 1700hrs Monday, April 18th, 2016. Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Send your application to Joel.Bitwale@rescue.org

IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.  IRC is an equal opportunity employer.