Legal Practitioner, Africa Just Energy Transition Initiative

Oct 17, 2021 | Natural Justice
View Original

Natural Justice and Earthjustice are partnering to leverage our collective experience in challenging fossil fuel projects and advocating for reforms in energy and electricity market regulation to advance the energy transition in Africa. Accelerating the clean energy transition is fundamental to fight climate change and increase access to electricity for poor and marginalized communities. We aim to grow the legal network across the continent to support communities, NGOs, and forward-leaning local governments to engage in effective advocacy and litigation to accelerate the clean energy transition and to inform and amplify community and civil society voices and engagement in energy policy decisions.

Responsibilities

  • Work with the Natural Justice and EarthJustice teams to develop effective strategies to advance the clean energy transition in various national contexts, and creativity think through the theory of change.
  • Provide technical and legal advice to partners, affected communities, and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Identify and engage in policy, including legal and regulatory reform, on energy law and electricity market regulation, and environmental law as appropriate, with key partners and allies.
  • Provide comments and make submissions on relevant law and policy.
  • Collaborate with Natural Justice offices in multiple countries, Earthjustice staff, and other NGO partners, academic and government allies, technical experts, community-based movements and to develop and implement legal advocacy and litigation strategies to fight fossil fuel projects and advance the clean energy transition.
  • Support the litigation of relevant cases and respond to inquiries of partners or relevant stakeholders.
  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with allies, co-counsel, clients, coalition partners, and Natural Justice staff in multiple countries in support of program goals.
  • Deliver presentations and organize and conduct workshops and meetings.
  • Work effectively with other departments within Natural Justice and Earthjustice, including Communications and Development. Assist in the development of the programme strategies and manage the planning and implementation of projects, campaigns, and litigation.
  • Identify, build and maintain networks and/or partnerships with relevant stakeholders from government, civil society groups, the private sector, and academics

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of law with a minimum of eight years of demonstrated legal advocacy experience in energy law. Experience in the wind and solar energy policy and regulation, and in electricity market regulation, is desirable.
  • A post-graduate degree in law, political science, or other relevant social science discipline is desirable.
  • Registered to practice law in the country the legal practitioner will be located, or a willingness and qualifications to apply for membership within one year of employment.
  • Knowledge of and experience in clean energy issues, and environmental or energy law.
  • Understanding of, and proficiency in, the South African and/or Kenyan legal system and institutional arrangements.
  • Experience communicating complex legal issues in an accessible way.
  • Experience in coordinating and supervising teams.
  • Proficiency in working with technical experts.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent legal advocacy and/or litigation skills, including legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
  • Initiative, good judgment, ability to think critically and problem-solve, and a strong work ethic.
  • Ability to work independently and in collaboration with clients, partners, and staff, and to develop and maintain partnerships with community-based or other grassroots groups.
  • Ability and willingness to travel internationally, post-Covid as needed.
  • Enthusiasm for researching local policy and legal contexts.
  • Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
  • Citizen or permanent resident of Kenya or South Africa.

The ideal candidate will also have substantial experience working in several African countries, and professional fluency in English; fluency in French is desirable.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via email to applications@naturaljustice.org with ‘Application for position of Legal Practitioner, Africa Just Energy Transition Initiative” in the subject line.

Applications must include:

  • A motivation letter that indicates: a) why you are interested in this position and what inspires you about the clean energy transition and environmental justice; and b) aspects of your background that demonstrate the required competence for this role;
  • A detailed CV with three references; and
  • Two writing samples (for example, legal briefs, articles, or research reports) that demonstrate your own legal analysis and writing.
  • Please ensure that your application as a whole speaks to the required qualifications, experience, personal profile, and key roles and responsibilities. Please do not apply if you do not meet the required experience. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications: The position remains open until filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Salary is commensurate with skill and experience. The contract length will be two years with the intention of a longer-term arrangement.

Natural Justice and Earthjustice are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities