The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide network of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights.
We are recruiting 5 Legal Researchers to work on ICJ projects in Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Lebanon. The Legal Researchers working on the projects on Egypt, Morocco and Lebanon will be based in the country of the project. The Legal Researcher working on Libya will be based in our office in Tunis, Tunisia. The ideal candidates will be international human rights lawyers with knowledge and experience of international human rights and humanitarian law, with a keen interest in human rights legal research and advocacy as well as a sound understanding of the history, politics and legal framework of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Director of the MENA Programme, the Legal Researchers will contribute to implementing the ICJ's MENA programme of work in Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Lebanon, in particular by:
· Monitoring and analysing legal and policy developments in the relevant country relating to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession, and the human rights situation; · Actively contributing to the development and the implementation of ICJ legal, policy and advocacy strategies in the relevant country; · Drafting legal briefings and memoranda, amicus curiae briefs, public statements, opinion briefs, reports and press releases relating to the ICJ’s work in the relevant country; · Reviewing and editing papers prepared by ICJ consultants on national law and practice relevant to the rule of law and human rights situation in the relevant country; · Providing logistical support to the work of the MENA programme, in particular in preparing the missions and seminars that the ICJ will carry out in the relevant country; · Developing and maintaining a substantive dialogue on the issues related to the work of the MENA programme with multiple stakeholders, including representatives of civil society as well as the judicial, legal and human rights communities; · Identifying, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with counterparts in relevant international and national human rights organizations with the aim of developing networks, alliances and coalitions; · Actively maintaining supportive working relations and seeking opportunities for joint work with the staff of other ICJ regional and thematic programmes; · Informing and mobilizing the ICJ Network in support of the work of the MENA programme; · Contributing to fundraising and assisting in managing the MENA programme’s resources and budget.
QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will have:
Education & Experience
· A degree in law. Further academic studies in international human rights law and international humanitarian law is highly desirable; · A minimum of five years of legal experience at the national and international level, including with non-governmental organizations or inter-governmental organizations in Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Lebanon or other MENA countries; · In-depth experience of research for advocacy purposes, including field research and legal research; · First-hand expertise and demonstrated commitment to human rights and the rule of law in the MENA region.
Essential skills
· Excellent legal and political judgment and proven ability to develop and carry out innovative legal and advocacy strategies; · Excellent knowledge of human rights and related advocacy work, including at the international level; · Strong research, writing, analytical and organizational skills; · Ability to effectively manage conflicting demands, meet deadlines and adjust priorities; · Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team; · At ease with fundraising and outreach; · Excellent oral and written English and/or French with a very good working knowledge of oral and written Arabic.
The ICJ is an equal opportunities employer.
HOW TO APPLY:
APPLICATIONS close on 14 December 2014 and should be addressed with your resume (maximum two pages), a cover letter (maximum two pages) and the names of at least two references to: Ref: Legal Researchers, MENA Programme
By email: recruitment@icj.org Or by post to: International Commission of Jurists, P.O. Box 91, 1211 Geneva 8, Switzerland.
Please appreciate that due to the volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. We cannot answer phone enquiries. We thank you for your understanding.
