Singapore Legal Programme Volunteers

Singapore, Volunteer

JWB is accepting applications for Legal Programme Volunteers to join our team in Singapore. If you would like a substantive engagement that lets you put your skills to work on behalf of vulnerable domestic workers locally and regionally, this might be the perfect opportunity for you!

This exciting new engagement will cover our casework activities in Singapore. Volunteers may also be involved in our upcoming legal mentorship programme for our community partners (timing to be confirmed). We are looking for volunteers who can commit at least 10 hours a week for 6-12 months (with approximately half the time during business hours).

 

About Justice Without Borders

We are a regional not-for-profit organisation that works to build access to justice for victims of labour exploitation and human trafficking, even after they return home. In just seven years, we have been able to achieve groundbreaking results for those who need help the most. As demand for our work grows, we are looking to expand our team to answer the growing needs of the migrant workers we support.

Focusing on key countries in the Asia-Pacific region, our work includes legal support for clients (including litigation and research), capacity building for community organisations on the ground, and network building that brings together pro bono law firms and community service organizations. Our work is all aimed at building access to justice that is efficient, effective and affordable for migrant workers, no matter where they happen to be. Learn more at www.forjusticewithoutborders.org.

OUR VOLUNTEERS, AT THE HEART OF OUR WORK

Volunteers play key roles at JWB, and this opportunity is no different. You will be able to dig into real cases and facilitate hands-on training programmes that make a difference for vulnerable migrant workers in Singapore and back home.

We take volunteers’ time and commitment seriously. Staff will work with volunteers to ensure they are well supported, are engaged in meaningful tasks and are building skills during their time with us. We want to make sure that you feel a part of our work and can grow with us.

Casework Activities

JWB Singapore works with pro bono lawyers to enable migrant workers to bring claims for compensation against their abusers, even after they return home. We coordinate between the workers back in their home countries and their lawyers located here in Singapore. Our work is about helping real people, and advancing the field of access to justice across borders.

Volunteers will support the Singapore Office in managing JWB Singapore’s cases across different migration routes in the region, with the view to eventually managing cases independently. Activities include:

  • Overseeing individual cases to ensure that they are on track and moving forward
  • Coordinating communications between migrant workers and their pro bono lawyers
  • Working with JWB’s Indonesia staff to manage cases along the Indonesia-Singapore migration route
  • Providing periodic reports on case progress to staff and updating case data
  • Recording lessons learned from cases for us in future work
  • Working on strategic legal research projects
  • With experience, contributing to case strategy where appropriate and working with JWB Singapore’s pro bono law firm partners to execute that strategy

Support on Caseworker Mentorship Programme

Volunteers will help pilot JWB Singapore’s first mentorship programme in our local community (timing to be confirmed).

Sponsored by Merck, the mentorship will empower vulnerable migrant workers in Singapore to stand up against exploitation, abuse and human trafficking. Participants will include frontline community groups staffed in part by migrant workers themselves. Empowering these organisations will amplify our reach, empowering many other migrant workers to seek justice.

Volunteers will assist in the planning and execution of the mentorship, including supporting:

  • Outreach and coordination among stakeholders
  • Curriculum planning
  • Execution of the mentorship (sessions will be held on Sundays)
  • Monitoring and evaluation during and post mentorship

We are looking for people with the following background and skills:

  • Strong legal background, with a degree in law (e.g LLB, JD, LLM)
  • Passion and commitment to social justice and human rights
  • Attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple tasks
  • A team player, able to work independently and then seek out help when needed
  • Fluent in English with excellent writing, communications and presentation skills
  • Previous volunteer experience a strong plus
  • Sensitivity in approaching clients (e.g gender & cultural sensitivity, sensitivity in dealing with vulnerable groups, including people with potential trauma etc.)
  • Language ability in Bahasa Indonesia or Tagalog is a plus
  • Based in and eligible to work in Singapore. Sorry, we cannot provide LOC’s

Note: Justice Without Borders and its staff do not provide any legal advice or engage in any activities reserved for those with legal practice certification. Our law firm partners carry out all such work.

Interested? Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining your interest to maclean@forjusticewithoutborders.org. We receive applications on a rolling basis.

 

 

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