Legal Officer

Iucn Eastern And Southern Africa; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 735 000; Full time

Job summary

An international conservation organization is seeking a Legal Officer based in Madagascar. This role involves providing legal support for wildlife conservation projects, conducting legal reviews, and developing training for stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in law, strong legal experience, and fluency in Malagasy and French. This position offers a dynamic work environment aimed at combating wildlife crime.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in law required.
• Experience in environmental sector or wildlife crime preferred.
• Proven legal experience, particularly courtroom work.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to TRAFFIC and partner organisations.
• Develop training and deliver workshops.
• Produce guidance on wildlife law enforcement.

Skills

Legal analysis

Drafting legal documents

Research skills

Communication skills

Project management

Fluency in Malagasy

Fluency in French

Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Education

Master’s degree in law or related studies

Job description

Legal Officer – TRAFFIC International – Madagascar

Vacancy #: 7432 unit TRAFFIC Southern Africa – Fixed‑term 24 months (with possibility of renewal). Expected start 1 Nov 2025. Reporting to the Project Manager.

Background

TRAFFIC International is a charity and limited company registered in the UK, focused on ensuring that global trade in wild species is legal and sustainable. The role will be hosted by WWF‑MG in Antananarivo on behalf of TRAFFIC. Salary up to 42 310 USD (converted to local currency at appointment).

Job Description

The Legal Officer will support a portfolio of projects focused on law enforcement, trade monitoring and capacity building to counter the illegal national and cross‑border trade in wild species, mainly through the EU‑funded GUARD Wildlife programme.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal reviews and provide legal advice to TRAFFIC and partner organisations.
• Develop training contents and deliver workshops for criminal‑justice stakeholders.
• Produce high‑level guidance on wildlife law enforcement, prosecution and sentencing.
• Facilitate government coordination processes and support inter‑agency mechanisms.
• Produce and support the implementation of guidance, manuals and impact statements on wildlife crime.
• Support the development and introduction of a Rapid Reference Guide (RRG) for investigators and prosecutors.
• Provide tailored training to customs and other frontline law‑enforcement staff.
• Assist in building a national database aggregating key wildlife‑crime data.
• Support the development of prosecution and sentencing guidelines.
• Support the development of wildlife‑crime impact statements and a mentorship programme for investigators.
• Assist with desk and field‑based research, literature reviews, surveys and data analysis.
• Prepare technical analyses of Madagascar’s policy and legal frameworks, identify capacity gaps and produce reports.
• Build and maintain relationships with government departments, judicial authorities, and stakeholders.
• Represent TRAFFIC at national, regional and international meetings as required.
• Support the development of project proposals and proposals for funding.
• Contribute to the dissemination of TRAFFIC’s results and perform related tasks.
• Produce other tasks as needed and directed by the GUARD Project Manager and senior staff.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in law or related studies.
• Relevant professional legal experience, including courtroom case work.
• Registration as a professional lawyer is a distinct advantage.
• Proven experience in the environmental sector, preferably in wildlife crime or anti‑corruption.
• Experience in legal analysis, drafting of legal documents, court monitoring and analysis.
• Strong research, analytical and writing skills.
• In‑depth knowledge of policy and legislative frameworks in Madagascar, especially environmental and anti‑corruption law.
• Knowledge of Malagasy criminal investigation law and financial crime law is desirable.
• Project‑management skills and capacity to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Strong organisational and IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fluency required in Malagasy and French; English is an asset.
• Can travel frequently within Madagascar.
• Preference for Malagasy citizenship or permanent residential status.

Traits

• Professional, organised, dynamic and proactive.
• Team‑spirit and strong interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated, independent, able to work under pressure.
• Strong adherence to TRAFFIC’s mission and values.

Applications

Applications must be submitted online through the HR Management System. The vacancy closes at 20 Oct 2025 (midnight, Swiss time). Only selected applicants will be contacted for interview.