Legal Consultant - Panama

Position: LEGAL CONSULTANT

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Working under the supervision of the Regional Legal Advisor for the Americas, the Legal Associate supports the operational legal priorities of the PAN REGIONAL DELEGATION. The specific focus of the position and its main responsibilities include providing support to the REGIONAL LEGAL ADVISER in the following areas:

Research and collection of information to support the design of strategies and action plans aimed at contributing to the Americas' Regional Strategic Framework and PAN REGIONAL DELEGATION Planning for Result through:

• Strengthening the legal pillar of the dialogue with regional intergovernmental organizations and the governmental authorities of countries covered by the PAN REGIONAL DELEGATION.
• Promoting state participation in priority INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW treaties and other relevant international instruments or processes, leveraging existing national INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW committees.
• Furthering the development of domestic legal and policy frameworks to ensure protection in armed conflict/OSV and better responses to the humanitarian needs identified by the delegation
• Broadening the support base of the ICRC within law and policy circles.
• Assist in the implementation of specific components of the Americas Legal Strategy and PAN REGIONAL DELEGATION Planning for Result, including the monitoring of country situations, advocacy with parliamentarians and government officials, drafting of relevant documents, memoranda, and legal commentaries and the organization of activities to facilitate advocacy;
• Assist in the preparation of events and activities (seminars, workshops, side events, webinars, missions, etc.), such as preparing and sending invitations, finding and booking service providers, managing the discussions, etc.;
• Attend meetings (virtually or, subject to improvement of the health crisis, in person);
• Contribute to communication activities to give visibility to the results and activities carried out by the Legal Advisors of the Americas;
• Assist with background research necessary to the implementation of the Americas Legal Strategy and the PAN REGIONAL DELEGATION Planning for Result (e.g. analysis of existing legislative frameworks and drafting of legal assistance, which may include commentaries to criminal laws and special laws, elaboration of draft parliamentary motions and /or parliamentary questions, elaboration of draft articles for effective domestic implementation).

COMPLEMENTARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to monitor the activity of regional organizations in matters related to INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW and other fields of interest (drafting of periodic updates on the case law of the InterAmerican Court of Human Rights in particular).
• Support the REGIONAL LEGAL ADVISER in his/her Regional Delegation with regional file holders (Detention, Missing, Migration, Multi) and Delegation Managers, with a view to identify legal needs and build joint approaches vis-à-vis national authorities or other actors of influence.
• Support the REGIONAL LEGAL ADVISER in the organization of an annual meeting gathering legal advisers working in the Region and GVA colleagues (CONSULT, JUR_OP, other concerned lawyers and experts) as well as other relevant regional events.
• Support the REGIONAL LEGAL ADVISER with multi-dimensional and integrated working approaches with and to the PACE.
• The Legal Associate will also team up with the incoming Prevention focal point at PAN REGIONAL DELEGATION.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduate studies in law or political science/international relations/global affairs and/or equivalent professional experience. Coursework or professional experience in international criminal law, human rights, or international legal and political issues is appreciated;
• Fluency in Spanish (written and oral) and English is required.
• Good knowledge of International Humanitarian Law and international criminal law.
• Strong interest in humanitarian action and the ICRC.
• Good knowledge of domestic legal frameworks and requirements for domestic legal implementation of international law; working experience with government administration or judicial bodies of advantage.
• Basic experience in planning and organizing events;
• Knowledge of ICRC and the advisory service on INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW an advantage.

PROFILE AND SKILLS

• Excellent written and oral expression in Spanish and English are required; knowledge (oral and written) of other languages would be an advantage.
• Effective communication and analytical skills, creativity.
• Facility in interpersonal relations and ability to work as part of a team.
• Possessing excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Autonomous and motivated.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other IT programmer and information.
• Proven research capacity.
• Political awareness and sensitivity, and inter-personal skills.