About the Organisation
Chima Williams & Associates is a Nigerian Law Firm committed to offering pro-bono legal services to deserving entities. It offers consultancy services on legal and social issues especially within the environmental, livelihoods and human rights related issues. By helping deserving Nigerian and African frontline communities protect and defend themselves and their communities against man induced activities that exacerbates the incidence of climate change impacts and increase in their energy poverty index, the law firm equips vulnerable groups with legal weapons to seek redress.
This role will be part of the African Climate Legal Fellowship Programme (ACLFP), a pilot initiative aimed at bringing experienced lawyers to the environmental public interest sector in Africa and providing pathways for new talent to enter the public interest sector. In addition to the Chima Williams & Associates placement, Fellows will be part of a broader cohort benefiting from mentorship, coaching and leadership development, training in environmental and climate change law and science, and a network of likeminded lawyers in Africa. Travel within Africa for a launch convening will also be required. IREX, a global non-profit that has supported more than 50,000 Fellows over 50 years, will implement the fellowship and provide ongoing support to you and your nonprofit organization.
About the Job
Chima Williams & Associates is looking to appoint a full-time, passionate Legal Officer between 4 to 10 years post call experience to lead our energy/climate change campaign and litigation desk. The successful candidate will be responsible for framing and engaging in research and documentation, legal drafts, campaign and legal representations of indigent citizens and communities both in Nigeria and other African frontline communities suffering from the negative impacts of climate change and related energy poverty at different fora of action. The Fellow’s work is likely to focus on a few key cases related to the environmental impacts of oil and gas production in Nigerian and international courts.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the firm's energy and climate change initiatives.
Conduct research and document cases on environmental impacts.
Prepare legal drafts and necessary documentation.
Represent communities in legal and campaign forums locally and internationally.
Manage key litigation, particularly on oil and gas environmental issues.
Collaborate with the Environmental Defenders Network to address environmental crimes.
Focus on cases involving environmental destruction and biodiversity loss.
Provide technical legal support in ongoing and new cases.
Assist in unconventional environmental litigation, especially related to climate change.
Work closely with the team, contributing to legal research and resources.
Requirements
LLB (Hons) and BL, with 4 or more years experience, post call to the Nigerian Bar.
Must be enrolled to practice law in Nigeria.
Strong legal research, writing, and documentation skills.
Good English speaking and writing skills.
Computer proficiency.
Experience providing pro-bono legal services to vulnerable members of society.
Experience conducting extensive and high-quality legal research using IT tools and platforms.
A team player with the ability to collaborate and coordinate diverse groups.
Passion for pro-bono legal work and direct engagement with community members.
Strong planning and time management skills.
High level of financial integrity and ability to manage limited resources.
Willingness and ability to travel within and outside Nigeria for case work, including time-sensitive travel.
Ability to discuss and collaborate with the Principal and team, offering new ideas and incorporating feedback.
To apply
To apply, email your application by Friday 23rd August 2024 to callum@actionappointments.co.za
