Advocacy Counsel at Human Rights First

The Law and Security Program works to promote a greater understanding of and respect for human rights in national security and counterterrorism policies. Our work and reputation are defined by rigorous original research and reporting, strategic advocacy and litigation, and a commitment to communicating sophisticated and pragmatic legal and policy analysis to high-level decision makers and the general public alike. The Law and Security program Advocacy Counsel is responsible for devising, planning, coordinating, and executing strategies for influencing U.S. human rights policy on the range of issues covered by Human Rights First’s Law and Security program. He/She will work as part of the Law and Security team, reporting to the Director of Law & Security, and working in close collaboration with the program’s team members in Washington, D.C. and New York, the International Legal Director, as well as colleagues in the Communications Department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor developments involving core Law and Security (L&S) program concerns, including the detention, interrogation, and trial of combatants and terror suspects by civilian and military authorities; government secrecy; impunity for abusive conduct; and the impact of counterterrorism policies on human rights;

• Identify and pursue strategic opportunities for L&S to advance program goals through legislative and regulatory advocacy, litigation support, and investigative research and reporting;

• Research, analyze, and write investigative reports on developments in law and policy related to human rights and national security policies;

• Research U.S., international human rights, and international humanitarian law, and draft and edit memos, briefs, and other documents in support of litigation and legislative initiatives;

• Cultivate and collaborate with the legal and human rights community and experts in security policy and practice;

• Actively participate in law and security-related campaign activities by providing legal and policy advice, analysis, and content for campaign advocacy efforts, and by serving as a spokesperson on campaign issues.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least 2-4 years progressive professional experience in legislative or regulatory advocacy, national security policy and/or international human rights research and advocacy;

• JD or advanced degree in relevant public policy

• Demonstrated excellence in primary research and legal analysis;

• Superior written and oral advocacy skills and a demonstrated ability to translate highly technical material for a variety of audiences, and effectively and promptly edit the work of others;

• Strong knowledge of legal and political developments relevant to analyzing the impact of national security policies on human rights;

• Strong understanding of U.S. government decision-making processes, and sound policy judgment;

• Knowledge of U.S. criminal and constitutional law, and of international human rights law and its enforcement mechanism (knowledge of international humanitarian law especially helpful);

• Ability to work comfortably in a variety of settings, including legal, academic, and advocacy, and to work confidently with government officials and the media;

• Superior project management skills, with capacity to finish assignments under pressure, including emerging developments, and to work collegially with others;

• Ability to effectively identify and implement metrics against which to measure the success of projects and work products.

BENEFICIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• U.S. government experience;

• International or domestic human rights experience.

• National security experience.

ANNUAL SALARY: Competitive with comprehensive benefits package

START DATE: September 2011

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 13, 2011

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please complete the online application found at:http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/Jobs/apply_staff.aspx?qs=EO

You will be requested to provide:

• Resume (upload)

• Cover letter (upload) - please include salary requirements

• Writing sample (upload)

• Names and contact details for three (3) references (enter online)

Please enter Recruitment Code 003 when completing the application.

Only selected applicants will be contacted for phone or in-person interviews. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.