Senior Adviser on Fair Trial Rights

Job Posting Organization:
NORCAP is an organization that works to enhance aid effectiveness to better protect and empower individuals affected by crises and climate change. Established to provide expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding partners, NORCAP believes that collaboration is essential to reduce needs, risks, and vulnerabilities over time. The organization aims not only to alleviate immediate needs but also to create opportunities for vulnerable populations. NORCAP operates globally, working with various partners to improve aid through targeted expertise and collaborative solutions to unmet challenges. The organization is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), which emphasizes values such as dedication, innovation, inclusivity, and accountability in its operations. NORCAP is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, ensuring that all employees feel valued and supported in their roles.

Job Overview:
The Senior Adviser on Fair Trial Rights will play a crucial role in operationalizing the mission mandate and tasks as outlined in the planning documents and the Mission Implementation Plan. This position involves advising and mentoring local counterparts at both strategic and operational levels, with a focus on addressing structural weaknesses in the performance and accountability of local institutions. The adviser will be embedded within local institutions, maintaining necessary contacts and building relationships with relevant local counterparts. The role requires the design and delivery of training programs aimed at enhancing the capacity of local institutions, particularly in the context of upholding fair trial rights during criminal proceedings related to international crimes. The adviser will also be responsible for providing analysis and recommendations to local counterparts, ensuring that the principles of good governance and human rights are upheld throughout the reform process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Adviser will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: operationalizing the mission mandate and tasks as per the planning documents; advising and mentoring local counterparts on strategic and operational levels; supporting the mission in addressing structural weaknesses in local institutions; providing analysis and recommendations to local counterparts; maintaining contacts and building relationships with relevant local counterparts; liaising closely with other advisers; designing and delivering training programs; supporting the development of local institutions, particularly Free Legal Aid Centres and bar associations; being the key interlocutor with Free Legal Aid Centres; developing policies in line with local institutions; providing advice and training to build the capacity of defence counsel in upholding fair trial rights; and providing training on international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, international criminal law, and international human rights law within the context of the armed conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, the adviser will identify and report on lessons learned and best practices, contribute to timely reporting on activities, and ensure that gender equality and human rights are mainstreamed in all tasks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a successful completion of university studies in law for at least four years, attested by a diploma, or a qualification equivalent to level 7 in the European Qualifications Framework, or a Master's Degree, or equivalent police/military education or training. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience after fulfilling the educational requirements. Essential knowledge, skills, and abilities include the ability to mentor and motivate local counterparts, expertise in designing and delivering training, knowledge of upholding the rights of suspects and defendants during complex criminal proceedings, and legal drafting skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in law, which must be at least four years in duration and attested by a diploma. Alternatively, candidates may present qualifications that are equivalent to level 7 in the European Qualifications Framework or a Master's Degree. Candidates with equivalent police or military education or training may also be considered, provided they have the necessary credentials to support their application.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the educational requirements. This experience should ideally include roles that involve mentoring, advising, or training local counterparts, particularly in the context of legal rights and criminal proceedings. Experience in international contexts, especially in crisis areas, is highly desirable.

Languages:
While proficiency in English is mandatory, knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is considered a desirable asset for this position. Candidates who can communicate effectively in these languages will have an advantage, particularly in liaising with local counterparts and institutions.

Additional Notes:
This position is exclusively open to candidates with Norwegian citizenship. The role is part of a broader mission that emphasizes the importance of gender equality and human rights in its operations. The successful candidate will be expected to undergo a full background check and provide an approved Health Certificate prior to the commencement of the contract. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits in accordance with NORCAP's framework for international assignments, and candidates will be eligible for consideration for NORCAP membership and future assignments, subject to a successful performance review. Feedback will be provided to all applicants within four weeks after the closing date of the advertisement.