Myanmar: Burma Legal and Policy Advisor

The Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG) is seeking a Burma Legal and Policy Advisor to be based in Rangoon, Burma (Yangon, Myanmar). Below, please find information on PILPG and the project, as well as the role of the Legal and Policy Advisor and the required qualifications for the position.

Overview

PILPG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates as a global pro bono law firm providing free assistance to governments, sub-state entities, and civil society groups in transitioning states. PILPG provides legal counsel to pro bono clients during peace negotiations, advises on the creation and operation of transitional justice mechanisms, provides expertise during the drafting of post-conflict constitutions, and advises on ways to strengthen the rule of law and effective institutions.

As part of the FHI360-led program working on the USAID-funded Civil Society and Media Project, PILPG’s Burma project provides technical assistance and training to Burmese civil society organizations (CSOs) to support their efforts to undertake more effective advocacy on legislative reforms and engaging policymakers. Working with local civil society leaders, this position works as a key member of the Civil Society and Media technical team to conduct targeted consultations, design responsive training modules, and support the delivery of tailored trainings.

Role of the Legal and Policy Advisor

PILPG is seeking a legal professional with a minimum of three years experience in advocacy and civil society training on legal reform issues, preferably with some experience in Burma. The Legal and Policy Advisor is based in Rangoon.

Program Responsibilities

· Work closely with Civil Society and Media (CSM) technical and program teams to determine appropriate areas of technical support and training for project partners

· Coordinate with PILPG HQ to provide legal support and policy analysis to grantees to support their CSM grant activities

· Plan and implement legal and policy issue-based trainings to support civil society project partners advocacy initiatives including:

o Building relationships with CSOs;

o Conducting consultations and developing a workplan on key issues for trainings

o Developing work product and materials in support of trainings;

o Providing substantive direction to PILPG research and legal teams on the drafting of memoranda and supporting materials;

o Overseeing training logistics; and

o Coordinating with PILPG experts, project Grant Managers, and other project staff to deliver trainings.

· Provide technical assistance and support to the project’s Intermediate Support Organization delivering advocacy training and capacity building as needed

· Work with the advocacy and program teams to develop annual workplan

· Manage PILPG relationships in Rangoon, including developing and maintaining strong relationships with civil society, non-governmental organizations, international non-governmental organizations, and other development organizations operating in Burma.

· Work with PILPG’s Pro Bono Director to maintain PILPG’s law firm partnerships through the development of pro bono projects for law firms to meet PILPG’s cost-share requirement.

· Coordinate closely with other PILPG field offices on overlapping technical issues.

· Identify opportunities to strengthen PILPG’s project engagement in Rangoon.

Administration

· Assist with drafting materials on the Burma project for PILPG’s website, annual reports, internal circulations and law firm updates at the request of senior staff;

· Oversee financial management of project funds in Rangoon;

· Analyze local political conditions and the effectiveness of the project in meeting the stated goals and objectives; and

· Provide written and oral briefings for and on behalf of the project on relevant legal and policy issues

· Draft quarterly project reports that detail project activities and measure and evaluate project results; and

· Facilitate the visits of non-field staff, consultants, and funder representatives as appropriate.

· Provide support to in-country technical team and partners as needed and determined by the Chief of Party

Educational and Professional Qualifications

· A higher education degree in law, or other relevant field;

· A minimum of three years of work experience in advocacy and civil society training on legal reform issues, preferably with some experience in Burma;

· Past experience developing relationships with civil society leaders;

· Experience working with US government regulations is highly desirable;

· Knowledge of and previous experience in Burma is highly desirable;

· Fluency in written and spoken English is required; and

· Prior overseas fieldwork.

Communication and Organizational Skills

· Capacity to conduct research, edit, and draft work product and program materials, in support of advocacy and policy development trainings;

· Strong analytic and organizational skills;

· Prior experience editing writings of others to ensure professional quality and suitability;

· Prior financial management experience;

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work closely with multiple team members located across the globe;

· Ability to effectively manage multiple activities in a fast-paced, challenging overseas environment; and

· Initiative to be a responsive self-starter to solve problems independently.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and three references online at http://publicinternationallawandpolicygroup.org/work-for-us/