Special Counsel

South Africa
Job Description | December 2022

Institute’s Mission

The Human Trafficking Institute (HTI) exists to decimate modern slavery at its source by empowering police and prosecutors to stop traffickers. Working inside criminal justice systems, the Institute provides the embedded experts, world-class training, investigative resources, and evidence-based research necessary to free victims.

General Description – Uganda, Belize or South Africa

HTI seeks applicants with prosecution experience for a Special Counsel position, which will be positioned within Uganda, Belize or South Africa’s criminal justice system. The selected Special Counsel will work in the Office of Public Prosecution and collaborate closely with investigators and prosecutors handling human trafficking cases throughout Uganda, Belize or South Africa. This position reports directly to HTI’s Country Director in Uganda, Belize or South Africa. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Assist and provide legal expertise to ODPP Prosecutors on human trafficking prosecutions
• Advise, support, and conduct legal research for the specialized human trafficking investigation and prosecution units/personnel and the courts that hear human trafficking cases
• Maintain organized reports and detailed data regarding all human trafficking cases throughout Uganda, Belize or South Africa, including the full utilization of HTI’s TIPMAP program
• Develop relationships with law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and other relevant criminal justice stakeholders
• Facilitate coordination between investigators, prosecutors, and victim witness coordinators in human trafficking cases
• Coordinate and partner with other civil society organizations that provide services to human trafficking victims and on other issues related to human trafficking
• Identify barriers to effective prosecution of human trafficking cases in Uganda, Belize or South Africa and identify and execute strategies for overcoming those barriers
• Assist in preparing for and conducting human trafficking knowledge- and skills-based trainings for a variety of audiences
• Assist in the recruitment and training of future HTI personnel in Uganda, Belize or South Africa
• Maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information
• Attend meetings, retreats and other HTI events, as required
• Carry out additional assignments at the Country Director’s or Leadership Team’s request

Skills and Experience

• Juris Doctor or equivalent
• Subject matter expertise in human trafficking required
• Prosecutorial experience required, specialization in human trafficking highly preferred
• Extensive experience training criminal justice stakeholders on human trafficking and investigative and prosecution strategies and accepted best practices
• Experience operating in an international context highly preferred
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Ability to quickly and independently produce a professional work product
• Experience working as a team and managing multiple tasks
• Organized, meticulous attention to detail

Critical Qualities

• Self-motivated and hard working
• Ability to adapt to living in a new country
• Ability to winsomely lead others
• Disciplined with priorities
• Personable
• Mature judgment
• Professional presentation in demeanor, written and oral communication
• Works well under stress
• Strong ethic of service
• Sustained positive attitude
• Passion for the HTI’s model and goals

To Apply

This is a full-time, field-based position with benefits. It is based in Kampala, Uganda, Belize or South Africa. Salary is commensurate with experience. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resumé, and three references to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. These positions are based on grant funding.