Paralegals (2 Positions) – Dhusamareeb
JJP
Job Type
Full Time
Location
Dhusamareb
Description :
Terms of Reference (TOR)
Community-based Paralegals (2 Positions)
Employer: ministry of Justice- Galmudug.
Department: Judiciary affairs
Reports to: Technical Advisor or anyone the minister of Justice may delegate
Date of issue: 24/5/2020
Date of closing: 7/6/2020
Locations: Dhusamareb
No. of Paralegals:2
Background
The Somalia Joint Justice Programme (JJP), launched in August 2018, is a 30-month programme supporting the Somalia National Development Plan 2017-2019 goal to “Establish independent, accountable and efficient justice institutions capable of addressing the justice needs of the people of Somalia”.
Recognizing the challenges facing the Somalia justice sector, the programme aims to contribute to sustainable security, peace and development by strengthening the capacity of justice actors to increasingly deliver justice services to users and communities in a human rights-compliant manner.
As part of the state building and federalization process, the programme focuses on establishing the foundation for a formal justice system that offers increasingly professional and standardized justice services. This includes a clear legal framework, particularly on judicial organization, and the establishment of key justice institutions at federal and state levels. The programme seeks to Increase access to justice for the most vulnerable communities by providing legal aid services through non- governmental organizations and civil society groups, such as legal aid centres. Key focus areas of the Programme include:
- Federalization of the justice sector and facilitating the process to agree on a federated judiciary model, including supporting the establishment of key institutions and reviewing the legal framework.
- Expanding justice services to new areas, especially those outside of state capitals, adopting community orientated approaches to improving local access to justice, and ensure stabilization.
- Strengthening the capacity of justice institutions & promoting oversight, accountability and inclusivity.
- Nationalizing training capacities and standardizing training programmes for justice sector personnel.
The Ministry of Justice of the Federal Government of Somalia is working on developing a federal mechanism for regulating, integrating and harmonizing legal aid services across the country in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. The approval of a Legal Aid Policy by the Federal Council of Ministers on 23 June 2016 is a milestone to institutionalize legal aid in Somalia. The Ministry of Justice of the Federal Government of Somalia is also working on drafting Legal Aid Act for Somalia.
Moreover, the legal profession in Somalia has been growing over the past few years. The Federal Somali Bar Association is re-establishing itself with continuing work on the Advocates Law as well as the development of a code of conduct to regulate the behaviour of lawyers. While Puntland lawyers have re-activated the Puntland Bar Association, lawyers in the emerging federal member states in south and central Somalia have yet to organize themselves. However, the federal Bar Association is reaching out to lawyers in the federal member states and it is expected that these initiatives will enable more lawyers to join the legal profession and eventually take up pro bono cases, which will ensure sustainability of legal aid services.
The Ministry of Justice of Galmudug in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is promoting to expand legal aid services to the ADR centers and other remote areas in Galmudug.
To this end the ministry of justice of Galmudug, will hire two paralegals in Dhusamareb-Galmudug who will deliver legal aid services to the poor and vulnerable groups including IDPs, women and children.
Purpose of the assignment
The main work of paralegals is to provide primary Legal aid services to the vulnerable groups, and as well as carry out regular visits to the courts, Local district office, ADR centers, police station or IDP camps to expand legal aid services in line with international and national legal framework of access to justice and human rights.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
- Provide legal assistance, legal counseling, legal information to Somali citizens, particularly to women, minorities, and other vulnerable groups, on how to address their cases and access justice systems, both formal and informal;
- Provide legal aid services, including advice and information on how to realize their rights;
- undertake community outreach activities including legal awareness on access to justice principles and Human rights;
- Provide advice to the arbitrators in the ADR centers to ensure decisions are in line with the national legal framework and human rights standards
- Report the cases and refer to the lawyers for legal representation in the formal justice system;
- Prepare legal documents as requested by the clients including legal petitions, or any legal documents required by the ADR centers (or courts).
- Carry out weekly basis to the IDP camps and prisons, police stations to report cases, and provide legal aid services,e. information, legal assistance and referrals;
- Conduct follow up to ensure that clients are received and satisfied with the justice services.
- Provide support to the ADR clerks in the documentation of the cases and procedures of handling cases.
- provide information and guidance to the clients and communities the available legal services and procedures
- Refer the SGBV survivors the psychosocial, protection and health providers;
- Laisse with the relevant government agencies, civil society organizations, CBOs, INGO, UN entities on the relevant issues pertaining to Justice, human rights and protection
- Attend monthly legal aid coordination meetings in Jubbaland Prepare, develop, and disseminate information, education and communication (IEC) materials on access to Justice Referral pathways.
- Prepare weekly reports on legal aid services provided.
- Perform any other tasks requested by the ministry of justice, judiciary and religious affairs of Jubbaland State of Somalia.
The paralegals will report to the technical advisor of the ministry of justice of Galmudug
Required Qualifications and experiences
- Have a bachelor’s degree of law and sharia, political science, Human rights or any relevant disciplines
- A minimum 1 year of experience in legal practice
- Have a good knowledge about the national legal systems in somalia including Galmudug
- Basic legal knowledge and Understanding of formal and informal justice system in Somalia
- Have experience in case management
Desired skills and competencies
- Sound knowledge of computer skills (MS word or excel)
- Good understanding formal and informal legal systems in somalia
- Good communication skills
- Good problem-solving skills
- Good reporting and case management skills
- Fluent in English and somali, both writing and speaking
- Strong experience in advocacy and Alternative dispute resolutions mechanism
- Ability to engage and interact with community
How to apply :
Qualified Somali persons with the required skills and qualifications are invited to submit:
1. CV along with application letter in English.
2. Verified Copies of academic Certificates or transcripts.
3. 3 Reference persons.
The application documents have to be submitted via email to moj.gmss@gmail.com
Give CC or Copy to this email Issemohamud@undp.org Mohamed.said@undp.org or handed sealed envelope to the Ministry of Justice Office, Dhusamareb-Galmudug before _______________. Applications sent after the deadline will not be considered.
Note: Please make sure that the job title you are applying in the mail subject line is clearly indicated. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Women candidates are encouraged to apply.mohamed.said@undp.org