ABOUT PILNET

PILnet is an international, locally present non-governmental organization (NGO) that partners with legal professionals and civil society organizations (CSOs) globally to protect civic space, address global challenges, and work to build just, equitable, and sustainable societies. PILnet does this by supporting civil society, engaging legal professionals, and nurturing the next generation of legal professionals in three strategic priority areas: civic space, climate justice, and refugees and people on the move. PILnet currently has offices in New York, Budapest, and Hong Kong but operates globally. 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We are looking for an enthusiastic Program Consultant to expand PILnet’s work in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on West Africa. We work with organizations to pinpoint their legal needs and then connect them to qualified pro bono lawyers, at no cost. Moreover, to strengthen the awareness among CSOs on how different laws and regulations can impact their operations, PILnet develops seminars, trainings, and guides on common legal topics. Our work focuses on three strategic priority areas including civic space, climate justice and forced displacement. Currently, PILnet is actively building and expanding a diverse network of partners, NGOs, and lawyers in Sub-Saharan Africa. PILnet aims to expand its projects in this region and is looking for a Program Consultant to lead these activities and develop new partnerships. 

Reporting to the Co-Executive Directors, you will apply your technical skills, education, and experience to:

• Develop new partnerships with CSOs and locally present law firms and scope pro bono projects related to civic space and climate justice.
• Grow PILnet’s network of pro bono lawyers, public interest lawyers and CSOs in Sub-Saharan Africa (with a potential focus on West Africa).
• Support continuous scoping of legal needs of local civil society organizations (CSOs)
• Expand PILnet’s Global resources to Sub-Saharan Africa. 
• Support PILnet’s Global Clearinghouse pro bono requests from Sub-Saharan Africa, by corresponding by emails, video calls, and phone calls with CSOs to understand their legal needs, drafting descriptions of legal needs, and identifying and communicating with law firms within PILnet’s network who can provide pro bono support. 
• Design, organize, and manage in-person/hybrid events (webinars, roundtables and others) in Sub-Saharan Africa and globally.
• Other tasks as assigned by the Co-Executive Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with diverse audiences, including law firms, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Lived experience within nonprofit or pro bono role in country/countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, 
• Degree in law, social sciences, political science, international relations, or related field. Strong preference will be given to applicants with a law degree.
• Minimum 2-5 years of relevant work experience, preferably in the nonprofit or public interest law field. 
• Strong interest in public interest law, social justice, and human rights.
• Project management experience and a record of delivering projects on time and to budget. 
• Proactive, creative, and opportunity-driven mindset.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work well under pressure, including setting and executing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent research, reporting, written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in English and French is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PPT etc.) and Google Apps.