Terms of Reference

Who is Natural Justice?

Natural Justice seeks to hire a dedicated Community Environmental defender who resides in any of the following core Niger Delta states – Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Edo states respectively. The appropriate candidate must have relevant experience working with and supporting local communities, women, youths, and community-based organizations to defend our environment and protect local livelihoods.  

Evidence of having undergone paralegal and environmental monitoring and reporting trainings will be an added advantage.  The selected candidate will receive further training as a Community Environmental Legal Officer and in this role will be expected to perform the following duties:

• Work with communities and/or groups affected by environmental injustices to locate remedies through government administrative and regulatory institutions.
• Collect and submit evidence of environmental impacts.
• Train affected people on relevant laws to defend or protect their environment/ livelihoods.
• Write letters to relevant institutions requesting information and highlighting environmental impacts.
• Facilitate discussions with relevant government institutions.
• Liaise and collaborate with local civil society groups.
• Travel to meet with affected groups.
• Attend relevant institutions to discuss and/or request information on environmental justice issues.
• Report to the relevant manager on weekly basis or as required.
• Conduct research on laws and relevant projects.
• Provide a weekly report on project activities to the Program Officer and/or Manager
• Complete and submit the case forms, and a detailed case log, on a regular basis
• Complete and submit reports of meetings or other relevant material.
• Attend and participate in the regular CELOs meetings
• Participate in CELO learning exchange program as required from time to time
• Complete blog posts or articles, when required
• Assist in project publications 
• Keep records of all expenditures and provide evidence to the Dakar office as directed and in a timely manner
• Develop and complete case deliverables in a timely manner.
• Undertaking other relevant activities that may arise from time to time in the context of NJ’s work in Nigeria.

Minimum qualifications and skills:
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of work experience in a relevant field and/or a bachelor’s degree in a social science, environmental/resource management, or legal discipline
Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English and local languages
Good knowledge of Word, Excel and Power point and the use of the Internet
Desirable Qualifications and Attributes:
Professionalism, strong work ethic and personal initiative; ability to work independently and autonomously
Sustained interest and commitment to advancing the rights of marginalized communities, especially as it relates to their environment
Willingness and ability to travel regularly
Critical and analytical thinking
Strong oral and written communication skills
Resident or native to the localities of interest
We encourage applications from women
Deadline: May 30, 2023

Applications should be emailed to admin.dkr@naturaljustice.org with “Environmental Paralegal”

Attach a cover letter stating why you think you are the best candidate for the position, a detailed CV with three references, and, if possible, no more than two samples of your previous written work (e.g., articles or research reports). Please ensure that your application package matches the required skills and experience as well as the desirable traits and attributes listed above.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Good luck!

The Natural Justice Team