The Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG), a 2005 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which operates as a global pro bono law firm providing free legal assistance to states and governments involved in conflicts. To facilitate the utilization of this legal assistance, PILPG also provides policy formulation advice and training on matters related to conflict resolution. To date, PILPG has advised over two dozen states and governments on the legal aspects of peace negotiations and post-conflict constitution drafting, and over two dozen states and War Crimes Tribunals in Europe, Asia and Africa concerning the protection of human rights, self-determination, and the prosecution of war crimes.

PILPG’s Uganda project is designed to build the capacity the Government of Uganda to draft legislation that supports the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms and creates a sustainable domestic War Crimes Division that meets international fair trial standards.  As part of this effort, PILPG is training the judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys for the War Crimes Division, providing assistance to the Ugandan government officials on the creation of an International Criminal Court (ICC) Liaison Office to effectively manage communication with the ICC, preparations for the ICC Review Conference in Kampala, and the design of a national strategy for dissemination of information regarding the creation of transitional justice mechanisms.  PILPG’s legal assistance is intended to support the implementation of the Juba Peace Accords, in particular the establishment of a special division within the Ugandan High Court to try top Lord’s Resistance Army commanders for war crimes, thus meeting the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) regime of complementarity.

PILPG is working with Ugandan government officials, members of the judiciary, and legislators, as well as civil society to draft legal memoranda on key issues, engage in consultations and roundtables with officials, and facilitate capacity building and technical assistance workshops to support the development and implementation of key aspects of the Juba agreements on Accountability and Reconciliation.

Role of the Chief of Party

PILPG is seeking a professional with seven to ten years experience in the field of international law, with particular expertise in international criminal law, transitional justice, and rule of law, to serve as the Chief of Party for its Uganda project.  The Chief of Party is based in Kampala, Uganda and works under the supervision of the Project Director of the Uganda project.

Program Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with PILPG clients, including Uganda government officials, parliamentarians, judges, and civil society leaders.
• Maintain relationships and respond to requests made by USAID Mission personnel.
• Assist in the facilitation of workshops and trainings on war crimes prosecution and justice and reconciliation mechanisms.
• Direct, manage, and undertake international criminal law and transitional justice research.
• Oversee the drafting of legal memoranda for PILPG’s Ugandan clients.
• Supervise the work of pro bono law firms and research associates providing legal assistance on the Uganda project.
• Coordinate closely with PILPG’s Washington, DC office on the overall strategy and development of the project.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with civil society, NGOs, and INGOs and other development organizations operating in the region.
• Provide regular briefings to PILPG’s Washington, DC office on political developments and implementation of the program.

Administration

• Draft materials on the Uganda project for PILPG’s website and annual reports at the request of senior staff.
• Coordinate closely with the Project Director on the preparation of legal memoranda and other documents required to implement activities.
• Assist in maintaining PILPG’s financial books related to the Uganda project in accordance with PILPG’s financial policies and procedures manual.
• Develop quarterly project reports that detail project activities and measure and evaluate project results.
• Maintain regular communication with the Project Director, as well as the research team, including conducting weekly Skype calls and drafting bi-weekly updates on project activities.
• Coordinate closely with other PILPG field offices located in Nepal, Kenya, Somaliland, Tanzania, South Sudan on overlapping technical issues.

Educational and Professional Qualifications

• A law degree.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public international law, including international humanitarian law, international criminal law, and international human rights law.
• A minimum of seven to ten years work experience in international law, including experience with international criminal law, post-conflict rule of law, and/or transitional justice.
• Knowledge of East Africa and the Uganda conflict in particular is highly desirable.
• Prior overseas field work is preferable.

Communication and Organizational Skills

• Excellent political judgment and the proven ability to develop and carry out program strategy.
• Strong analytic and organizational skills.
• Fluent in English with proven legal writing and editing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and able to work closely with multiple team members located across the globe.
• Ability to manage effectively multiple activities in a fast-paced environment.
• Responsive, a self-starter, and able to solve problems independently.

How to Apply:

Send resumes, cover letter, and writing sample to brutherford@pilpg.org by Friday, January 29, 2010.  Include in the subject line: Application: Uganda Chief of Party

The Public International Law & Policy Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

War Crimes Prosecution Watch is prepared by the International Justice Practice of the Public International Law & Policy Group and the Frederick K. Cox International Law Center of Case Western Reserve University School of Law.