PROGRAM OFFICER – American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative

JOB DESCRIPTION & SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) seeks a Program Officer for Fiji to serve as the technical and programmatic co-lead for activities in Fiji as part of a grant-funded program focused on mitigating the impact of climate change on human rights. The PO will provide expertise in climate change and human rights, supporting the implementation of program activities in the Republic of Fiji, assist in coordinating activities implemented by partner organizations within the country and supporting activities led by subject matter experts in Samoa and countries in Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines and Indonesia. A typical day for the PO might include assisting and co-facilitating a workshop on community-based monitoring in the morning; heading back to the office to hold a call with a sub-awardee partner to discuss their activity progress; and editing a program progress report to be submitted to the home office before signing off for the day. The PO may be called upon to work early mornings or late nights to participate in meetings with colleagues in different time zones.

The candidate should have at least 3 years’ relevant experience, including expertise in the domain of the impact of climate and environmental change on human rights in Fiji and in the region. Ideally, the PO would also have prior experience supporting donor funded programming, preferably those funded by the United States. This position will be based in Fiji and will report to the Portfolio Management Unit lead in Washington, DC.

The PO will be hired as a consultant on contract through ABA ROLI’s Washington, DC headquarters. This position will primarily be a telework position, with occasional required travel or in-person meetings.

Responsibilities :

· Responsible for day-to-day administrative tasks related to the Right to Resilience Program, supports and works with Program Advisor in Fiji to ensure all programmatic requirements are effectively and efficiently met or exceeded according to ABA ROLI standards and grantor requirements.

· Monitors activity progress and communicates with Program Advisor and ABA ROLI Asia and the Pacific Teams about progress of ongoing activities.

· Stays abreast of developments in the subject of climate change in relation to human rights and assists in organizing and participating in related training opportunities.

· Contributes towards the development of the Right to Resilience (R2R) Programs by working with partner organizations, supporting accountabilities, timely and accurate compliance and monitoring and evaluation of in country programs, ensuring that they are executed according to ABA ROLI and donor standards.

· Assists Fiji Program Advisor in collaboration with ABA ROLI Headquarters and Fiji authorities to ensure compliance of all programs and operations with all donors, ABA, US and local laws and regulations and regulatory and licensing/registrations requirements, when necessary.

· Builds and maintains effective relationships with a range of program stakeholders and partner organizations to fulfill program objectives within specific budget and cost constraints.

· Ensures personal and program compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws.

· Maintains professional linkages with volunteers, legal specialists, and consultants.

Provide support to other ABA ROLI programs, promote, and represent the program and perform other related duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· University degree in law, environmental studies, sustainability studies, global affairs, public policy, international relations, or another relevant field.

· Familiarity with rural and Indigenous communities in Fiji and the impact of climate and environmental change on these communities.

· Minimum of 3 years working experience in climate change mitigation, human rights, Indigenous communities’ rights, public interest law, or a related field.

· Willing to travel within Fiji or on occasions, overseas.

· Legal ability to work in Fiji.

· Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in English and Fijian, both verbally and in writing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Strong facilitation and coordination skills.

· At least 3 years relevant professional experience related to climate change and its relation to human rights, or prior experience supporting donor funded programming.

· Ability to meet challenges constructively and make sound judgment.

· Familiarity with rural and indigenous communities in Fiji and impact of climate change on these communities.

· Ability to build partnerships with multiple stakeholders and partners.

· Experience in working independently and remotely with minimal supervision.

ABOUT ABA ROLI

The mission of ABA ROLI is to promote justice, economic opportunity, and human dignity through the rule of law. For more than 30 years in over 100 countries, ABA ROLI has worked to strengthen legal institutions, to support legal professionals, to foster respect for human rights, and to advance public understanding of the law and citizen rights. In collaboration with our in-country partners, we design programs that are responsive to local needs and that prioritize sustainable solutions to pressing rule of law challenges.