Eurasia Partnership Foundation's (EPF) mission is to empower people to effect change for social justice and economic prosperity through hands-on programs, helping them to improve their communities and their own lives. EPF engages citizens in social, economic, and political developments, in order to effect substantive and sustainable positive socio-economic change at the local, regional, and national level through both operational programs and grant-making. EPF also houses the Caucasus Research Resource Center, a network of centers working to improve social science research and public policy analysis in the South Caucasus. EPF is supported by USAID, Sida, and other public and private donors, and is a member of the Eurasia Foundation (EF) Network: five local foundations supporting civil society that are based in Russia, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Eastern Europe, and Washington, DC. In South Caucasus, EPF is present in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

Position Title: Staff Attorney (full-time)

Position Summary:

Under the guidance of the Senior Program Manage, the Staff Attorney supports an effective implementation of the EPF's EU funded project Transparent Convergence to EU Policies in Sanitary Issues: the Case of Georgia and Moldova

The project aims at increasing consumer activism in Georgia and Moldova, in order to ensure the quality and safety of food products. As part of this project, EPF and its partners will monitor Georgian and Moldovan food markets, including through random laboratory testing of food samples. The project implementers will also conduct annual assessments of government performance, with respect to their adherence to the food safety regulation and consumer protection. The results of these monitoring efforts will be publicized through various media outlets, to further enhance consumer and business awareness of sanitary and phyto-sanitary (SPS) issues. The project will also contribute to improved advocacy capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) working in food safety and consumer protection fields, so that they are able to wage successful advocacy campaigns for improved SPS system. For improved protection of consumer rights, consumers in both countries will be provided free legal aid and court representation. In addition, the project is to support informed dialogue between CSOs and business community, namely food operators, so that that reform process takes into account legitimate interests of entrepreneurs.

EPF seeks an experienced legal professional to serve as a Staff Attorney and to contribute to the implementation of the project. The main tasks of the staff attorney is to support EPF's efforts to establish the Consumer Legal Defense Center (CLDC) and manage the provision of legal aid to the consumers and EPF partner CSOs.

The Staff Attorney is required to have at least five years of professional experience as a practicing civil or administrative lawyer. He or she should have experience in providing legal consultations and/or education, in the civil law including consumer rights and/or food safety, proven ability to manage legal services and respond flexibly to changing circumstances.

Duties and Responsibilities:

In more specific terms the SA will:

** Provide legal assistance to both Georgian consumers and CSOs, running consumer assistance services in Tbilisi and in four regions of Georgia;

** Draft legislation (or legislative amendments) about food safety and consumer rights issues, reflecting accurately the intent of the members of the Food Safety Coalition and prepared in grammatically correct plain Georgian, adhering to all other office style and format requirements;

** Draft legal and research memoranda on food safety and consumer protection issues, as requested;

** Monitor the legislation affecting food safety and consumer protection; provides updates to EPF and the Coalition;

** Assist with selecting and managing a group of legal interns, who would assist the project in provision of legal assistance;

** Assist with selecting and managing lawyers across Georgia, who, in the framework of the project, would be able to represent consumers in court and in front of administrative organs;

** Liaise with the Georgian Bar Association to improve the lawyers' understanding of food safety and consumer protection issues, in order to promote pro bono legal aid on consumer rights;

** Support the project's communications with the media and other stakeholders, as requested;

** Conduct trainings and provide coaching to CSOs and lawyers on food safety and consumer rights regulations in Georgia;

** Contribute to advocacy efforts of the project to improve food safety and consumer rights legislation and practice in Georgia;

** Draft reports about activities under his/her responsibility;

** Perform other duties as required.

** Competencies and Skills: Academic Background: Master's degree in law.

** Relevant Work Experience: At least five years of experience of practical legal experience, preferably and civil and administrative law, including provision of legal aid.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

** Sound understanding of CSO sector activities and principles. Experience in working at a CSO would be a plus;

** Experience in legislative drafting and analysis;

** Solid report writing;

** Experience of working as a trainer would be an asset;

** Superior analytical, writing and communication skills;

** Strong organizational and time management skills;

** Ability to approach work with energy, commitment and a positive, constructive attitude;

** Proficiency in Georgian and English (Russian would be an asset);

** Ability to work independently and think proactively and creatively about problems;

** Ability to plan strategically to achieve long term goals;

** Ability to work under pressure and with a multicultural team of colleagues;

** Ability to travel within Georgia and outside.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter (both in English) by e-mail to: vacancy@epfound.ge and please indicate "Staff Attorney" in the subject line.

The deadline for applications is November 4, 2013. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

source: jobs.ge