Contract period: One year (starting 1 August 2024 until 31 July 2025)

Background

The Freedom of Expression Legal Defence Fund is established by a coalition of Civil Society Organisations working on freedom of expression to provide legal assistance to individuals and human rights defenders who face freedom of expression violation. By enabling access to justice and ensuring legal representation, the aim of the fund is to enable and amplify self-expression and voices of communities at risk as well as create an enabling environment for human rights defenders to promote and protect freedom of expression.

MCCHR is looking for an LDF Coordinator to provide assistance and support in managing the Legal Defence Fund (LDF). This is a consultant position.

Duties and Responsibilities/ Deliverables

Under the supervision of the Chief Human Rights Strategist of the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR), the Consultant performs the following responsibilities:

1. Process all applications for LDF in a timely manner. This includes compiling all relevant information for a case review, updating the LDF Committee, drafting correspondences, notifying the decision of the LDF Committee to the applicants, and if successful, work with the Finance of MCCHR, processing the payments accordingly;
2. Organise LDF Committee meetings including preparing meeting agenda and material, and taking minutes of the meeting;
3. Maintain an updated database of the cases supported by way of a case digest with all relevant information and documents within the agreed timeline. This includes following up with the lawyer representing the applicant, monitoring press coverage of the cases, and preparing a report of the progress/outcome of the cases;
4. Review and update the Policy on LDF as and when necessary and/or instructed by MCCHR or the LDF Committee;
5. Respond to all enquiries relating to the LDF and its progress; and
6. Assist the LDF Committee to enhance the LDF through case analysis and research, trainings, and incorporation of more efficient tools and system to improve administration of the LDF.
7. Perform other duties relevant to the advancement of freedom of expression in relation to the LDF.

Place and Hours of Work

The consultant may work at a location other than MCCHR’s office. Work hours are flexible so long as the consultant fulfil 10 hours per week in accordance with the needs of the LDF as per above deliverables under the supervision of MCCHR’s Chief Human Rights Strategist.

Key Competencies and Values

1. Good knowledge of Google applications and Microsoft Office.
2. Good knowledge and understanding of CSO work with an outcome-oriented focus.
3. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
4. Basic understanding of human rights standards and principles.
5. Displays commitment to the international standards and principles relating to freedom of expression.
6. Displays commitment to MCCHR mission and core and values.

Consultancy Fee

RM2,000 – RM2,500 per month depending on experience.

Submission Guideline

Please submit your CV with a cover letter to pusatrakyatlb@mcchr.org by 26 July 2024. Kindly indicate the title of the post in your cover letter and email subject line.

MCCHR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.