Consultant (Rwanda Operations)

The Chandler Institute of Justice is seeking a Consultant for Rwanda Operations in Kigali. The role involves expanding CIJ's influence by identifying business opportunities, managing government relationships, conducting legal research, and providing policy advisory services. The Consultant will support law reform projects and engage with stakeholders to promote good governance, economic development, and social mobility in Rwanda.
About Chandler Institute of Justice

Chandler Institute of Justice (CIJ) is a consulting firm that works with African governments by leveraging the transformative power of law reform to enhance good governance and facilitate social mobility and inclusive economic development. CIJ is founded on the philosophy that, through concerted efforts and strategic investments in developing effective legal frameworks, African countries can build resilient societies founded on the principles of justice, prosperity, and inclusivity.

Focus Areas

Good Governance: Legal frameworks that establish the institutional mechanisms necessary to prevent abuse of power, corruption, and arbitrary decision-making, thus promoting cultures of integrity, good governance, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights

Economic Development: Legal frameworks that provide the foundation for economic thriving activity by establishing clear and enforceable laws that create a conducive environment for investment, entrepreneurship, and innovation, fostering economic growth and prosperity

Social Mobility: Legal frameworks that promote social justice, equity, and inclusivity by protecting the rights of marginalized groups, ensuring access to justice, and fostering social cohesion. These include laws that govern education, healthcare, housing, labour rights, and social protection with the aim to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of individuals and communities, thus addressing inequalities and promoting social mobility

Role

The Consultant will play a key role in expanding CIJ’s influence and impact in Rwanda by identifying business opportunities, managing relationships with government partners, providing legal research and policy advisory services, and supporting the execution of law reform projects. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong networking capabilities, legal expertise, and project management skills.

In addition to responsibilities in Rwanda, the Consultant will provide strategic and operational support to the broader team on projects across other countries and regions.

Responsibilities

Business Development:
• Identify and pursue opportunities with the government of Rwanda
• Develop strategies to generate new business and establish key contacts
• Promote CIJ’s services and secure law reform advisory and capacity building mandates
• Align business development efforts with CIJ’s strategic objectives

Partner Relations Management:
• Act as the primary liaison between CIJ and government partners
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key government contacts
• Represent CIJ in meetings and ensure smooth project execution
• Monitor project progress and address issues as they arise

Legal Research and Analysis:
• Conduct legal research on governance, economic development, and social mobility
• Assist in drafting legislation, legal provisions, and preparing detailed reports

Legal and Policy Advisory:
• Provide strategic guidance and policy advice on law reform initiatives, tailored to the socio-political and economic contexts of Rwanda
• Facilitate engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including government bodies civil society organisations, the private sector, and international organisations, to promote and expedite the adoption of proposed legal reforms

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:
• Design and coordinate training initiative on legal reform and legislative drafting
• Represent CIJ at public forums and conferences to promote its initiatives

Project Management:
• Support planning, execution, and oversight of law reform projects, ensuring they meet deadlines and budgets
• Prepare project reports and updates for CIJ management and relevant stakeholders

Requirements
• A bachelor’s degree in law is required; a master’s degree in law, or a related field is highly desirable
• At least 7 years of experience in legal advisory services, legislative drafting, or law reform
• Proven experience in working with government agencies or international organisations in Rwanda or similar contexts
• Strong expertise in one or more of the CIJ’s thematic areas: governance, economic development, and social mobility
• Ability to identify and capitalise on business opportunities within complex environments
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and deliver results within deadlines
• Flexibility to work in dynamic environments and adjust strategies as needed
• A strong commitment to CIJ’s mission and values, with a passion for advancing legal reform in Africa
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and discretion, with a proven ability to handle sensitive issues
• This is a 1-year contract position with the possibility of renewal based on performance and business needs

Administrative Details

Start date: Immediate preferred

Compensation: Competitive base salary

Education: A bachelor’s degree in law is required; a master’s degree in law, or a related field is highly desirable

Experience: At least 7 years of experience in legal advisory services, legislative drafting, or law reform

Languages: Excellent command of English required (written and spoken)