Myanmar: Project Coordinator - Legal

Nov 29, 2019 | EarthRights International
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EarthRights International is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that combines the power of law and the power of people in defense of human rights and the environment, which we define as “earth rights.” A key part of who we are organizationally is our three-pronged approach to making change: training of community and legal activists, strategic legal work in defense of human rights and corporate accountability, and campaigns to promote systemic governmental and corporate policy change.

Our work in Myanmar focuses on climate justice, EarthRights Defenders and corporate accountability. We are now commencing a new project with partners in Myanmar focusing on land, extractives and gender through which EarthRights will be providing legal and technical support to our partners, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and impacted communities. We will also be increasing our focus on climate justice.

Summary Description

Reporting to the Myanmar Deputy Legal Director, the Project Coordinator will provide legal support and will ensure that deliverables for our new project on land, extractives and gender are met in a timely and effective manner. The position will also provide assistance to the work of our Yangon office on climate justice.

This position is based in our Yangon office with regular travel, including to Kachin, Shan and Sagaing. 

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Support the implementation of the agreed project activities in relation to land rights, extractives and gender. Ensure that the project is delivered on time, to agreed budgets and to the highest standards.
  • Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships including with communities, civil society and government actors.
  • Support the collaborative design and delivery of capacity building initiatives that support CSOs and communities affected by development projects including through activities such as training, exchange visits, natural resource mapping, legal awareness raising, participatory research activities, and environmental monitoring.
  • Provide legal advice to CSOs, communities, colleagues and partners or facilitate such advice on the rights and duties set out in Myanmar law and international standards on extractives, land rights, the environment and human rights.
  • Support CSOs and communities to link with and access resource persons and organizations with expertise in the mining sector and on environmental harms and remedies.
  • Research and provide analysis on the legal framework on land rights and extractives in Myanmar and update project team on this.
  • Contribute to the content and design of information, education and communication materials on land rights and extractives.
  • Ensure that project meets donor requirements and assist with reporting to donors, including narrative reporting.
  • Work closely with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) colleagues and ensure that findings are incorporated into project design and implementation.
  • Contribute to knowledge sharing across the organisation. 

Required Qualifications and Experience 

  • Advanced degree in law preferred.
  • 2-3 years of experience with project management, including design, implementation, monitoring & evaluation and project budgeting.
  • Fluent in Burmese and ability to communicate in English (written and spoken).
  • Strong understanding of Myanmar legal framework and international standards in relation to extractives, land rights, the environment and human rights.
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to convey complex issues in a clear and simple way.
  • Experience working with communities, preferably communities affected by extractive projects or environmental and land rights
  • Experience designing and delivering training to civil society organisations and communities.
  • Ability to build relationships with key partners (CSOs and communities) and other stakeholders (e.g. members of parliament and government).
  • Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to be flexible and sensitive in demanding situations.
  • Ability to organize work effectively as well as develop and deliver on work plans.
  • Adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to travel regularly.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should email their cover letter describing their interest in the job along with a CV to the following email address apply-sea@earthrights.org by 5 December, 2019. Be sure to use "Project Coordinator - Legal" as your subject line when submitting your application materials

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

EarthRights International is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and actively encourages people of color, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI people to apply.