The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.
Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Each Foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.
Background
The Open Society Justice Initiative uses law to protect and empower people around the world. Through litigation, advocacy, research and technical assistance, the Justice Initiative promotes human rights and builds legal capacity for open societies. We foster accountability for international crimes, combat racial discrimination and statelessness, support criminal justice reform, address abuses related to national security and counterterrorism, expand freedom of information and expression and stem corruption linked to the exploitation of natural resources. Our staff are based in Abuja, Amsterdam, Bishkek, Brussels, Budapest, Freetown, The Hague, London, Mexico City, New York, Paris, Phnom Penh, Santo Domingo and Washington, D.C. Further details on Open Society Justice Initiative are located on www.justiceinitiative.org
The Open Society Justice Initiative is seeking a Policy Officer to be based New York.
Purpose of Position: Develop the Justice Initiative’s advocacy profile, with a significant focus on developing and testing out possibilities for investing in the Justice Initiative’s litigation-related advocacy and efforts to implement judgments. Work is carried out independently/under general supervision.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. OSI may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.
- Work with Justice Initiative teams to define and pursue advocacy opportunities, with particular attention to litigation and implementation-related advocacy opportunities;
- Undertake Justice Initiative advocacy at the global level and supporting litigation-related outreach and advocacy at the national levels, as well as other types of advocacy as directed;
- Contribute to the design and implementation of capacity building workshops and training modules, in tandem with regional staff;
- Provide technical assistance to country-level advocacy partners as requested, including but not limited to report analysis and template design;
- Compile and analyze lessons learned, including on litigation and implementation related advocacy so to advance our broader effort to exhibit the benefits of multi—stakeholder approaches and transparency;
- Conceptualize and undertake policy and applied research to critically assess the Justice Initiative’s advocacy efforts, with a particular focus on litigation-related advocacy and push forward its implementation;
- Maintain internal and external communications around litigation-related advocacy and implementation efforts, as well as other advocacy issues as directed, including providing inputs to the Justice Initiative’s website and newsletters and disseminating updates as appropriate;
- Review litigation-related advocacy- and implementation-focused grants and provide technical support as requested and to complement regional support;
- Administrative duties to support advocacy work, as required including budgeting, contracting, program documentation and logistics for events;
- Provide assistance to the Justice Initiative’s Senior Advocacy Officer;
- Travel will be required;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience: A law degree (J.D.) and five to eight years relevant experience in advocacy work, including conducting litigation-related advocacy.
- NGO experience essential;
- Strong background with programs advancing social justice through community organizing, legal advocacy, research or policy reform work.
Skills Required:
- Effectively manage to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, with strict deadlines and without loss of attention to detail, budget and reporting;
- Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
- Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with internet research and database management;
- Exercise good listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
- Effectively work as a team member and independently, with a high-level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals;
- Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
- Knowledge of key organizations and networks active in the field;
- Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues and the general public.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Program Specific Requirements:
- Advanced degree in relevant field (political science, law, or international affairs) preferred;
- Fluency in French or Spanish (in addition to English) highly desirable.
- Experience as a public interest litigator preferred;
- Experience in developing litigation-related advocacy strategies and working with colleagues and civil society partners to implement them;
- Experience working in multi-cultural environments and demonstrated cultural sensitivity;
- Knowledge of national, regional and international human rights mechanisms through which public interest litigation is conducted.
Compensation: Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.
No comments:
Post a Comment