Paralegal – G06

Grade: G06
Type of Appointment: Series A - Short Term
Duration of Contract: 6 months
Secretary/Department/Off.: The Exec. Secretariat of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
Announcement Number: EO/57/21
Duty Station: US - Washington D.C.
Job Family: Human Rights Commission
Job Category: General Services
Recruitment Type: External
Employment Schedule: Full time
Publication Date: 7/30/21
Closing Date: 8/17/21
# of Openings: 1

  Annual Basic Salary (net of taxes):

Basic Salary: 51,219.00

 Annual Post Adjustment (net of taxes):

Post Adjustment: N/A

Description

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

*   Review correspondence that pertains to petitions and cases at the stages of initial review, admissibility and/or merits, provided by the parties, in order to determine, according to the processing protocol, the procedural action that must be adopted and instruct the preparation of model letters that need to be prepared for carrying out that procedural action or directly respond to the party by e-mail. this requires knowledge of the different procedural stages of proceedings before the IACHR and the ability to identify at what point of proceedings each petition and case is at based on the information received and the information in the systems.
*   Participate in meetings with petitioners and state representatives to inform them of the procedural status of petitions and cases. also respond to requests for information by e-mail and/or telephone.
*   Maintain the case docket updated with information about the latest procedural actions taken in each petition and case.
*   Assist in determining which petitions and cases are not procedurally ready to be processed or should be archived based on the inactivity of the petitioner.
*   Perform due diligence review and analysis and draft and revise documents.
*   Exhibit and utilize technical expertise with respect to new and existing document management technology including managing knowledge sharing using oms systems and other databases.
*   Examines, prepares and processes a variety of technical legal documents which are characteristically voluminous and complex in format. reviews incoming material and independently determines the need for assembly and preparation of a variety of legal documents.
*   Performs docketing duties such as opening, updating and closing cases through use of the automated case tracking system. as necessary, searches database for required information.
*   Enters information into various databases and monitors for continued necessity.
*   Assist with periodic audits of the docketing database, proactively identifying and responding underlying issues identified.
*   Prepare one-off docketing reports and support as requested.
*   Creates, organizes and maintains adequate administrative record documentation of the IACHR cases in paper case files.
*   Ensures case file/administrative record integrity by reviewing the file for accuracy, completeness and timeliness.
*   Drafts reports of findings and recommendations in support of process improvements.
*   Submit monthly reports documenting all work accomplished.
*   Cooperate in other tasks as assigned by the section/unit chief and other superiors and perform other duties related to the functions, such as, but not limited to, preparing memos to the executive secretaries and commissioners with information about procedural aspects of petitions and cases.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

Essential: High school or technical/commercial training and seven years of relevant experience in administrative operations and/or secretarial work OR advanced training and five years of relevant experience. 

Desirable: Experience or knowledge of the OAS mandates and priorities as related to Human Rights and/or the dynamics of the Inter-American agenda and system. Paralegal experience or secretarial experience in law firms or other organizations that routinely work with case files and data management systems.

COMPUTER SKILLS: Ability to effectively work using Microsoft Office (e.g. Outlook, Word, and Excel) and software applicable to the area of work.

LANGUAGES:

Essential – Proficient in at least two of the following languages: English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish (read, write and communicate)

Desirable – Working knowledge of the other two languages.

PERSONAL COMPETENCIES: Client Orientation, Knowledge Sharing, Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills. Ability to clearly communicate in the languages required for the post.

The GS/OAS embraces equality, diversity and inclusion. Thus, the GS/OAS, in accordance with its rules and regulations, is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, achieving a diverse staff, and will take into account a wide geographic representation, as well as gender equity and equality, in the selection of candidates.
Please note that the mandatory retirement age for staff members at the General Secretariat of the OAS is 65.