Liberia: Natural Resources Justice Advisor

Oct 10, 2016 | Tetra Tech DPK
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Tetra Tech DPK (Tt DPK) seeks candidates to be considered for inclusion in the long term (3-years) Natural Resources Justice Advisor position for the anticipated 3-year INL funded CJPS program in Liberia. This program is expected to promote the Government of Liberia’s (GOL) capability to assume security responsibilities throughout Liberia as UNMIL draws down and strengthen the rule of law in Liberia by developing effective justice-sector institutions that provide citizens with trustworthy, reliable, and impartial means to settle disputes; ensure due process for the accused and justice without retribution for victims; and provide a safe, secure, and human corrections system that meets minimum international standards. Applicants should be US nationals only.

The Natural Resources Justice Advisor must perform but is not limited to:

  • Coordinate and implement justice sector programs on behalf of and in cooperation with the GOL, under the direction of the INL Monrovia program office;
  • Establish and maintain effective professional relationships with GOL officials at the functional level, including the MOJ, the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, the Financial Intelligence Unit, the Office of the Solicitor General, the Judiciary, the James A. A. Pierre Judicial Institute, the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Public Defenders, the Law Reform Commission and others deemed suitable and as directed by INL Monrovia and wishing to participate in justice sector programming. This does not extend authority to liaise with GOL officials at the policymaking level, or above the level of the Solicitor General;
  • Develop close working relationships with the UNMIL and its successor UN organizations, national and international NGOs, other INL/USAID/DOS and USG actors and the Police Advisors in this Task Order as suitable and with other donors, to coordinate programming and plans. Combining resources and activities among USG programs shall be a priority whenever deemed efficient and in the best interest of programming;
  • Serve as a subject matter expert and maintain extensive knowledge of the Liberian justice sector actors, entities, and law, provide subject matter expertise to GOL officials and advise INL staff regarding the Liberian justice sector when requested;
  • Prepare upon request background materials, talking points, updates, and reports for INL use regarding CJPS activities and INL involvement with Liberia’s justice sector;
  • Participate in domestic and international meetings regarding the justice sector in Liberia and provide summaries to the INL Monrovia office;
  • Understand and interpret GOL policies, procedures and directives, provide summaries to and answer inquires for INL upon request;
  • Organize and participate in meetings, seminars, and exercises to develop planning and programs to improve the justice sector in Liberia and provide summaries of each event to INL;
  • Participate in and/or lead assessments of the Liberian justice system and U.S. program efforts and impact to INL upon request and in the form and according to the terms specified in each request. Provide written reporting of such assessments to INL in the requested format;
  • Participate in outreach activities upon INL request to increase awareness of INL programs and policies and solicit greater cooperation and participation in programming.

Required Qualifications:

The Natural Resources Justice Advisor must have the following required qualifications:

  • U.S. Citizenship;
  • Ability to possess/maintain MRPT certification;
  • A law degree from an U.S. accredited law school;
  • Must demonstrate either 1) twelve years of progressively responsible experience in law practice, preferably with a focus on natural resources, with trial and regulatory experience; OR 2) at least five years criminal trial and regulatory experience combined with seven years of experience implementing natural resources or international rule of law programs (of which at least four years shall have been overseas);
  • Five or more years’ experience in the prosecution or defense of crimes related to the illegal exploitation of natural resources, and the analysis and application of natural resources law and regulations in prosecution of such crimes;
  • Must hold a valid law license in a US State or the equivalent. Proof of good standing as a member of a bar association from the state Supreme Court or the equivalent is required;
  • A strong understanding of the function and challenges of natural resources law and regulations and prosecution and enforcement related thereto in post-conflict and developing countries, and how to work effectively in these environments;
  • Three or more years of international experience in the legal system or in natural resources para law enforcement (park ranger, for example) for countries with limited law and regulations regarding the control, preservation and exploitation of natural resources;
  • Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to build and maintain key relationships in a culturally diverse environment and respectfully negotiate the resolution of conflicting views to facilitate project implementation;
  • Ability to communicate in English with sufficient accuracy and fluency to participate fully and effectively in conversations on a variety of topics using appropriate professional vocabulary in formal and informal settings using both concrete and abstract language;
  • Ability to discuss and explain complex matters in the respective area of expertise, and provide lengthy and coherent narrations, all with ease, fluency, and accuracy. If INL requests verification of English competency, a superior level rating from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) is required;
  • Ability to write about general and legal issues clearly and concisely in English, to express complex ideas in a clear and logical way and without grammatical errors;
  • Sufficient flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, and to re-evaluate priorities and respond appropriately under new circumstances;
  • A working knowledge and demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
  • Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to operate a standard transmission vehicle
  • Unblemished background
  • Excellent health and be able to pass requisite physical, medical and psychological tests appropriate to assigned mission/country

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience working in West Africa;
  • Experience working with the GOL and, in particular, with the MOJ.