Ethiopia Project Lead
About Project Expedite Justice
Project Expedite Justice (PEJ), founded in 2016, is a United States-based NGO with 501(c)(3) charitable organization designation.
PEJ's mission is to use all available legal options to seek justice for individuals inadequately protected under the law, who cannot access legal resources, and who are exploited by governments, corporations, or others.
PEJ applies a novel, victim-centered approach to addressing mass atrocities. PEJ's 3-step model includes training, mentoring, and providing independent legal consulting. We partner with and train local lawyers and investigators to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence according to international legal standards. Without evidence, there can be no accountability. We further build local capabilities and advance the justice process through case-specific mentoring and strategic guidance to local legal practitioners and investigators. Finally, we partner with local NGOs, pro bono law firms, and legal clinics to represent victims of international crimes and serious human rights abuses in court or alternative judicial mechanisms.
PEJ has projects in several countries. Our inclusive team includes people working remotely from Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the US. We are deeply committed to increasing opportunities for lawyers and other human rights defenders from the global majority or global south to participate in international rule-of-law-based nonprofit work.
The Opportunity: Ethiopia Project Lead at PEJ
Job Summary:
We seek a highly motivated and experienced Project Lead to oversee our operations in Ethiopia. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the country's legal, security, and political landscape, and have a proven track record of managing complex projects related to human rights and transitional justice.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management:
Develop and implement project plans in alignment with organizational goals and donor requirements.
Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
Ensure timely delivery of project deliverables and adherence to budgets.
Prepare and submit comprehensive project reports to donors and internal stakeholders.
Team Leadership:
Recruit, hire, and manage a high-performing team of project staff in Ethiopia.
Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities for team members.
Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork.
Evaluate team performance and provide feedback to support continuous improvement.
Capacity Building:
Design and implement capacity-building programs for local civil society organizations, human rights defenders, lawyers' associations, and community-based organizations.
Provide technical assistance and training on human rights investigations, documentation, and advocacy.
Facilitate knowledge sharing and peer learning among local stakeholders.
Support the development of sustainable local capacity for human rights work.
Legal Advocacy:
Conduct legal research and analysis on relevant human rights issues in Ethiopia.
Advise on potential legal strategies and cases related to human rights violations.
Represent PEJ in legal proceedings and negotiations with government officials and other stakeholders.
Advocate for policy reforms to advance human rights in Ethiopia.
Donor Relations:
Manage relationships with donors, cultivating strong partnerships and securing funding for PEJ's Ethiopia projects.
Prepare and submit high-quality donor reports that effectively communicate project progress and impact.
Ensure compliance with donor regulations and reporting requirements.
Identify new funding opportunities and develop proposals to secure additional resources.
Training and Development:
Develop and deliver training programs on human rights, transitional justice, and related topics.
Facilitate workshops and conferences to enhance the skills and knowledge of local stakeholders.
Create and maintain a repository of training materials and resources.
Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and make recommendations for improvement.
Collaboration:
Collaborate with the Communications team to develop and implement effective communication strategies for PEJ's Ethiopia operations.
Build and maintain relationships with government officials, international organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
Represent PEJ at conferences, workshops, and other events.
Foster partnerships with local and international organizations to advance human rights in Ethiopia.
Profile: Qualifications and Attributes
Education and Experience
Law degree, and preferably also an LLM degree.
At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in public international law, including international criminal law and human rights law.
Experience working in an NGO and managing donor-funded projects in Ethiopia.
Level of English: C1 or native.
Technical Skills
Strong understanding of Ethiopia's legal, security, and political landscape.
Proficiency in English and local languages relevant to Ethiopia.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and in high-pressure environments.
Interpersonal Skills
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with local and international partners.
Strong communication and negotiation skills.
Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Strong cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Leadership Skills
Proven ability to lead and motivate teams.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Ability to think strategically and develop long-term plans.
Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and challenges.
Cultural Fit:
Alignment with PEJ’s values and mission to be a service-driven entity.
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of the rule of law and social justice.
Ability to work remotely within a diverse team.
How to Apply:
Email recruitment@projectexpeditejustice.org with "Application: Ethiopia Project Lead" in the subject line, and attach:
CV/resume (maximum of two pages);
Cover letter;
Writing sample.
By submitting your application, you consent to a reference check, where we will contact up to three professional references you provide.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.