Job opportunity: NLSIU Announces Call for Applications for Project Manager Role in Women’s Leadership in Law Initiative. Apply by 11th September, 5pm.

NLSIU Announces Call for Applications for Project Manager Role in Women’s Leadership in Law Initiative

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru has opened applications for the position of Project Manager for its groundbreaking initiative on Women’s Leadership in Law. This full-time role will span one year, with the potential for extension, depending on the availability of project funds. 

The project aims to promote gender justice within the legal profession by identifying and addressing the structural barriers that limit the advancement of women lawyers. Spearheaded by two leading faculty members, Dr. Aparna Chandra and Dr. Atreyee Majumder, the project will combine research, advocacy, and capacity-building measures to empower women in the legal field, enabling them to ascend to leadership positions.

Project Overview

At its core, the Women’s Leadership in Law project is designed to confront gender inequities embedded within the legal profession. The initiative seeks to examine the systemic obstacles that impede women's professional growth, while also fostering opportunities for change by creating an enabling environment for women lawyers to take on leadership roles. With an emphasis on research-driven interventions, the project’s scope covers four key areas:

1. Research: Investigating the gender dynamics within the legal field and the hurdles faced by women practitioners.

2. Capacity Building: Offering training and empowerment programs to help women in law overcome challenges and hone leadership skills.

3. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with key players, including government bodies, legal institutions, and civil society organizations, to advocate for policy change.

4. Public Awareness: Raising consciousness about the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within the legal sector and inspiring efforts toward gender parity.

Role of the Project Manager

The Project Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution of the project. Working closely with the Principal Investigators, the Project Manager will be responsible for shaping the research strategy, overseeing its implementation, managing project activities, and ensuring that the project stays within budget.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

- Collaborating on the research design and strategy throughout the various phases of the project.

- Drafting and contributing to project strategy documents, as well as developing background notes, briefs, and reports.

- Coordinating with stakeholders and managing consultations, meetings, and follow-up activities.

- Monitoring the project’s budget, ensuring adherence to financial guidelines, and preparing monthly progress reports.

- Managing internal administrative tasks, such as securing necessary approvals, handling procurement, booking travel, and maintaining systematic documentation of project activities.

- Overseeing the work of research assistants and ensuring timely reporting to funders.

The Project Manager will also be tasked with ensuring compliance with institutional policies and contributing to the overall project vision through brainstorming sessions and engagement with diverse stakeholders from government, civil society, and academia.

Eligibility Criteria

The ideal candidate for this role should possess a postgraduate degree, along with 5 to 8 years of experience in research and advocacy within legal domains such as access to justice, human rights, or legal reform. A strong background in working with civil society, government institutions, or the judiciary is also essential. 

Additional qualifications include:

- Proven research and writing skills.

- Exceptional coordination abilities, especially in managing multiple tasks and engaging with diverse stakeholders.

- Capacity for strategic thinking and solution-oriented problem-solving.

- Experience in project management, including budget monitoring and reporting.

While not mandatory, a Bachelor's Degree in Law and experience as a practicing lawyer, preferably in district or trial courts, will be considered an advantage. The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, capable of working independently, and detail-oriented.

Application Process

Interested candidates are required to complete an online application Form and submit the following documents:

- An updated CV.

- A brief statement (500 words or less) outlining their interest in the role and why they would be a suitable candidate.

- A sole-authored writing sample.

- Contact details for two referees.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview. NLSIU will only be able to contact those selected for interviews due to time constraints. Candidates who do not receive a response within 15 days of the application deadline should assume their application was not successful.

Deadline

The deadline for submission of applications is 5:00 PM on Tuesday, 11th September 2024. Candidates are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

This position offers a unique opportunity for a driven individual to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of women in the legal profession while working with renowned faculty members at one of India’s most prestigious law schools.