Country representative

Descripción general

Develops detailed strategic goals and budget for HIAS operations in Costa Rica.
Supervises the Finance and Operations Officer’s implementation of all necessary administrative and financial systems to ensure that HIAS Costa Rica has met domestic legal requirements and operates in a manner consistent with HIAS global programs.
Coordinates the development of all systems necessary to conduct: regular training, screening, and referrals of refugees for non-legal services; individual legal representation during first instance, appeal and reconsideration procedures; outreach and coordination with a wide range of stakeholder to engage in legal capacity building, coordination and joint advocacy to advance refugee rights and protection.
Oversees the recruitment, selection, training and capacity building of direct reports, and provides them direct supervision. Ultimately responsible for, though not directly supervising other staff and contractors, including intake officers, interpreters, and legal fellows.
Ensures a positive work environment and compliance with HIAS’ Core Values and Code of Conduct for all field office staff and volunteers.
Oversees the development of an intake system, legal forms, public legal information, and a case management system, and legal submissions to ensure the provision of effective and responsive legal services to asylum seekers and refugees in Costa Rica.
Works with legal staff to identify potential test cases for advocacy efforts and/or strategic litigation.
Serves as HIAS’ primary liaison with key partners and stakeholders, particularly UNHCR, other UNHCR NGO partners and the relevant Costa Rican government authorities and other domestic and global partners, as appropriate. Establishes HIAS as a convener and promotes collaborative relationships across sectors.
Implements system to closely monitor and report on program and finance operations.
Regularly communicates with HIAS HQ to share program developments and updates as needed a

Requisitos para aplicar

A minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience in litigation, the judiciary, NGO or private legal practice, with a focus on administrative, constitutional or migration law and practice; extensive experience in refugee law preferred.
Oral and written fluency in Spanish and proficiency in English.
Experience in age, gender and diversity mainstreaming and community-based and human rights approaches is a plus.
At least five (5) years of experience in managing and mentoring staff.
Superior written communication skills, with capacity to edit technical legal pleadings and public legal education materials.
Excellent oral presentation skills, including experience presenting to a wide variety of audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and facilitate multiparty discussion and collaboration.
Experience developing and implementing project objectives, indicators and budgets.
Knowledge of results-based management and experience overseeing procurement and audit procedures a plus.
Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
A flexible, creative and collaborative working style.
Costa Rican citizen or legal resident with employment authorization required.