Legal Advisor

Counterpart International is currently seeking a Legal Advisor for an anticipated opportunity with USAID in Latin America. The anticipated project will seek to support Human Rights defenders by prioritizing local-level activities that foster accountable governance while reinforcing positive linkages among Human Rights Protecting Organizations. This is a full position based in Bogota Colombia and will serve the life of the project, which is expected to be 5-years.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal oversight of all day-to-day operations undertaken by Counterpart staff, as well as activities undertaken by partner organizations and subgrantees;
• Develop contingency plans for any legal proceeding brough against Counterpart staff, subgrantees, or local partnered organizations.
• Develop and maintain connections with pro-bono legal services positioned to support human rights defenders, and maintain a database with contract information to facilitate the delivery of legal services in a rapid manner;
• Monitor and report on any significant changes to legislation which would impact the operating environment for Counterpart staff, subgrantees, and local partner organizations;
• Manage key documents and develop necessary processes to continue the functionality of the Counterpart satellite office;
• Prepare documentation for presentation to international law entities.
• Advise on the operations of Counterpart staff, planned activities with partner organizations, and anticipating any legal challenges.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Law and deep knowledge of legal issues within Colombia;
• Advanced knowledge of Human Rights topics;
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in legal services in Latin America, experience in challenging and constantly changing operating environments is a plus;
• Familiarity with international law and institutions;
• Previous experience supporting USAID-funded programs is strongly preferred;
• Experience in remotely supporting programs in insecure and rapidly changing environments;
• Demonstrated experience in building networks amongst legal services;
• Familiarity with laws and regulations within South American countries, as well as regional political and diplomatic dynamics;
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadline and deliver quality outputs;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English required;
• Professional fluency in Spanish is required.