ABA's Live from L - The Arab Spring and International Law Program

The American Bar Association Section of International Law is sponsoring the second annual "Live from L" - The Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State on Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern Time.  The topic is "The Arab Spring and International Law."

The program will be webcast with the Office of Legal Adviser from the Jacob Burns Moot Courtroom of the George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C.  Co-sponsors include the American Society of International Law and The George Washington University School of Law.

The program will be moderated by Professor Sean D. Murphy of George Washington University, and speakers will include:

Harold Hongju Koh, Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State

Linda Jacobson, Assistant Legal Adviser for African and Near Eastern Affairs

Emily Kimball, Attorney Adviser, Office of United Nations Affairs

Meg Pickering, Attorney Adviser, Office of Legislation and Foreign Assistance

Margaret Taylor, Attorney Adviser, Office of Economic and Business Affairs

Interested persons may attend the program in person at George Washington University Law School or by webcast or teleconference.  For more information, or to register, click here.

Internship at the International Center for Transitional Justice

ICTJ is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2012 Internship Program. Interns will work under the supervision of ICTJ’s regular staff and have the opportunity to learn about the Center’s work in key areas of transitional justice.

The Intern will work under the supervision of ICTJ’s regular staff and have the opportunity to learn about the Center’s work in key areas of transitional justice. The Children & Youth Program Intern will also have the opportunity to enhance his or her research, writing, monitoring and communication skills by assisting Staff with the following tasks –

1. Assist in the editing of training modules on Children & TJ
2. Contribute to ICTJ’s current research projects and learn about relevant Children & TJ issue:

a.)conduct background research on child protection developments, accountability for children in conflict with the law, child & youth involvement in hostilities, and other child/youth issues in countries of interest (tentatively Cote d’Ivoire & Tunisia).

b.) compile an annotated bibliography of resources published on Children & TJ

3. Develop monitoring skills by tracking -

a.) global developments in the field of child protection

b.)UN policy initiatives related to children & youth

4. Develop communication skills by briefing program staff on news, changes, updates in the Children and TJ field.

To apply, please e-mail your resume, cover letter, and writing sample by 02/10/2012 to internships@ictj.org. Please write the internship title “Children and Youth Intern” in the subject line of your e-mail. All internship positions are unpaid. Please note that ICTJ is not able to obtain work authorization and visas for non-U.S. citizens and residents.

Intern at the International Service for Human Rights

Description

The New York Office of the International Service for Human Rights' (ISHR) seeks a part-time intern (2 days/week) to monitor and report on monitor developments in several UN human rights bodies. These may include the General Assembly, the Commission on the Status of Women, the Human Rights Committee, the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and the ECOSOC Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations.

The internship offers a unique opportunity to view the United Nations human rights system at work in New York. It provides hands-on experience working for an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) as well as the opportunity to contribute to the services the organization provides to human rights defenders around the world.

The internship will take place from February 20 – April/May (end date is flexible). We are looking for an intern to work approximately two days/week. Please specify your availability in your application, including an end date.

Given limited space in our New York office, the intern will work off site except for relevant meetings attended at the UN.

The intern's main responsibilities will be to:

• Attend and monitor relevant meetings held at the UN;
• Draft summaries of developments for ISHR UN representatives;
• Draft analytical narrative reports for ISHR’s web and print-based publications; and
• Liaise with key stakeholders, including NGOs, treaty body members and other UN actors to gain relevant information.
• Other responsibilities may include contributing to the development of advocacy tools for human rights organizations working at the UN.

About ISHR

The ISHR is a non-profit international association serving human rights defenders around the world by providing accurate and timely information, analysis, relevant training, legal, political and practical advice and input on international human rights standards and procedures. Please refer to the websitehttp:www.ishr.ch for a fuller description of the work we do, the services we provide.

Qualifications:

• J.D., LL.M., Masters in International Affairs, Journalism, or other relevant field
• Exceptional analytical and writing skills in English
• Good knowledge of the UN human rights system
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent attention to detail

How to apply:

Applicants should send a resume and a cover letter to m.sinclair@ishr.ch. PLEASE WRITE IN SUBJECT LINE OF EMAIL: ISHR INTERNSHIP WINTER 2012. Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to confirm receipt of your application or answer individual queries regarding your application.

Deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Applicants should apply as soon as possible and no later than 15 February 2012

Networking for International LLMs Program

Networking for International LLMs
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

Registration:
There is no charge for this program.  Register<https://www.nycbar.org/EventsCalendar/register/?event=1831&price=1574>


A strong professional network is not only important for conducting a successful job search, but also remains an invaluable asset throughout your entire career.  For international LL.M. candidates, however, U.S.-style networking can feel intimidating and mysterious.  This session will demystify networking and will give you tools that you can put into practice today to become an effective networker.  We will discuss networking in one-on-one as well as group settings, and will also cover cross-cultural issues that can arise in business settings more generally.

Moderator: Toni M. Fine, Assistant Dean for International and Non-J.D. Programs, Fordham Law School

Panelists: Giorgio Bovenzi, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP; Katina Kalin, Private Speech and Voice Coach; Member, Voice and Speech Trainers Association ; Paul Marinaccio, CEO, Tribeca Leadership, LLC; Mary P. Watson, Director of Professional Development, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Sponsored by Law Student Perspectives Committee, Chair, Jessica Silverstein

Event Location: 42 West 44th St. (bet. 5th & 6th Ave.)

The UN in American Foreign Policy Conference

REGISTER HERE FOR THE:

 http://unausa.org/members-day
The Fourth Annual Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference and
UNA-USA Members Day
at the United Nations

   2012 Year of Decision:
The UN in American Foreign Policy

Friday, February 10, 2012 

United Nations Headquarters 
North Lawn Building - Conference Room 1 
Visitor's Entrance to the UN,
First Avenue at 46th St., New York, NY 10017
9:00 am to 5:00 pm


Keynote Speaker: Jeffrey Sachs, Ph.D   
Special Advisor to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon 
Director of The Earth Institute,  Quetelet Professor of Sustainable Development and Professor of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University
 

CO-CHAIRS:
Jeffrey Laurenti, Senior Fellow, The Century Foundation
Patrick Madden, Executive Director, UNA-USA
Jeanne Betsock Stillman, President, UNA Southern New York State Division

PANELS:

Assertiveness and Restraint in the Security Council's Maintenance of Peace
       Moderator: Jeffrey Laurenti
Confirmed panelists:
       Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri (India)
       Jean-Marie Guéhenno, Managing Global Order
Others pending

Rio+20: Pre-event Expectations and Potential Impact 
Moderator: Dr. George A. Garland        
Confirmed panelists:
Robb Skinner, UN Foundation
Andrew Yager, UN Dep't of Economic and Social Affairs  
Eleanor Blomstrom, WEDO (Women's Economic Development Organization)

UN Peacekeeping - Its Evolution and Operations Globally
Moderator: Peter Yeo
Confirmed panelists:
Susana Malcorra, UN Under-Secretary General for Field Support
Ugo Salinas, Europe and Latin America Division of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations
Others pending

MDGs Post-2015: What's Next?
Moderator: Dr. Padmini Murthy
Confirmed panelists:
Anita Sharma, UN Foundation
Ann M. Starrs, Family Care InternationalOthers pending
Register at:  http://www.unausa.org/members-day
For additional information, email:unasouthernny@gmail.com

Internships in Ghana

Placement categories

Law Students
Law students are needed to assist the partners of this law firm in a variety of roles. The intern will gain valuable experience in legal procedures and practice.

Assistant Consultant
An assistant consultant is required to provide legal services to business entities in a variety of arrangements ranging from identifying, solving and preventing legal issues. The volunteer consultant may be asked to specialize in a particular area, such as banking, contract, employment, intellectual property, trust, tax, real estate, etc.

Placement description
Hesse and Hesse is a fully equipped commercial Law firm which is dynamic and progressive, both in its approach and the way in which it has built its practice as one of the largest and leading commercial law firms in Ghana. Hesse and Hesse have a reputation for handling work of quality and substance in a pragmatic manner and at competitive billing rates.

The firm has extensive contacts in the USA, Europe and South Africa and works with major law firms in these jurisdictions which require the assistance of local counsel in Ghana. The firm places strong emphasis on professional ethics, legal research, continuing education and training for all its partners, fee earners and support staff to enable them meet the challenges and complexities of modern day practice. The Firm’s Lawyers, who are dynamic, progressive and innovative, have the sole aim of efficiently and professionally providing solutions to their clients’ problems.

In accordance with modern business trends, Hesse and Hesse has fully automated and computerised all operations. The firm has spent lavishly on information technology to operate as a modern commercial law firm with reliable and efficient communication. The firm places a high premium on communication and will contact or respond to any mail within 24 hours of receipt. The firm uses the internet frequently to update their knowledge of recent trends and developments in the practice of law. In 1997, Hesse and Hesse became one of the pioneer institutions in Ghana to have full internet connectivity.

The firm was established and registered under the Companies Code of Ghana (1963). The Chief Executive Officer, Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor of the law firm, Mr. David Andreas Hesse is a member of the International Bar Association, International Law Association, World Jurists Association just to mention a few. Mr. David A. Hesse was recently elected a Member of the Congress of Fellows and Legal Scholars of the Centre for International Legal Studies, Austria. In further recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of Information and Communication Technologies Law, Mr. Hesse was recently appointed a member of the International Legal Team for Intel Corporation (USA).

Hesse and Hesse law firm also engages in environmental awareness, both locally and globally. One of their Partners, Mr. Larsey Mensah is an expert in Environmental Law. He is a Consultant to Ghana’s National Committee on Ozone Depleting Substances (NACODS). He assisted in the final drafting to proposed amendments to the Game and Wildlife Laws of Ghana

They have represented the following:
• Google (USA) • Ibis (Denmark), Intel Corporation (USA) • Cargill Inc. • World Bank (Ghana Office) • Wyoming Resources • Tropic Oil Ghana Ltd.
 

If you are interested in this placement please apply at http://www.afrivol.org/apply.php or email info@afrivol.org for more information.

International Committee of the Red Cross Legal Internship

The ICRC's Legal Division is offering six paid internships for a period of one year at its headquarters in Geneva. The start dates vary, with four of the selected interns scheduled to begin in September/October 2012, and the other two in January 2013.

Applications should be submitted between the 3^rd and the 30^th of April 2012. Any applications submitted outside of this period will not be considered.  From April 3^rd, an e-mail address will be posted online, to which all applications should be submitted. The selection process will take place between May and June 2012.

Your application file should include the following elements:

• A fully completed traineeship form (attached below)
• A cover letter, not exceeding 800 words
• A CV, not exceeding two pages, which indicates in particular:
  •  The number of hours of international humanitarian law (IHL) courses followed
  • Any academic writings and/or other research work carried out in IHL

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Trainees at the Legal Division undertake a variety of assignments, including carrying out research and writing project briefs on specific legal questions primarily related to IHL, both in French and  in English. They also review legal documents, contribute to the preparation of meetings, prepare draft reports or minutes of meetings and give presentations on IHL to groups visiting the ICRC.

Profile required:

• A university degree in law or international relations, as well as a Master degree in international law (or an equivalent post-graduate training);
• Excellent knowledge of IHL (shortlisted candidates will be tested in IHL during the course of the interviews). Good knowledge of international human rights law is an asset;
• Fluency in either French or English, and a very good understanding of the other;
• Good computer skills (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc);
• Applicants should be between 25 and 30 years old at the beginning of the internship.

Given that there are normally a very large number of applications for these internships, the legal division is unable to provide additional information.

Enclosure: Traineeship form

World Law Internship Program

Undergraduate, graduate and law students who are interested in educating about, promoting and advocating human rights and world citizenship are encouraged to apply for this 3 month, 15-20 (or more) hours per week internship (hours are flexible). Interns write to individuals whose rights have been violated and contact heads of state and ministries in order to expose violations and demand redress on the individuals' behalf. You will research and apply various human rights declarations and treaties as well as national constitutions and international human rights procedures when applicable. Excellent communication skills required and multi-lingual applicants (especially French speakers) are preferred. An interest or activism in peace, law and global politics is helpful. For more information, please contact: David Gallup, Esq., General Counsel and Internship Coordinator at 202-638-2662 in Washington, DC. You must submit a resume, cover letter, 2-3 page writing sample and a list of references. Please mail to World Service Authority, 5 Thomas Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20005 or email to legal@worldservice.org

Upcoming International Events at New York Law School

C.V. Starr Lecture:

International Investment Law and Human Rights Treaties: A Sociological Perspective

·         Speaker: Moshe Hirsch, Professor of International Law, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

·         Date: Thursday, January 26, 2012

·         Time: 4:45 pm - 6:00 pm (note the starting time)

·         Location: 185 West Broadway (Faculty and Staff Commons, W-203, 2nd floor)

·         CLE credit: is available

·         Registration: Click here for more information and registration materials

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Lunch time lecture:

Legislation by Stealth: Negotiating the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement

·         Speaker: Michael Blakeney, Professor of Law, University of Western Australia, and the University of London

·         Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2012

·         Time: 12:45 pm - 2:00 pm

·         Location: 185 West Broadway (W-302, 3rd floor)

·         CLE credit: Is NOT available (There is NO CLE credit.)

·         Registration: Click here for more information and registration materials

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C.V. Starr Lecture:

The Impact of European Court of Human Rights Judgments on Criminal Law Practice in Europe

·         Speaker: Willem F. Korthals Altes, Senior Judge, Criminal Law Division, The Rechtbank of Amsterdam

·         Date: Wednesday, February 8, 2012

·         Time: 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

·         Location: 185 West Broadway (Room W-202, 2nd floor)

·         CLE credit: is available

·         Registration: Click here for more information and registration materials

Summer Intern at the Seattle Immigration Court

The Seattle Immigration Court has an opening for a Summer 2012 volunteer legal intern.

Projects assigned vary depending on the court’s docket but will include:

• Research and preparation of memoranda on complex legal issues;
• Drafting decisions on motions pending before the court; and
• Drafting decisions on applications for relief from removal, such as asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under Article 3 of the U.N. Convention Against Torture.

The internship will entail in-depth research and analysis of novel legal issues, as well as preparation of legal memoranda for the immigration judges. Interns will have an opportunity to draft several decisions that will be taken under advisement by an immigration judge. Interns can expect to complete assignments that may later be used as writing samples. In addition, interns will be able to observe a variety of matters brought before the court. The intern will work under the supervision of the court’s judicial law clerk but will also have substantial interaction with the individual immigration judges.

Qualifications:

Law students entering their second or third year of law school are eligible and encouraged to apply. Applicants must currently be in student status. Prior knowledge of immigration law is helpful but not necessary. Strong research and writing skills are required.

All applicants must be United States citizens and must successfully complete an FBI background check before beginning their internship.

Interested students must submit a cover letter detailing their interest in the internship, resume, 5-10 page writing sample, law school transcript (unofficial acceptable), and contact information for three references by Monday, February 13, 2012.

Please submit application materials and direct inquiries to Joyce Adams, by phone at 206-370-3007 or via email atjoyce.adams@usdoj.gov.

Lawyer at the Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre

The Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre (“HKRAC”) was founded 4 years ago and is the only charitable organization dedicated to pro bono legal aid for refugees making claims for asylum before the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (“UNHCR”) in Hong Kong. In this time, HKRAC has assisted over 800 refugees and their families, and has also established several innovative legal clinical programmes with universities in Hong Kong, successfully advocated fairer procedures at UNHCR and recruited and trained volunteers.

We seek a dedicated and effective lawyer to direct all aspects of refugee legal aid at HKRAC.

Under the supervision of HKRAC’s Executive Director and Board of Directors, the Legal Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of casework management, client representation and advice, advocacy and referrals. S/he is also responsible for the recruitment, training and supervision of Staff Attorneys and Volunteer Caseworkers who are involved in HKRAC’s refugee legal aid project. The Legal Director will supervise up to 5 full time staff members as well as our volunteer caseworkers.

The Legal Director will also work closely with HKRAC’s law firm sponsors. S/he will oversee caseworker trainings and will attend local and international conferences and meetings on behalf of the organization.

The ideal candidate will be energetic, articulate and comfortable interacting with diverse segments of society, from vulnerable clients to corporate sponsors. S/he will enjoy collaborating with HKRAC’s small staff of tireless refugee rights advocates and wider circle of dedicated volunteers and supporters.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ÿ Qualified lawyer in any jurisdiction;

Ÿ A minimum of 5 years experience in refugee or human rights law;

Ÿ Experience in managing and supervising staff or volunteers;

Ÿ Excellent legal research and drafting skills;

Ÿ Public speaking experience;

Ÿ A demonstrated commitment and sensitivity toward vulnerable and/or displaced people;

Ÿ Fluent in both spoken and written English

Please send your CV, Statement of Interest, and legal writing sample by 3 February to: info@hkrac.org with the subject line “Legal Director Position.” The candidate should be in position by 1 May 2012. Please only apply if this meets your time frame. Due to the high volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

UNICEF India Internship Programme

UNICEF India Country Office invites applications for a full-time Internship programme from 23 May to 1 August 2012. Conceived as part of a broader initiative to build a Knowledge Community on Children in India (KCCI), UNICEF India partners with research and academic institutions to encourage young students and scholars from around the world to engage in development issues pertaining to India’s children and women.

The internship offers an opportunity to explore issues related to child rights in India across a variety of areas: child protection, health, nutrition, education, HIV/AIDS, and water and sanitation.

The assignment involves a combination of desk and field work at the district or village level, with interns being grouped into teams that are based in field offices and work under the supervision of selected research institutions/non-governmental organisations.

The expected output from each team is a 30-page lessons learned/good practice paper on identified intervention along a pre-determined framework.

Applicants should be enrolled in a Masters-level graduate programme or a higher degree program, in one of the following disciplines: anthropology, child psychology, demography, economics, education, engineering, human rights, international development, journalism, legal studies, public health, sociology, statistics, rural development, social work, or any other relevant area. Those who have completed their Masters level graduate programmes in 2011 are also eligible to apply. Applicants should have excellent command of English, both written and spoken. Selected interns will be placed in research institutions across states where UNICEF has a presence. Possible locations include Guwahati (Assam) Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh), Patna (Bihar), Raipur (Chattisgarh), Ranchi (Jharkand), Gandhinagar (Gujarat), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Bhubhaneswar (Orissa), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Kolkata (West Bengal), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) and New Delhi.

Completed applications should be sent to internshipkcci@unicef.org by January 20, 2012. Please write “KCCI Internship Application 2012” in the subject of your email.

Leibniz-DAAD Fellowship Program

Leibniz-DAAD Fellowship Program Launched in 2011 by the Leibniz Association (Wissenschaftsgemeinschaft Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), The "Leibniz-DAAD Research Fellowship" offers highly-qualified recent foreign postdocs the opportunity to conduct special research at institutes of the Leibniz Association in Germany. Leibniz-DAAD Research Fellows can do their research at one of the Leibniz-Institutes which are covered in the following (five) sections: Section A: Humanities and Educational Research/ Geisteswissenschaften und Bildungsforschung Section B: Economics, Social and Spatial Sciences/Wirtschaft- und Sozialwissenschaften, Raumwissenschaften Section C: Life Sciences/ Lebenswissenschaften Section D: Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Engineering/ Mathematik, Natur- und Ingenieurwissenschaften Section E: Environmental Research/Umweltwissenschaften Grants Grants for postdocs can be awarded for up to a maximum of 12 months. The grant includes: a monthly instalment of 1,840.- EUR; a monthly subsidy of 58 EUR for the insurance for health, accident and personal/private liability in Germany (53 EUR per month has to be covered by the fellowship holder); a two-months German language course (if desired). Application Requirements At the time of their application, applicants for a Leibniz-DAAD Research Fellowship, should neither be of German nationality nor reside longer than six months in Germany. Applicants should: be able to prove their outstanding study or research achievements, have completed their studies with a PhD or equivalent degree (no more than two years should have passed since graduation), have an excellent knowledge of English. Knowledge of German is very welcome. Applications: Application documents must always be submitted in duplicate and in paper form. Applications by email can not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not processed. To apply, please use the form "Application for Leibniz-DAAD Research Fellowships.” To complete your application, please enclose the following papers and documents: Abstract of the doctoral/PhD thesis (max. 3 pages), List of publications (if any), Complete curriculum vitae, Two letters of recommendation by scientists of the applicant’s own choice; the letters must be included in sealed envelopes or sent by the referees directly to the DAAD office in Bonn by the closing date for applications, Copies of all academic degree certificates as well as certified translations in English or German, Recent photograph (attached to the application form), Proof of English language skills (e.g. TOEFL 550/213/80; IELTS: 6.0 or similar) not older than five years, Description of the research project (3 pages), Detailed work plan and schedule (1 page). Please note: By applying for a fellowship within the Leibniz-DAAD Research Fellowships Program applicants give their consent to the DAAD to forward the documents and the personal details to the Leibniz Association and its relevant institutions, which take the final decision. Neither DAAD, nor the Leibniz Association nor the Leibniz Institutions will pass on the details to third parties. Complete documents must have been received in written form in DAAD Head office Bonn: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Section 522 Kennedyallee 50 53175 Bonn

Internship at the International Women's Development Agency

Location: The Hague, the Netherlands
Application deadline: 15th January, 2012

The Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice seeks to recruit law or graduate students with a strong background in international law and strong legal research skills, and a good knowledge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), for Spring 2012 legal internships.

The internship requires fluency in written and spoken English; additional French language skills are strongly preferred.

Legal interns will make an essential contribution to the work of the Legal Team. Tasks may include monitoring, summarising, and analysing filings, decisions, and proceedings of the ICC as well as research projects on the work of the Court and issues of gender and international criminal law.

For more information and application details, please visit the AWID website.

Immigration Attorney at the Latin American Association

The Latin American Association in Atlanta seeks an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney to represent non-citizens with affirmative applications and in removal proceedings. The attorney will interview, screen, advise and represent non-detained clients before USCIS and EOIR. The attorney must possess a minimum of two years experience in family-based immigration and removal defense, as well as membership in good standing of a State Bar. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish required. Prior supervisory experience and ability to work under grant requirements with minimal supervision required. Must be sensitive to the needs of low income and culturally diverse clients. Submit cover letter and resume to Jonathan Eoloff, Director of Immigration Services, at jeoloff@thelaa.org

Project Officer (Eurasia) at Freedom House

Freedom House supports the spread of freedom and democracy throughout the world through research, effective advocacy, and programs directly supporting frontline activists. We are a leader in identifying threats to freedom through our highly regarded analytic reports, including Freedom in the World. With 13 field offices and two U.S. offices, we are supporting the right of every individual to be free.


Position Summary
The Project Officer will support ongoing activities and programs in the Eurasia region. Specifically, working on initiatives to advance democracy and human rights across Eurasia, a region that remains one of the world’s most repressive. The Program Officer reports to the Director for Eurasia programs in overseeing administration and logistics of program implementation, research, fundraising, and outreach.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, human rights, law, or related field, Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum 4 – 6 years of experience in program management including reporting ability and knowledge of funder account requirements
• Strong appreciation of and demonstrated experience in human rights defense work
• Demonstrated experience with managing and creating budgets
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to communinicate effectively in Russian is preferred
• Expeience working on issues pertaining to the region, particularly countries of the former Soviet Union, with background on Central Asia (Kazakhstan in particular) and/or Belarus and Ukraine (academic and/or professional)

Some Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with field staff and provide guidance on programmatic, financial and administrative processes
• Participate in regular communications with field-based employees of Freedom House and facilitate communication between them and different departments at headquarters
• Support proposal writing activities and help identify new donors and partners
• Draft narrative reports to funders
• Monitor news and events in the region pertaining to human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms and identify opportunities and challenges
• Support outreach on human rights issues concerning the region
• Ensure program compliance with Freedom House and donor financial and administrative guidelines
• Help design and oversee programs in the region and manage their budgets
• Cover Washington DC-based events pertaining to the region and help develop policy recommendations for U.S. and foreign government audiences

We offer great benefits including:

• 100% employer-paid dental insurance
• 100% employer-paid health insurance; or generously subsidized depending on plan and coverage
• 100% employer paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment
• 100% employer paid short-term disability and long-term disability insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with generous matching funds with 2 year 100% vesting schedule
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care reimbursable expenses
• Transportation pre-tax payroll deduction for metro, and garage parking in DC
• Generous paid vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, and holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement for graduate studies
• And much more……

 

Qualified and Interested applicants
We invite qualified candidates to send a resume, and cover letter with salary history (only candidates who send salary requirements will be considered for the position) as well as desired salary to: recruiting@freedomhouse.org or fax at (202) 822-3893, Attention: HR Dept., referencing 2012-002 PO Eurasia. Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
Only candidates authorized to work in the U.S. need apply.

EOE M/F/D/V

Lawyer at Russian Justice Initiatives

Job description: The ideal candidate shall have at least one year of professional experience in the human rights field; be committed to justice and respect for human rights; possess a high level of ethical awareness; be creative and able to work both independently and as a part of a team; a quick learner with a nuanced understanding of the human rights situation in the North Caucasus; capable of suggesting and implementing innovative approaches to providing legal redress to victims of human rights violations in the North and South Caucasus.

Start-date for the position is 1 February 2012 or sooner.
The lawyer is based in Moscow and works under the supervision of the Legal and Program Director. S/he works with staff members located in Moscow and in the Northern Caucasus. The lawyer is expected to be willing to travel to the North Caucasus several times a year.

The responsibilities of the lawyer include but are not limited to:

• Drafting applications to ECHR and preparing submissions at the advanced stages of the procedure before the ECHR in cases from the North and South Caucasus;
• Preparing submissions to domestic legal bodies where applicable;
• Meeting with and briefing clients and potential clients;
• Liasing with independent lawyers or local NGO partners in the North Caucasus;
• Assisting in conducting legal research on various topics of international and/or domestic human rights law.

Qualifications:

• Fluency in Russian and English at professional working levels;
• Background in international human rights law, in particular, in the ECHR system;
• Solid knowledge of Russian law (in particular criminal law and criminal procedure);
• Strong legal writing and research skills;
• Computer literacy;
• Good interpersonal skills.

Recommended:

• Admission to the bar in Russia;
• Knowledge of the post-2008 conflict human rights situation in Georgia and South Ossetia;
• Experience in drafting applications to the ECtHR.

 

Application deadline: 1 February 2012
Interested applicants should submit an application package to srji.org@gmail.com consisting of:

• a motivation letter (in English);
• a resume (in English);
• two short unedited writing samples, preferably on legal topics (one in English and one in Russian);
• contact details for two references.

ASIL Private International Law Writing Competition

Call for Papers / Conference Announcement
ASIL Private International Law Interest Group
What is Private International Law?

Globalization increases the importance of private actors and private arrangements. And yet, while other disciplines are responding to these challenges, private international law seems mired in its past, unable to reform sufficiently. This suggests that it is time to ask foundational questions about our field. What is private international law today? Does it promote any polices or values, and if so, which are those? Is it just rules designating the applicable law? Does it include conflicts rules for public law? Should it include substantive private law? Privately made law beyond the state? What is its place in international law more generally, especially vis-à-vis public international law? What is its role in global governance? And is private international law relevant today, or can its former functions be fulfilled by other areas of the law?
In order to kindle this debate, the Private International Law Interest Group of the American Society of International Law is launching a call for papers that answer some or all of these foundational questions. Those interested in participating should submit an abstract no longer than 500 words. Finished papers and drafts are welcome as well. The deadline for submission of abstracts is May 15, 2012.

On 5/6 October 2012, the ASIL Private International Law Interest Group will, together with the Center for International and Comparative Law at Duke University, organize a 1½ day conference to discuss selected papers and ideas emerging from this call. We also plan to publish the papers selected for presentation in a special edition of an international law journal or a volume of collected papers. The venue of the conference and place of publication will be announced in early 2012.

A special invitation goes to authors under 35 years of age. The author under 35 of the best finished paper will be the winner of this year’s Private international Law Prize of the American Society of International Law. The prize money ($500) will be paid as a stipend to enable the author to participate in the conference and present his or her paper.
 

Submissions should be emailed to Ralf Michaels (michaels@law.duke.edu) and Rahim Moloo (rahim.moloo@nyu.edu) by May 15, 2012. Decisions on both invitations to present at the conference and on the ASIL Prize will be made by July 1.

Deputy Program Director at the International Legal Foundation

Overview: The ILF is an international NGO that assists post-conflict and transitional countries in establishing public defender systems that provide effective, quality criminal defense services for the poor. The ILF headquarters in New York (DUMBO) is looking for a lawyer with criminal law experience (preferably as a public defender) and a strong commitment to the mission and values of the ILF. The person in this newly established position will assist the current program director (who is also the executive director) run existing country programs in Nepal and the West Bank, as well as a new program being set up in Tunisia. The right person for this job will be a self-starter and a team player with strong legal skills, willing and able to travel to and spend several months on assignments in less than comfortable locations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategize with the ILF’s Executive Director (Program Director) and relevant country office staff to develop legal strategies and policies that will advance the rights of the criminally accused in that country.
• Draft and update the practice manual in each location to assist in the mentoring of the local staff, identifying key issues to be litigated to create a functioning justice system under the specific laws of the country.
• Work with the ILF’s Executive Director and relevant country staff to develop and regularly update the ILF’s practice manuals, or training guides for International Fellows (volunteers).
• Develop and oversee the ILF’s monitoring & evaluation systems, including the case management systems used by the ILF’s country programs, in an effort to ensure accountability and to track continuous improvement.
• Directly supervise, support and mentor the Country Director and Managing Attorney at ILF’s country offices, both individually and as a group and both on-site and long-distance.
• Guide growth, expansion, and development of each country office’s legal services.
• Work effectively with the ILF’s Advocacy Director and Managing Director as necessary and appropriate, in supporting country office staff.
• Assist with grant and report writing, as necessary.
• Represent the ILF internationally, as necessary and as requested by the Program Director/Executive Director.

Skills and Experience:

• Law degree and at least 4 years of practical experience in criminal law
• Candidates with a Federal Clerkship need only 1 additional year of experience
• Appellate experience required
• Preference will be given to candidates with public defender experience
• Familiarity with case management systems utilized by public defender offices preferred

• Strong and demonstrated commitment to the ILF’s mission and goals necessary

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent written communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams
• Ability to work within strict timelines and handle multiple tasks
• Experience working in an international setting preferred
• Ability and willingness to travel to post-conflict/transitional countries
• Knowledge of French, Arabic, Farsi or Hindi helpful 

Please submit your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to: HR Manager at jobs@theilf.org or 55 Washington Street, Suite 622, Brooklyn, NY 11201

No telephone inquiries please. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The International Legal Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices.

Legal Internship at Interights in London

For over 25 years Interights has played a leading role in promoting human rights through the use of international and comparative law. We have pursued this through strategic litigation and a range of complementary capacity building activities, working with lawyers, judges and civil society partners worldwide. Interights currently focuses its activities in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and thematically on economic and social rights, equality and security and the rule of law.

Interights is seeking applications from lawyers working on security and the rule of law issues, for an internship as part of the development and implementation of its work in Africa. The six month internship will begin in early May 2012.

This full-time placement will provide an opportunity fora lawyer with knowledge of security and the rule of law issues and relevant law to develop their legal skills whilst assisting our programme with:

• Preparation of materials forlegal trainings and meetings on the application and development of legal standards in this context. A regional workshop with lawyers working on security and the rule of law issues, including counter-terrorism and human rights, prolonged pre-trial, unlawful or arbitrary detention, torture and/or ill-treatment, and fair trial, is planned for July 2012 to be held in Africa, and the intern may be expected to attend and to provide research support after the meeting to the participating lawyers in respect of their cases.
• Legal research on international and comparative human rights law and practice with respect to counter-terrorism and human rights, and the protection of the right to life, the right to freedom from torture, the right to liberty, and fair trial.
• Supporting the further development of Interights’ work in the area of security and the rule of law in Africa.

Where possible, the intern may attend meetings with human rights practitioners, human rights lectures in London or at other universities, or visit other international or national human rights organisations based in London.
  

Before applying, applicants are encouraged to read the person specification and terms of reference which can be found on our website: www.interights.org

To apply please send a covering letter, a curriculum vitae indicating two referees, a completed equal opportunities and diversity monitoring form and a recent writing sample of no more than two thousand words, preferably in the legal areas indicated above. Applications should be sent to: jobs@interights.org, quoting “Internship for SEROL Lawyer” in the subject line of the email.

The closing date for applications is 6 February 2012. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by telephone.

Due to the high number of applications for our vacancies we are unable to contact applicants that have not been short listed.

Interights is committed to equal opportunities.