Terms of Reference – Director of Programme (Law and Gender)
Job Title: Director of Programme (Law and Gender)
Location: New Delhi (on-site) with travel to States where the project is being implemented
Reporting to: Executive Director
Experience: 12-15 years
Consultancy Period: 1 year (with possibility of renewals)
Starting Date: November 1, 2024
About organisation
Migration and Asylum Project (MAP) is a dedicated legal centre for the study of forced displacement and migration issues. Established in 2013, MAP adopts the law as a tool to promote safe migration and recognises it as a powerful instrument for empowerment, analysis, advocacy and policy development. As a result of its efforts, MAP has emerged today as one of the foremost advocates for forced migrants in the region and works to expand the legal protection space for this group. It continues to evolve as an organisation, expanding its activities and constantly innovating to address the growing needs of migrant communities in light of the local and international context through a range of programmes that focus on legal assistance, research, advocacy, empowerment and financial inclusion. For more information, visit: https://www.migrationandasylumproject.org/
Position overview
MAP is currently looking for a suitable candidate for the position of ‘Director of Programme (Law and Gender)’ for its programme focusing on democratising justice at the grassroots for displaced and marginalised women and girls. To this end, the incumbent will be responsible and accountable for the effective and high-quality delivery, including financial, operational and risk management, of the said programme.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Programme Management
Translate project strategy into actionable goals for performance and growth;
Overall management and implementation of the project;
Conduct capacity-building sessions for grassroots justice actors, including paralegal volunteers, litigators, community across the target States that the organisation currently operates in;
Oversee all community and stakeholder outreach and engagement;
Supervise the preparation of various project outputs (e.g., policies, directives, guidelines, procedures, outreach, and training material) and their implementation and dissemination;
Keep abreast of legislative and policy changes and design project interventions accordingly;
Engage with various accountability mechanisms including the UN and domestic systems; and
Provide mentorship support and insights to inform program adjustments and improvements and provide strategic and policy advice to programme teams on required follow-up and/or corrective actions.
Monitoring & Evaluation
Oversee and be accountable for the delivery of all project milestones within their agreed timeline, budget, scope and to high quality, ensuring that team members maintain consistently high standards of project delivery;
Formulation of quality project reports, setting models for achieving expected results according to clear monitoring and evaluation systems;
Preparing donor reports and leading all donor engagement; and
Facilitate donor and other external audits and reviews and operationalise the timely and full implementation of audit recommendations.
Partnerships & Networks
Build effective collaboration with relevant institutional actors, especially legal services authorities, and other relevant stakeholders for implementation of relevant project activities;
Develop networks and partnerships with appropriate government departments and officials, civil society and other stakeholders; and
Build strong collaboration with all project partners and collaborators for effective programme delivery.
Supervision & Office Management
Recruit, train and undertake day-to-day supervision of team members;
Conduct formal and informal quarterly performance assessments for staff;
Mentor staff and maintain a culture of open communication and transparency; and
Undertake steps towards ensuring staff welfare in accordance with office policy.
Financial and Administrative Management
Facilitate high quality administrative, operational, and financial management of the Project;
Ensure the effective collaboration of the project teams with other cross-functional teams within MAP, including finance, HR and communications; and
Monitor the project budget and ensure that resources are allocated and used for project execution in a timely and efficient manner.
Qualifications and Experience
Post-graduate degree in Law or related field, with a focus on gender studies;
Minimum of 12-15 years’ experience in law or relevant work experience, with at least 10 years of demonstrated leadership experience in the field of ‘access to justice’ and gender;
Experience working with international, and national and institutions, especially government and UN bodies, is strongly preferred;
Background in working with issues such as migration, and/or gender-based violence is desirable;
Excellent communication (written and verbal), negotiation, and interpersonal skills;
Ability to think strategically, solve problems creatively, and drive results in a dynamic environment;
Strong sense of personal integrity, attention to detail and understanding of confidentiality and ethics is essential; and
Open to Indian citizens only.
Remuneration
The remuneration for the position will be commensurate with experience.
Why MAP?
Opportunity to lead from the front, working with leaders across the organisation and the senior leadership team;
Understand the inner workings of an organisation in its expansion phase and contribute directly to organisational building and development;
Be part of a team comprising of highly qualified and dynamic professionals who are deeply committed to social justice and bringing about transformative change;
Develop intellectual leadership, innovate, work independently, and engage with diverse stakeholders;
Enhance understanding of the international development sector, particularly UN/INGO systems and procedures; and
Work in a structured and highly professional environment, with clearly defined roles, but allowing for creativity and a space for finding unique solutions.
Recruitment Process
Potential candidates who meet the requirements should submit their Resume and a Cover Letter by September 30, 2024, 5pm, using the following link - https://forms.gle/kHDEo9UaCWgrqrF8A.
Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the recruitment process. Due to limited capacity, we are unable to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates.
For any queries, please write to us at recrutiments@aratrust.in
Legal Aid Partner
About MAP: The Migration & Asylum Project (MAP) is India’s first dedicated law centre for forced migration and displacement. MAP is working towards building an inclusive and responsive legal landscape for displaced communities through direct engagement at the grassroots as well as advocacy with state stakeholders for systemic change.
In 2020, MAP launched a project aimed at preventing and combating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) within migrant and displaced communities. This project sought to revolutionize the delivery of services to survivors by reimagining conventional methods. The SGBV project focuses on creating community-based legal response structures, empowering a network of grassroots advocates, promoting the integration of migrant/displaced women into welfare frameworks, and making justice attainable for those affected by SGBV.
Over the years, MAP’s legal empowerment model has focused on establishing community legal desks, conducting legal awareness campaigns, strengthening grassroots support structures, facilitating access to government entitlements, and creating a community of Paralegal Volunteers and pro bono lawyers. Through these interventions, MAP has directly assisted over 25,000 community members and has made its services available to over 7,00,000 community members. This has improved identification and reporting of SGBV incidents within the community by over 30-50% across target locations.
About the Legal Aid Partner programme:
Launched in 2022, MAP’s Legal Aid Partner Programme presents a unique opportunity for early-career litigation lawyers to engage in impactful pro bono work, advocating for vulnerable migrant populations at the grassroots level. With the objective of ensuring that the law reaches those most vulnerable within the migrant communities, MAP’s service delivery model focuses on ensuring access to both formal and informal justice systems.
MAP’s Legal Aid Partners play a vital role in this endeavor, by providing meaningful and effective mediation and litigation support in cases referred by MAP. Collectively, they have represented over 60 SGBV cases in courts, and secured over 25 orders including protection orders, maintenance orders, residence order, orders for registration of FIR, stay on and transfer of counter blast proceedings, etc.
Impact Story:
“Nargis*, a survivor of domestic violence, was being harassed by her husband and in-laws and was being evicted from her house illegally at 9 PM. Upon calling MAP, our lawyers intervened and spoke to the local authorities that night. They agreed to not evict her, but informed the team that they would be evicting her the next morning.
The Legal Aid Partner took the initiative of drafting a petition overnight and approached the High Court the next morning, where they got a stay on the eviction of the survivor. The survivor now continues to reside in her house and is not being harassed by the local authorities anymore”.
As a Legal Aid Partner, you will have the rare chance to utilise core human rights and legal principles to directly impact the lives of their clients, while contributing to a broader movement aimed at building an inclusive legal protection landscape through a rule of law-focused approach. This collaboration also offers:
A platform for professional growth, networking opportunities, and recognition within the legal community.
An opportunity to develop legal skills including arguing and representing cases independently, and participating in briefings for senior counsels,
The ability to be part of a small, passion-driven legal team specializing in SGBV/labour and working towards the shared goal of gender and social justice.
Sustained interaction with migrant and displaced communities to develop and strengthen soft skills such as enforcing ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality, undertaking trauma-informed engagements, etc.
Access to MAP’s vast community of pro bono lawyers, Paralegal Volunteers, community leaders, and civil society partners involved in championing social justice.
Provision not only of legal support but also of life-changing hope and empowerment to vulnerable individuals navigating complex and overwhelming legal systems.
Involvement in the larger programmatic activities which includes participating in community awareness drives, training Paralegal Volunteers, and supporting community legal desks.
“I joined map as a legal aid partner in January 2023 and it has provided me an unparalleled experience to engage in pro bono work. A majority of the cases assigned to me were of socially and economically marginalised migrant women, who were unaware of their rights. These women had been subjected to severe forms of domestic violence for which they were seeking legal recourse. As a LA partner, I bore the responsibility of counselling the survivors, drafting and representing them in court. The experience of being a Partner with MAP has been extremely rewarding and professionally enriching; exposing me to the difficult lived realities of thousands of women and migrant workers and giving me a chance to help them in ensuring that justice becomes a part of that lived reality. I highly recommend lawyers who want experience in providing effective legal support to vulnerable populations, to join this programme.”
Chaitanya Sundriyal, Legal Aid Partner
“I was told about MAP by the ASHA worker in my area and I connected with them in March 2023. I am a survivor of severe domestic abuse and thought that I absolutely had no escape from my situation. After counselling me on the different avenues of resolution available to me, the MAP team provided me a legal aid lawyer, who helped me file a case in court. The MAP team along with the LAP, got a protection order in my favour, which allowed me to peacefully reside separately from my husband. When there were subsequent and more severe violations of the protection given to me by the court, by my husband, the LAP also helped me file a case in the High Court. After the High Court has intervened, I have been given better protection and I feel safer than before. Because of the High Court order, the police have also become cooperative, and there have not been any more incidents of violence against me.”
Sangeeta, client
Roles and Responsibilities:
§ Assume full responsibility for managing litigation cases referred by MAP from initiation through to resolution.
§ Prepare legal drafts for cases referred by MAP and act as the primary legal representative for clients in court.
§ Maintain direct and effective communication with clients, providing them with regular updates, guidance, and support throughout the legal process.
§ Share periodic updates on referred cases with MAP.
§ Willingness to attend meetings and other MAP trainings/ workshops
Eligibility
- Active bar council membership.
- Minimum 2-3 years of litigation experience in trial and labour courts in Delhi with demonstrated ability of representing cases independently.
- Demonstrated commitment to human rights, with the ability to work empathetically and effectively with vulnerable populations.
- Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, proactively and take initiative in cases.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English and any local languages pertinent to our beneficiaries.
- Prior experience of working with migrant communities and women is an added advantage.
Please note: A deep commitment to see-through the life-cycle of the case and being accountable to the client by ensuring that you are present for her at all stages is paramount.
How to Apply: If you are interested in applying to be a part of this network, please send your CV to recruitments@aratrust.in. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an in-person interview. Candidates may be asked to furnish samples of orders that they have secured in the past. MAP will be accepting applications on a rolling-basis till May 31st 2024.
Remuneration: This is a voluntary position and the assistance provided will be pro-bono in nature. However, the Legal Aid Partner will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred during litigation proceedings subject to the availability of funds.
Certification: MAP has also, in the past, facilitated recommendations and certification for past Legal Aid Partners, wherever required.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I consider joining the programme?
Joining MAP’s Legal Aid Partner Programme offers a unique opportunity to directly contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights for some of society’s most vulnerable populations. A Legal Aid Partner’s legal skills can transform lives by securing justice for marginalised women, migrant workers, and displaced individuals, thereby shaping judicial precedents that benefit migrant and displaced communities at large.
Working with MAP provides a platform to engage directly with migrant communities, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges they face. This hands-on experience is invaluable for lawyers passionate about human rights and social justice, providing a perspective that goes beyond traditional legal practice. Furthermore, joining the program enables you to connect with a network of passionate, like-minded professionals, fostering a community of support and learning, and offering opportunities for networking and professional recognition.
2. How does MAP accommodate the varying schedules and commitments of its Legal Aid Partners in assigning cases?
MAP’s team of lawyers includes litigating lawyers who are familiar with the demands of legal practice. Understanding the demands of legal practice, MAP ensures flexibility in case assignments, respecting your availability and bandwidth. This allows you to contribute meaningfully without compromising your professional obligations. We maintain however that the Legal Aid Partner continues to be committed to the partners.
3. Can LAPs take the assistance of MAP lawyers for their cases?
MAP lawyers can assist the Legal Aid Partner in coordinating with clients. In exceptional circumstances and upon being requested in advance, MAP lawyers can assist them in drafting and client coordination. The Legal Aid Partner is however expected to be present for all the hearings and to be diligent and committed towards MAP cases. They will be the primary contact for the client. Where required, MAP may also assign a trained Paralegal Volunteer to assist the Legal Aid Partner in specific cases.
4. Can a LAP choose when and what cases they take?
We understand that Legal Aid Partners may have bandwidth concerns. No case is allotted without prior discussion and their approval. Legal Aid Partners are encouraged to inform us if they do not have the bandwidth to take up cases during any given time. However, they are expected to take at least 1-2 cases in a quarter.
5. What kind of reporting is expected?
At the time of assigning a case, MAP lawyers and Legal Aid Partners can mutually agree on a reporting schedule which will typically include regular telephonic check-ins to ensure that the client is receiving the required support, and copies of case files as the case progresses. MAP also routinely seeks feedback from the client to understand how to collaborate with the Legal Aid Partner to improve services.
6. What is the policy for terminating the Legal Aid Partner arrangement?
Given the voluntary basis of the position, either the Legal Aid Partner or MAP has the right to terminate the arrangement at any given time, provided that a two weeks' notice is given. This notice period is crucial as it allows MAP’s lawyers to seek a handover of relevant case files and gives them the necessary time to reassign any pending cases to another Legal Aid Partner. It also ensures a smooth transition for beneficiaries by acquainting them with their new legal representatives, thereby maintaining continuity in legal support and minimizing disruptions to their cases.
7. Will I be paid for my work?
This is a voluntary position and the assistance provided will be pro-bono in nature. As a legal aid centre our resources are limited. However, the Legal Aid Partner will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred during litigation proceedings. Typically MAP allocates a modest lumpsum allowance to cover certain routine costs such as travel, filings, clerkage, etc.