Position Title: Rule of Law & Human Rights Expert – Lebanon
Form of Employment: Short term assignment
Starting Date: July 2020, this role is subject to funding
Duration: July – August 2020
Closing of applications: 22 July 2020, 17:00 local time (Beirut)
Location: Homebased work
Background:
Democracy Reporting International (DRI) is a non-partisan, independent, not-for-profit organisation registered in Berlin. DRI promotes political participation of citizens, accountability of state bodies and the development of democratic institutions world-wide.
Following the outbreak of Covid-19 , we are looking for a Rule of Law and Human Rights Expert to produce an analysis on aspects of the State of Emergency (SoE) and its impact on human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Lebanon.
Since October 2019, following the government’s announcement of additional tax plans, massive protests swept across Lebanon, blaming the political elite for corruption, failing public services and the unfolding financial, monetary, and socio-economic crises. Lebanon since has been caught in a political deadlock with unemployment and poverty rising at dramatic rates. Protesters are still mobilised in different parts of the country and calling for radical political change, good governance, accountability, and the rule of law. Popular frustration and discontent were exacerbated during the countrywide lockdown and Covid-19 containment measures outlined in the Lebanese Government’s “General Mobilisation Plan”.
This analysis should use a human rights-based approach to assess the impact that the State of Emergency has had on human rights, democracy and the rule of law in the current Lebanese context at both the national and local levels. The piece should be no more than 3,000 words. It should be accessible to both a national (Lebanese) and international audience.
The starting date will be in July 2020, subject to funding.
Your tasks:
- Provide an outline of the analysis, highlighting the main approach, key messages, and draft a table of contents in consultation with the DRI Lebanon team, including the Country Representative and the Legal Research Officer;
- Write a succinct policy analysis on aspects of SoE, human rights, rule of law and democracy in Lebanon considering the local and national levels;
- The writing should be crisp and concise and follow a journalistic style. The written language is British English;
- Review and proof-read the final manuscript after copy-editing and layout, in the original language (English) as well as the translation (Arabic).
Qualifications we require:
- A university degree in law, political science, social sciences, law or related field;
- At least 5 years of practical international work experience in human rights and/or legal analysis related to public law and issues related to human rights, rule of law and democracy in Lebanon;
- Proven publication record on human rights, rule of law, international law and democracy;
- Knowledge of the Lebanese constitution and regulatory frameworks in Lebanon;
- Ability to write concisely in a journalistic style requiring minimum revision;
- Fluency in English and Arabic is a requirement.
How to apply:
If you are interested, please apply by 22 July 2020, 17:00 local time (Beirut) by email to recruiting_lebanon@democracy-reporting.org. Please mention “Rule of Law & Human Rights Expert – Lebanon“ in the subject line and include in your application:
- A cover letter indicating your daily expert fee, considering that DRI is a non-profit NGO;
- Your CV;
- A tentative outline and a one-page statement on what aspects of SoE legislation in Lebanon are interesting for a broader public; how this is impacting human rights, rule of law and democracy; and how these could be presented in a 3,000-word analysis;
- A copy of at least two relevant publications and/or writing samples.
DRI is committed to diversity and does not discriminate in employment based upon gender (including pregnancy), race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability, socio-economic status, or any other status protected by the laws in the locations where we operate.
Closing date for applications is 22 July 2020, 12:00 PM local time (Beirut). The position may be filled before the end of the deadline so early applications are encouraged.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. If you are one of those shortlisted, we will contact you within one week after expiration of the deadline at the latest
Organisation responsible for this vacancy:
Democracy Reporting International gGmbH
Prinzessinnenstraße 30
10969 Berlin, Germany
Tel +49 30 27877300
Fax +49 30 27877300-10
Data processing of personal data in third countries will not take place. We process your data in accordance with the provisions of § 26 German Federal Data Protection Act. More information about processing your personal data: privacy policy.