Alternative Dispositions, Short-Term Expert

Job Description

PROGRAM BACKGROUND:

ABA ROLI is implementing a project focused on strengthening criminal justice processes in Lebanon through judicial and prosecutorial training and enabling alternate dispositions. The two-year project will be implemented in partnership with the High Judicial Council (HJC). ABA ROLI will hold a number of training sessions for prosecutors and judges on specific crimes and on investigation and trial skills. Lebanese co-trainers (judges or prosecutors) will assist with material preparation and will lead sessions specific to the Lebanese criminal justice sector. International experts will provide substantive information based on best-practices and will model interactive teaching during the preparation and presentation of workshops.

JOB SUMMARY:

The ABA seeks a pro-bono legal specialist to post as soon as possible for 3-6 months. This position requires experience as a prosecutor with additional experience training legal professionals and supporting development of educational programs and institutional capacity building for justice sector professionals.

The expert will oversee the implementation of a program supporting activities to strengthen the Lebanese justice sector’s capacity to administer alternatives to detention. The scope of the program includes components on sentencing reform, particularly plea bargaining and alternatives to detention. The Advisor will work with ABA ROLI field staff, ABA ROLI DC staff, and subject matter experts to facilitate program activities, the creation of program resources/materials, coordination of an outreach campaign, and partner relations. Experience with implementing alternative programming from the ground up, as well as accompanying regulation, is especially valued for this position

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with field and DC-based ABA ROLI staff to develop materials and implement workshops for Lebanese Judges and Prosecutors;
• Facilitate discussions with program stakeholders to manage partner relationships;
• Contribute to assessment of Lebanese legal framework and practices;
• Guide discussions on international best practices for alternatives to detention;
• Advise ROLI program staff on the development of course curricula, activities, and materials when necessary;
• In coordination with Deputy Director and Program Manager, coordinate training activities for senior justice sector actors;
• Develop training materials and curricula for workshops on topics including investigation skills, cybercrime, terrorism and money laundering.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• JD/LLM or foreign equivalent required;
• Ten years of experience related to criminal justice as a prosecutor or criminal investigator;
• International development project management experience required;
• Experience as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, or judge litigating cases resulting in alternative sentences OR experience as a pre-trial services, probation or parole officer handling cases with alternative sentences;
• Extensive knowledge of the criminal justice process from intake to post-trial sentencing;
• Experience coordinating trainings capacity-building activities for senior justice sector actors;
• Experience managing program funds and familiarity with US government rules and regulations for grants;
• Working knowledge of MENA region and/or experience working in politically sensitive contexts is highly desirable;
• Fluency in English (knowledge of Arabic or French is a plus); and
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

This legal specialist position is on a pro-bono basis. A support package is provided which covers all travel costs and business expenses.

Location: Beirut and other locations, Lebanon

Start Date: February – March 2020, 3-6 months

Applicants who are interested in the role can submit resumes to the following address: mena-info@abaroli.org

About the Organization

ABA ROLI is a non-profit pro­gram that implements legal reform programs in roughly 40 countries around the world. ABA ROLI has nearly 400 professional staff work­ing abroad and in its Washington, D.C. office. ABA ROLI’s host country partners include judges, lawyers, bar associations, law schools, court administrators, legislatures, ministries of justice and a wide array of civil society organi­zations, including human rights groups.

For more information about what we do at ABA ROLI please visit: https://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/rule_of_law/about.html