Vacancy announcement - International Legal Officers

20.2.2008

February 2008

International Legal Officers
Asia-Pacific Programme


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. The ICJ has an
established regional presence in Thailand and a country office in Nepal.

We are seeking to recruit two International Legal Officers for our
Asia-Pacific Programme based in the regional office in Bangkok. The
work of one of the Legal Officers will be focused on Sri Lanka,
whereas the second will undertake a variety of work concerning the
countries in the region. The ideal candidates will be dedicated
international human rights lawyers with a comprehensive knowledge of
international human rights and humanitarian law, practical experience
of human rights legal advocacy and an understanding of the history,
politics and legal systems of the region. We are looking for Legal
Officers with a well-developed network in the region and access to
international organizations, NGO's and governments.


RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Secretary-General (and under the future supervision
of the Asia-Pacific Programme Director), the Legal Officers have the
following responsibilities:
·       Implement aspects of the ICJ's Asia-Pacific Programme, using the
full range of innovative ICJ advocacy strategies and legal
interventions, including through public reports, memoranda to
governments, amicus curiae briefs, trial observations, media work,
advocacy in international and regional fora and field missions
concerning countries and themes in the region;
·        Monitor and analyse legal and political developments, human rights
and the rule of law situation in countries in the region, with
particular focus on justice systems and other ICJ programme priorities;
·        Assist the Asia-Pacific team in developing proposals for the
strategic directions and plans for the ICJ's work in the region;
·        Represent the ICJ externally, develop and maintain relations with
governments, donors, inter-governmental organizations, NGOs and the
judicial, legal and human rights communities, carry out media work,
participate in ICJ missions, deliver public speeches and otherwise
raise the public profile of the ICJ;
·        Implement strategies to strengthen, inform and mobilize the ICJ
Network of Commissioners, National Sections and Affiliated
Organizations in the region and engage them in the work of the ICJ.
Assist with the cross-fertilisation of ideas and information between
members of the ICJ Network in Asia-Pacific and other regions;
·        Supervise the work of relevant interns and consultants of the
Asia-Pacific Programme;
·        In conjunction with staff responsible for finance, supervise the
aspects of the programme's resources and budget, including budget
preparation and monitoring the programme's expenditure;
·        In conjunction with relevant staff, contribute significantly to
fundraising for the programme, including supervising the drafting of
proposals and assisting in cultivation and maintenance of relations
with relevant donors; and
·        Carry out other, appropriate responsibilities as requested.


QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidates will each have:

Education & Experience

·        Minimum 6 years progressive experience as an international human
rights lawyer, with at least 3 years work experience in the region
(South Asia and South-East Asia);
·        A degree in law. Further academic studies in international and human
rights law and international humanitarian law highly desirable;
·        Experience of national litigation and litigation before
international or regional human rights systems is highly desirable, as
is other practical legal and advocacy experience at the national level
working for the implementation of international human rights standards
and to end and prevent human rights violations;
·        Experience on the legal issues concerning internal armed conflict,
civil and political rights and humanitarian law in the region; and
·        Demonstrated commitment to human rights.

Essential Skills

·        Excellent applied knowledge of international human rights and
humanitarian law and international and regional human rights
jurisprudence essential;
·        Good political judgment and the proven ability to develop and carry
out innovative advocacy and legal work;
·        Strong analytical and organisational skills;
·        Proven communication skills with media, advocacy and policy
experience and working knowledge of Asia-Pacific, international media
and regional and sub-regional organisations;
·        At ease with fundraising and outreach;
·        Fluency in English with proven legal writing and editing skills.
Working knowledge of other languages from the region an asset; and
·        Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a
multi-cultural team.

The ICJ is an equal opportunities employer.


APPLICATIONS should be addressed with your resume to:

Ref: International Legal Officers, Asia-Pacific Programme.

By email: recruitment@icj.org

Or by post: 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, thank you for your understanding.

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