Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law
Position: Legal Consultant (m/f/d)
Project: Sri Lanka
Location: Sri Lanka
Estimated starting date: As soon as possible
Closing date for applications: 15.01.2026
Background
The Max Planck Foundation supports justice sector actors, particularly in countries in transition or conflict (see: https://www.mpfpr.de/). The Foundation’s mission is the provision of technical legal assistance through research, advisory, and capacity-building initiatives for institutions such as parliaments, human rights commissions, and the judiciary. The Foundation collaborates with local partners in the implementation of project activities that aim to assist States in their efforts towards the development of legal systems, the resilience of partner institutions in performing their functions, and the advancement of the rule of law. The Foundation also strives to develop local capacity to facilitate greater sustainability and lasting impact.
Job Summary
The Legal Consultant will liaise with project partners; implement project activities, including facilitating workshops; deliver presentations on subject matters such as human rights law, public and constitutional law, judicial and legal ethics, and international law, and its implementation in the Sri Lankan legal system; draft workshop materials; and undertake legal research, including preparation of knowledge papers as part of project activities.
The position for Legal Consultant is based in Sri Lanka.
Key Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Managing Director/ the Head of Project, the successful candidate shall:
- Liaise with and attend meetings with project partners;
- Undertake advanced legal research, including preparation of knowledge papers for project activities;
- Draft training materials, including manuals;
- Organise and implement legal training workshops for state actors, legal actors, and civil society;
- Provide technical legal advice and assistance to project partners;
- Frequently travel within Sri Lanka to implement activities and liaise with local partners;
- Potentially travel to other South Asian countries for project implementation;
- Contribute to the administrative and logistical aspects of project implementation; and
- Carry out project reporting, monitoring, and evaluation tasks.
Selection Criteria
Education and Professional Experience
Essential:
- Advanced degree in Law (LL.M. or PhD);
- Extensive knowledge in the area of public law, including constitutional law and human rights law, at the domestic and international levels;
- At least 2 years of legal experience in areas relevant to Foundation project activities in Sri Lanka;
- Ability to deliver high-level academic work;
- Excellent knowledge of Sri Lanka and its legal system.
Desirable:
- Experience in implementing capacity building workshops for legal personnel, State and civil society actors.
- Experience working with judges (Sri Lanka or abroad).
- Experience working with parliaments (Sri Lanka or abroad).
Language Proficiency
- Fluency (written and oral) in English required;
- Knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is desirable.
Other Skills & Competencies
- Strong interpersonal skills in a multi-cultural environment, including cultural awareness, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently, as well as in a team setting;
- Flexibility, including demonstrated ability to work under pressure, to adapt to changing work and project circumstances, and to respond to unforeseen developments;
- Excellent organisational skills, i.e. skilled in setting priorities and meeting deadlines, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously;
- Ability to introspect and reflect on project implementation to identify areas for individual and team improvement;
- Ability to present high-level academic work to experts in a tactful and service-oriented manner;
- Computer literacy skills with standard software.
Assessment Method
Assessment of qualified candidates will include an interview. Candidates may be asked to provide samples of academic/legal writing.
Applications
Please apply through our online application portal (https://www.mpfpr.de/careers/), stating your earliest possible starting date and submitting your complete application documents (resume, cover letter, certificates) by 15.01.2026.