The Sierra Leone Court Monitoring Programme (SLCMP) is recruiting a pro-bono Legal Assistant to fill a new position monitoring sexual violence cases before the national courts and offering legal assistance as applicable. The Legal Assistant will work closely with other partner organizations to ensure that women are being adequately supported throughout the legal process.

The SLCMP is an independent initiative by Sierra Leonean civil society to monitor trials. Since its establishment in 2004, it has been monitoring trials at the UN backed Special Court for Sierra Leone, as well as cases the domestic courts and has been following up on recommendations made by the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The SLCMP is committed to promoting judicial accountability in post-conflict Sierra Leone. For details about SLCMP, please visit: www.slcmp.org

The SLCMP is therefore inviting applications from suitably qualified persons.

Starting Date and Duration:
The person will need to be able to work for a minimum of four months and preferably six months, starting in September 2007.

Applications are also being accepted for the same post starting January 2008 and April 2008.

Stipend/Compensation:
This position is unpaid, and no stipend is provided. The SLCMP is happy to support any application for funding.

Terms of Reference

• attend national court to monitor case progress and management;
• establish and manage tracking system for cases;
• meet with partner organizations to read case files;
• analyse cases, establish best course of action;
• meet with clients individually and discuss options for cases, and strengths and weaknesses of each course of action;

• discuss cases with all relevant organizations, including judiciary and police and advise on necessary action;
• draft applications as applicable;
• write regular updates for Programme Director and monthly article for publication;
• attend meetings and any other duty as necessary.

Requirements

·          law degree, in a common law jurisdiction, including courses in criminal law and procedure

·          experience of taking criminal cases, preferably of a sexual violence nature

·          evidence of ability to work independently and take initiative with minimal supervision

·          evidence of ability to work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and in challenging circumstances with minimal facilities

·          preferably experience working in a developing country

·          preferably admission to the Bar

·          fluent English

Send Application to:

Mohamed Suma at mlsuma@gmail.com and Lotta Teale at lcteale@gmail.com

Each Application Must Include:

·          Curriculum Vitae

·          Covering letter

·          Details of references