About the Organisation
Alerte Congolaise pour l’Environnement et les Droits de l’Homme (ACEDH) is a non-profit organization based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with its headquarters in Goma and Kitshanga, North Kivu. Founded in 2008, ACEDH is dedicated to promoting human rights and environmental protection with a focus on community-based governance. Their work is centered around responsible and transparent management of land and fisheries, environmental justice, energy transition, and strategic climate-related litigation. ACEDH is committed to creating a just world where people and the environment are prioritized in all governance actions.
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 ACEDH 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
Under the responsibility of the Head of the Legal and Climate Justice Department, the Legal Officer will carry out legal tasks, including judicial support, research, analysis, support for hearings, consultations, legal assistance, training, and planning in legal advocacy cases, climate litigation, administrative requests, assignments, hearing reports, and other tasks requested by ACEDH.
Key Responsibilities
Participate in the construction of case files and legal aid strategies in key cases related to climate, local rights, and related strategic litigation.
Assist in legal and judicial support activities.
Conduct analyses of the legal framework, acts, and legal procedures related to the contracting of gas and oil blocks in the DRC.
Participate in hearings on environmental cases, defending environmental and conservation defenders in courts and tribunals.
Produce a legal note on compliance with principles of citizen participation, public consultation, and transparency as stated in the DRC constitution and the law on fundamental principles related to environmental protection.
Contribute to analyses and studies on socio-economic and social research related to local rights in the Lake Albert and Lake Kivu areas, facing risks of oil and gas exploitation.
Provide support for the production of a comparative analysis and proposals for administrative requests and assignments in cases of land eviction and environmental destruction.
Conduct legal studies on the impact of deforestation and biodiversity loss in Virunga Park on food security and climate impact.
Produce legal notes and orientation acts in climate litigation cases related to the exploitation of critical minerals and fossils, focusing on conservation and real and ancestral local rights.
Help propose options for community restructuring and strengthening the legal autonomy of communities in Idjwi, Fishermen, Virunga Park, Goma, and Lake Albert.
Contribute to the analysis of the Congolese legal framework, legitimate rights, access to public interest information, and opportunities to use the law to challenge the state and companies on fossil issues.
Participate in research activities, analysis, and data production on the RUBAYA and other cases.
Participate in field visits for research on issues related to the environment and local communities.
Requirements
Be of Congolese nationality or any other nationality.
Holder of a degree in law, environmental law, or a related field, either a Bachelor's or Doctorate.
Be ready to make significant sacrifices and work with rural communities.
Have never been convicted, prosecuted, or suspected of environmental crimes, child trafficking, or other organized crimes.
Language skills: Proficiency in French is required, and knowledge of English and national languages is an asset.
Be dynamic and flexible.
Have a creative mindset.
Be able to work under pressure and as part of a team.
Demonstrated competence in the judicial, environmental, land management, and programming fields.
Proficiency in computer skills: Word, Excel, etc.
To apply
To apply, email your application by Monday 2nd September 2024 to callum@actionappointments.co.za
