Legal and Policy Officer (national) – Cotabato, Philippines

About the Organisation:

In situations of armed conflict and violence, Geneva Call (GC), as a neutral, impartial and independent international humanitarian organisation, endeavours to strengthen the respect of humanitarian norms and principles by armed non-State actors, in order to improve the protection of civilians, while supporting local communities in their efforts to enhance their own protection.

GC is currently focusing its efforts the following thematic areas under the umbrella of international humanitarian norms – banning the use of anti-personnel mines, protecting children and education, prohibiting sexual violence and gender discrimination, prohibition of forced displacement, protection of cultural heritage and the protection of health care – all in the context of armed conflict and violence.

GC’s operations in the Philippines are currently focused on improving the protection of civilians in Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur. Programming in adjacent areas – namely Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat – is planned to commence within 2021.

Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. Geneva Call is an inclusive working environment for all its staff. Applications are particularly encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Role:

The Legal and Policy Officer (LPO) is responsible for providing thematic and legal expertise to the Philippines programme on issues related to international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL). The LPO will continuously assess the legal environment in the Philippines, regionally and internationally, and provide appropriate recommendations in support of GC’s humanitarian programme. S/he will spend considerable time between GC’s programme office in Cotabato City, satellite office in Iligan City, and in the provinces during field activities.

General description and main activities

Core responsibilities

• Support the development of the content and facilitation of field activities (workshops, capacity-building activities, awareness-raising seminars, meetings, etc.);
• Contribute to policy development and support knowledge management, research and learning within the Philippines programme;
• Conduct legal and thematic research and produce internal memos and guidelines, including profiles of key stakeholders and country situation analyses;
• Develop or facilitate activities and studies on the interplay between IHL and cultural or religious norms, such as Islamic principles;
• Inform the Philippines programme on, and assess the implications of, significant political, security and legal (IHL and IHRL) developments;
• Support the country programme and partners with mitigating measures and contingency plans for any potential legal risks;
• When required, lead or assist in the organisation of project related activities;
• When required, review legal agreements and contracts (e.g. partners, donors, service providers).

Professional requirements

Education:

• Degree in IHL and human rights or related areas
• Education in Islamic Law preferred

Work experience:

Minimum 2 years equivalent work experience

Personal skills

Technical skills:

Strong analytical, writing, interpersonal, and research skills

Languages:

• Fluency in English, both written and oral
• Tagalog and local dialects (Maguindanaoan, Maranao, Teduray, Bisaya, Tausug, Yakan etc.) preferred

Qualifications:

Ability to work under pressure, travel frequently in conflict-affected areas and to handle numerous tasks simultaneously;

Conflict of interest

Any candidate affiliated to or openly supporting one or more interest groups contrary to the principles and values of the Foundation, or whose previous activity could cause difficulties for the safety of women and men co-workers at Geneva Call will be excluded from this selection process. The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the Geneva Call Performance Management guidelines.

The following documents will be used for performance reviews:

• Job Description
• Action plan
• Performance Review Template Conditions

Conditions

Position: 60% (24 hour a week)

Contract duration: 1 Sept 2021 until 30 August 2022. The first two (2) months of the contract period is a probation period.

To apply, please send your cover letter and CV in PDF format tohr-eurasia@genevacall.org, ref: “Head of Programme” no later than 15 Aug 2021.All applications will be kept confidential. Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further process.