Legal Intern at the World Federation of United Nations Associations

Start Date: ASAP, apply ASAP

Duration: 6 months

Category: Full Time (unpaid)

Location: New York

General Overview

The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA; www.wfuna.org) is a global nonprofit organization working for a stronger and more effective United Nations. Established in 1946, we represent and coordinate a membership of over 100 United Nations Associations and their thousands of members. We have offices at the United Nations in both New York and Geneva, and host interns in both locations. Our programs focus on such issues as the responsibility to protect, climate change, human rights, and nuclear disarmament.

Position Description --- Legal and Research Intern

The Legal and Research Intern will assist the organization with a variety of activities, including but not limited to:

• Writing Memorandums of Understanding and other legal documents between WFUNA and UN agencies, UNAs, and other partners

• Researching international structures and legal requirements for WFUNA programs and fundraising

• Assistance in the preparation of materials for our 2012 Plenary Assembly

• Assisting the Secretary-General in meeting preparation for issues surrounding legal and relevant issues

• Drafting reports and documentation on issues of importance as requested by the Secretary-General

• Involvement in other general tasks and activities when necessary

Some of the opportunities:

• The legal and research intern will have access to the United Nations building, conferences and events and resources such as the UN Library.

• This position offers an excellent networking opportunity to make contact with UN staff, diplomats, UNA members, academics, and NGOs, and meet other interns working at the UN.

Additional requirements:

• Applicant must be self-motivated, energetic, be vigilant about staying on tasks and meeting deadlines.

• Strong writing, excellent communications, and solid organizational skills are necessary.

• Advanced legal student or legal graduate

• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of a foreign language is a plus

To apply, please go to www.wfuna.org/intern and follow the instructions at the bottom of the page.

SECOND ANNUAL NASSAU BAR FORUM ON INTERNATIONAL LAW: Impact of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption

Thursday, May 10 12:30 - 2 p.m. Lunch & Discussion.
 

Important information for practitioners of Adoption, Immigration Matrimonial, Family, Tax, and Trusts & Estates Law. Greet Our Special Guests: High Level Officials from Foreign Consulates.
 

The program includes:

Introduction: What is the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption?
Initial Client Contact with Prospective Adoptive Parents
Immigration Procedures for Hague vs. non-Hague countries
State Department Procedures for Hague and non-Hague Countries
The Impact of Hague Regulations on the Child
 

1.0 NYMCLE - Member: $18, Non-Member: $55

Click here for more information.

Staff Attorney at CAST

Summary of Position
Under the supervision of the Policy and Legal Services Director, the Staff Attorney will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal services to survivors of human trafficking including assisting clients seeking immigration, criminal and civil relief with an emphasis on immigration assistance. The Staff Attorney will also be responsible for coordinating the legal program’s emergency response to breaking cases and developing and providing training on the issue of human trafficking to partner organizations, law firms, and law enforcement. This is a full- time, exempt position.

Essential Duties

1. Assume caseload of trafficked clients;
2. Develop and implement creative, alternate legal strategies to assist trafficked persons;
3. Work collaboratively with social services and shelter staff
4. Support advocacy work for policy reform that emphasizes the human rights of trafficked persons, migrants and low wage workers;
5. Provide outreach and training to legal aid organizations, law firms, and law enforcement to assist trafficked clients;
6. Recruit, supervise and train pro bono attorneys to assist trafficked clients;
7. Recruit and supervise legal fellows or interns;
8. Participate in LAPD task force for human trafficking victims;
9. Coordinate legal emergency response efforts.

Requirements

1. Active membership in the California State Bar required
2. Fluency in Spanish required
3. Experience in the practice of law, including two years of immigration experience and competence in federal and/or state criminal law and procedure
4. Commitment to serving the needs of trafficked persons, migrants and low-wage workers
5. Ability to develop cooperative relationships with other legal service providers in areas relevant to trafficked persons (includes immigration law and labor law)
6. Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with trafficked persons, legal organizations, community-based organizations, volunteer lawyers, and government agencies
7. Ability to develop and implement effective systems for managing own caseload, as well as supervising and monitoring legal caseloads handled by volunteer attorneys or other legal organizations
8. Experience developing and providing trainings to diverse groups

Desirable Qualifications

1. Knowledge of trafficking and the issues affecting trafficked persons
2. Experience in working with trafficked persons, migrants and low- wage workers in the areas of immigration, labor and civil litigation
3. Experience with criminal issues and experience in a legal services program
4. Familiarity with the rights of victims of crime and resources

1. Experience advocating for trafficked persons’ human rights in governmental and non-governmental contexts, preferably in California or at the federal level.

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes medical, life, disability, sick/vacation leave, and a 403(b) plan. Opportunity to work with a team of committed individuals, be supported, and given every chance to succeed.
CAST is an equal opportunity employer.
 

Applications for this position should be emailed to info@castla.org with a cover letter, resume, writing sample, law school transcript and list of references. Due to the high volume of resumes received only qualified candidates will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Rule of Law Intern, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

Background
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR is active throughout the OSCE area in the fields of election observation, democratic development, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and the rule of law.
The ODIHR Rule of Law Unit of the Democratization Department has defined its 2012 programmes’ strategic objectives as follows:

• to assist the participating States in developing legislation and policies to meet their OSCE human dimension commitments on the rule of law;
• to assist the legal community and other stakeholders in facilitating implementation of the OSCE human dimension commitments on the rule of law.

The Rule of Law Unit comprises several thematic portfolios, including on trial monitoring, criminal justice, judicial independence, and electoral dispute resolution.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Objective:
The selected intern will be an integral member of the Rule of Law Unit and perform under the supervision of the Chief Rule of Law Unit.
S/he will:

• gain an understanding of the conceptual and normative framework for international and OSCE support to participating States in the field of rule of law;
• learn about justice system related challenges of countries in Central Asia, the South Caucasus and South-Eastern Europe;
• learn about rule of law related aspects of administrative justice, election dispute resolutions systems, standards and good practices in the OSCE area;
• become acquainted with methodology and approaches used in designing, developing and implementing programmes and projects in support of trial monitoring operations as well as programmes related to assessing judicial independence;
• develop his/her professional writing and communication skills, and apply his/her research and analytical skills.

Tasks:
In the area of the Independence of the Judiciary the intern shall assist Rule of Law staff for about 30% of the time by:

• Conducting research related to programmes of OSCE field operations and other international actors related to judicial independence and its assessment and promotion;
• Conducting research in order to identify examples of practices in participating States that are identical or similar to what is proposed in the Kyiv Recommendations on Judicial Independence in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia (‘illustrative examples of practice from participating States’);
• Supporting the substantive preparation and organization of activities to promote judicial independence in participating States.

In the area of trial monitoring, the intern shall assist Rule of Law staff for about 40% of the time by:

• Assisting with the organization of training events on trial monitoring;
• Assisting with the organization of the annual trial monitoring meeting, including by supporting the unit with substantive and administrative preparatory work, minute taking and the draft of the provisional report of the event.

In the area of Administrative Justice and EDR, the intern shall assist Rule of Law staff for about 30% of the time by:

• Assisting the piloting of the Handbook for Monitoring Administrative Justice in selected field operations, compiling reports from monitors, and drafting suggestions for inclusion in the final text;
• Assisting in research and edition of final text of the Handbook;
• Compiling current commitments, obligations and standards on judiciary related aspects of EDR for the OSCE area;
• Extracting examples of best practices and remaining challenges in the area of EDR from existing documentation from relevant actors, with specific focus on Venice Commission, CoE and UN material.

Location:The intern will be based at the ODIHR office in Warsaw, with travels to field offices depending on funds availability.
Internship Dates:July to December 2012 (shorter periods or deferments can be considered).
Necessary Qualifications

• University Degree in Law;
• Knowledge of international and OSCE human rights law, rule of law and fair trial standards;
• Excellent knowledge of English;
• Computer literacy;
• Excellent writing and presentation skills;
• Ability to work as part of a team along with ability to work under minimum supervision;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;
• Flexibility to carry out different tasks as required.

Terms of internship:
For the duration of the internship the person will be covered with life, accident and disability insurance at the cost of the OSCE/ODIHR. The intern will also be able to participate in a group health insurance scheme at his/her own expense. The OSCE/ODIHR is unable to pay any remuneration or bear any expenses incurred by the intern during the stay in Warsaw or for travel to or from the place(s) of assignment.


If you wish to apply for the internship programme at the OSCE/ODIHR, please complete the online application form found under http:www.osce.org/employ, write a short motivation essay in the "Cover Letter" field and submit it online. You can add a CV, but no other documents. Please read carefully the requirements mentioned on this page before applying. 

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see http://www.osce.org/who/83 .

The OSCE is committed to achieving a better balance of women and men within the Organization. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Environment and Human Rights Intern

Internship Description: The Health and Human Rights division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) seeks an enthusiastic, reliable, and qualified intern on a part-time or full-time basis from May through August (flexible). The internship will primarily focus on research and advocacy related to the environment and human rights. Other projects can be assigned as they arise and match the student's interests and abilities.

Internships are unpaid. Students are often able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the HRW staff, interaction with other international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and special events relating to human rights. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.

Qualifications: The intern must be an enrolled student during the internship term. Candidates should be well-organized, self-motivated, strong writers, and good team players. Interest and/or experience in human rights issues, particularly environmental rights, are highly desirable. Computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Office, Internet applications) are required.

Applicants who are offered an internship, but who are not US permanent residents, US citizens, or in possession of a valid student visa, must apply for a J-1 visa through a sponsoring organization. This process can take several weeks and applicants will have to incur their own costs.

How to Apply: Please apply by emailing a letter of interest, resume, names or letters of reference, and a brief, unedited writing sample (no calls or email inquiries, please) to health@hrw.org. Please use “Environmental Rights Internship Application” as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed.


Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.

* * *

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.

Seeds of Peace Legal Intern

Seeds of Peace, a non-profit, non-political organization dedicated to empowering teenagers from regions of conflicts with the leadership skills required to advance reconciliation and coexistence, is looking for a part-time intern to work with the Business Affairs Officer in the Finance and Administration department.

The part-time position is ideal for current or recent law students, however we will also consider current or recent finance, accounting or other administrative majors as well as applicants in other majors but with relevant work experience.

The internship duration is part time (min of 8 hours a week) for 3-6 months during Summer and Fall 2012. Starting around end of May. Start and end dates as well as hours and days of week somewhat flexible

Location: New York, NY

Requirements: Must be current college/university student or recent graduate with experience working

in an office environment. Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel are essential. Knowledge of Raiser's Edge and/or Financial Edge a plus but training can be provided. Applicants must have a pleasant phone manner, pay good attention to detail, be very organized, and be an independent worker.

Position/Responsibilities: Primary - Domestic Registration for solicitation of funds throughout the US. Secondary - legal support for the finance/administration department such as drafting language for contracts, reviewing legal contracts (eg vendor agreements) and liaising with pro bono lawyers on specific issues when needed

This position primarily entails working on domestic/international registration of Seeds of Peace. This position entails supporting the Administration and Finance department by helping to process our applications for registration to solicit funds and conduct business throughout the US states, as well as our applications for registration as a local NGO in the countries in which we work. The role will involve liaising with relevant governmental departments to ensure compliance, researching legislation and regulations and completing relevant paperwork in time to meet relevant deadlines.

The intern will also work directly with members of the Administration and Development department in assisting in a variety of other tasks as and when they are needed by the office manager including filing, other office operational assistance, answering phones, accepting deliveries and greeting guests.

To apply: No phone calls please. E-mail resume, cover letter and 2-3 page writing sample to internapps@seedsofpeace.orgor mail to:

Seeds of Peace

Attn: Summer and/or Fall 2012 Internship

370 Lexington Ave, Suite 2103

New York, NY 10017

Please note: Applicants who intend to receive college credit for this internship must make arrangements with their college/university. Seeds of Peace is not responsible for acquiring academic credits for interns.

Seeds of Peace is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

R. Michael Gadbaw International Law & Policy Fellowship

Date: Apr 20, 2012

Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Job Number:	1532533
Business	GE Corporate
Business Segment:	Corporate Legal
About Us:	This legal fellowship is a year-long, full time paid program in GE’s Washington, DC office. The successful candidate is expected to start by August 1, 2012 if not required earlier. This opportunity provides networking opportunities for future career advancement. Many past fellows have gone on to pursue careers in major international institutions, government, law firms, and further studies.
Posted Position Title:	R. Michael Gadbaw International Law & Policy Fellowship
Career Level:	Experienced
Function	Legal
Function Segment:	Administration and Support
Location:	United States
U.S. State, China or Canada Provinces:	District of Columbia
City:	Washington
Postal Code:	20004-2414
Relocation Assistance	No
Role Summary/Purpose:	General Electric’s Global Government Affairs & Policy group is seeking qualified candidates for its R. Michael Gadbaw International Law & Policy Fellowship program. GGA&P oversees GE’s engagement on public policy issues with governments around the world, and works to expand the company’s presence in global markets. Our legal fellows are involved in every aspect of our operations.
Essential Responsibilities	- Research current global issues in international trade law and policy, climate change, energy production, rule of law, R&D, etc. - Attend Washington-area briefings and meetings relevant to GE - Write memoranda and conduct legal research and analysis; create and edit presentation and briefing materials for the policy team - Assist GE trade experts and lawyers on various ongoing initiatives related to international law, trade, export controls and policy matters - Assist office administrative functions
Qualifications/Requirements:	Basic Qualifications: - Law or LLM degree Eligibility Requirements:  - Must be available for a minimum 1 year, full time (40 hours/week) commitment - GE will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen - Must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act
Additional Eligibility Qualifications	GE will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen.
Desired Characteristics	- Strong academic and professional credentials - Expert- level proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite - Solid research and analytical skills - Strong written and verbal communication skills - International experience - Foreign language skills - An interest in international law - Adaptable and familiarity with GE’s worldwide operations - Self-starter and strong work ethic
Section 19 Job	YOU MUST BE ABLE TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 19 OF THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE ACT.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC
Job Segments: Government, Governmental Affairs, Law, Legal, Public Policy, Research

APPLY NOW

German Chancellor Fellowship Programme

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s German Chancellor Fellowship Programme is for university graduates from the United States, the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China with an interest in international issues and demonstrated leadership potential. The programme is targeted at accomplished young professionals who are likely to become decision-makers, thought leaders, and influential voices in their respective fields. Fellows will be recruited from a broad range of areas such as politics and public policy, law, media, business, the non-governmental sector, and the arts. The programme provides fellows the opportunity to spend one year in Germany, where they will network with other prospective leaders from abroad and explore new solutions to the global issues of our times. This prestigious programme builds on Germany’s established and growing reputation as a favored destination for problem-focused international dialogue and a meeting place for tomorrow’s international leaders.

During their time in Germany, Federal Chancellor Fellows conduct independent projects at their host institutions. The project should involve original exploration of a topic or issue, or research in the fellow’s respective field of interest. The fellows are mentored by hosts in Germany, whom the fellows have chosen on the basis of their expertise in their respective areas. Projects should be of relevance to modern societies, have a long-term and visible impact, and help to advance fellows’ careers and professional development. Through their experience in Germany, fellows will acquire greater knowledge of their fields, gain new international experience, and strengthen their intercultural competence – all essential qualities for future professional leaders.

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany is the patron of this sponsorship programme, which is financed by the Federal Foreign Office. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants up to 30 German Chancellor Fellowships annually, with up to ten prospective leaders selected from each of the three countries.

Application deadlines:
For applicants from the People's Republic of China: June 30
For applicants from the United States: October 15
For applicants from the Russian Federation: November 15

Learn More: http://www.humboldt-foundation.de/web/german-chancellor-fellowship.html

Multilateral Diplomacy Programme by the UN Institute for Training and Research

New Training Activities - Multilateral Diplomacy Programme at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research 
The Multilateral Diplomacy Programme (MDP) at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to announce the new edition of its upcoming training activities for the second semester. Both online and face-to-face courses in Geneva are offered. Consult the UNITAR Online Catalogue for more information and to register for any courses

Legal Intern at the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health

Legal interns will assist the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health and his staff in fulfilling the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. During the course of the internship, this will include: researching and drafting a thematic report on health financing and the right to health, to be submitted to the UN General Assembly; researching and drafting two country reports addressing the right to health in Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, to be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council; and drafting urgent appeals and allegation letters addressing violations of the right to health globally, to be submitted to the UN Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Qualifications: law students and recent law graduates (J.D. or J.D. equivalent); fluency in English; and academic or professional experience in human rights. Interns will be expected to cover all costs associated with the internship, including travel and accommodation.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health is appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur is based on Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The Special Rapporteur is authorized by the UN Human Rights Council to:

• Gather, request, receive and exchange information from all relevant sources, including Governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, on the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoymentof the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, as well as policies designed to achieve the health-related Millennium Development Goals;
• Develop a regular initiate dialogue and discuss possible areas of cooperation with all relevant actors, including Governments, relevant United Nations bodies, specialized agencies and programmes, in particular the World Health Organization and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, as well as non-governmental organizations and international financial institutions;
• Report on the status, throughout the world, of the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and on developments relating to this right, including on laws, policies and good practices most beneficial to its enjoyment and obstacles encountered domestically and internationally to its implementation;
• Make recommendations on appropriate measures to promote and protect the realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, with a view to supporting States’ efforts to enhance public health; and
• Submit an annual report to the Human Rights Council and an interim report to the General Assembly on its activities, findings, conclusions and recommendations.

Please email a cover letter, resume and writing sample to delhibc@gmail.com.  

Immigration Intern at the National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children

USCRI’s National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children (NCRIC) was launched in March 2005 in order to recruit and train volunteer attorneys and match them with unaccompanied immigrant children who have been released from federal custody all over the US. For more information on the program, please visit www.nationalchildrenscenter.org. The Center’s interns and volunteers play apivotal role in every facet of the Center’s day-to-day activities. There are four positions available forthis internship.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct telephonic intake interviews with children in their native tongue
• Orient children and their sponsors to the immigration court process
• Update the Center’s website by posting research
• Perform web-based research on country conditions
• Research important legal decisions related to immigrant children
• Maintain and update the Center’s database

Qualifications:

• Spanish language fluency REQUIRED
• Familiarity in working with the immigrant or refugee community preferred
• Prior experience working with children
• High level of professionalism
• Commitment to human rights and humanitarian causes
• Ability to multi-task
• Above all, a good sense of humor and the will to make a difference
• Law Students, graduate students or college graduates preferred.

Compensation:

• Full-time (30+ hrs. per week): $100 stipend per month
• Local travel expenses to and from the office are also reimbursed

The internship is located in the Washington DC metropolitan area, Crystal City.
 

To apply for this internship, please send the following materials to apply-internship@uscridc.org,
Attn: Internship Coordinator: (Only applications received via email will be considered for this position.)

• Resume or C.V.
• Cover letter, stating the basis for your interest in this position and why your qualifications make you the right candidate for this internship

Specify "Immigration Intern” in the subject line of your email. No phone calls please!
This internship is offered every spring, summer, and fall semester. The deadlines for each are as follows:

• Summer: Last day to apply is April 30th, Internship begins in May
• Fall: Last day to apply is August 31st, Internship begins in September
• Spring: Last day to apply is December 30th, Internship begins in January

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

Legal and Policy Officer Internship at the International Commission for Dalit Rights

Internship Description: The Legal and Policy Office at International Commission for Dalit Rights (“ICDR”) is seeking a legal intern currently in or recently graduated in law to manage legal and policy related projects in our Washington, D.C. office. This internship will commence immediately and end at the beginning of the fall with the possibility of extension. The intern will research international human rights law and policy relevant to ICDR. Current projects include research on Torture against Dalits, and a database project to serve as a core member of Caste Freedom Index (“CFI”). The intern will bolster this repository by adding information about each CFI’s measurement frameworks, specifically international and national legal framework, relevant case studies, and other resources.

Internships are unpaid and need to work independently, but students can be able to arrange academic credits. Student should check with their school and professors for requirements. ICDR internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of the United Nations, international human rights organizations and national advocacy groups, and opportunities to attend seminars, trainings and conferences related to human rights and social justice.

Qualifications: Previous experience researching international human rights law is required. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated and reliable, with a strong interest in international human rights. Relevant coursework is highly desirable. Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, Internet applications) are required.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately by sending a letter of interest, resume (highlighting experience in international human rights law and policy), and a brief, unedited writing sample, to icdrintl@icdrforum.org. Please use “Legal and Policy Officer Internship” as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

ICDR is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.

* * *

The ICDR is a D.C.-based international human rights, policy and development organization founded in 2006. It also functions as a global forum of Dalits and pro-Dalits organizations across the world.

The International Secretariat provides technical support to its field offices and associate advocacy groups, especially as it relates to international human rights law and policy and development processes.

International Advocacy Program Coordinator

CIHRS (www.cihrs.org) is an independent regional non-governmental organization founded in 1993 and based in Cairo. It aims at promoting respect for the principles of human rights and democracy. The International Advocacy Program (IAP) of CIHRS is a regional advocacy and capacity building program aiming to support engagement by national-level NGOs in the Arab region at the international and regional human rights mechanisms.

Language requirements: English and Arabic. French is an asset.
Location: Middle East
Skills and experience:

• A minimum of 4 years experience working in the field of human rights or civil society organizations; preference will be to candidates with managerial experience
• A university degree in law or relevant social science field (e.g. Human Rights, Political Science, International Relations, etc.). Masters Degree preferable; an academic background in human rights is an asset
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent analytical skills and a strong understanding of the sociopolitical context in the Arab region is expected
• Demonstrated commitment to universal human rights;
• Willingness and ability to travel, work extra hours (sometimes during weekends), work well under pressure and adapt to emerging issues and changing priorities; a team-player but also capable of working well independently.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.

Tasks and responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership for the project by working closely with, coordinating and assisting the work of the IAP staff and consultants, as well as interns for the program and representing the IAP and Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies in internal and external meetings
• Planning, coordinating and implementing advocacy and lobbying campaigns on national, regional and international level as well as engaging with regional and international human rights mechanisms, including at the United Nations, African Union and League of Arab States
• Planning and coordinating capacity building training workshops on International Human Rights Mechanisms and field trainings. As well as developing the educational materials and publications. Act as a trainer when needed
• Producing and/or supervising the production of country/thematic reports and studies, background papers, policy briefs, press releases, op-eds, submissions to regional and international bodies and other written material to support the CIHRS’ advocacy goals
• Maintaining and enhance relationship with national, regional and international partner organizations as well as the program’s advisory board members
• Representing CIHRS in key national, regional and international conferences and sessions as needed
• Keeping abreast of developments at the international human rights mechanisms and the main patterns and trends negatively and/or positively affecting the human rights situation in the Arab region and outline, together with the IAP staff members and the research unit, the organization's response to these developments and policies
• In cooperation with the Director of the Geneva Office of the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, supervising the project activities and the evaluation process of the Program and ensuring that the donor reporting obligations of the program are quantitatively and qualitatively satisfied in a timely manner 

All applicants must submit:

• Updated CV or resume (including details of language skills and two references)
• Cover letter, containing two references (indicating which position is being applied for in the subject line).

Please submit applications by 5 May 2012 to Laila Matar: recruitment.cihrs@gmail.com

Program Officer for Legal Empowerment at Open Society

POSITION AVAILABLE

PROGRAM OFFICER, LEGAL EMPOWERMENT

OPEN SOCIETY JUSTICE INITIATIVE

OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE, BUDAPEST

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.

The UN Commission on Legal Empowerment of the Poor estimated that 4 billion people live outside the protection of the law. The World Bank Development Report 2011 emphasized the link between conflict and insecurity and achievement of the Millennium Development goals, underscoring the need to build confidence between states and citizens, by developing effective institutions and empowering citizens to hold governments to account. The emerging field of legal empowerment has pioneered practical methods for meeting these related challenges. Legal empowerment interventions foster more empowered communities and more responsive governments. The vision of the Justice Initiative’s Legal Empowerment work is to create an independent global civil society-based movement to promote legal empowerment worldwide in a sustainable form that builds upon existing structures and increases interconnectedness, knowledge sharing and access to resources.

Towards this, the Justice Initiative is collaborating with other agencies to establish an independent organization, Namati, that coordinates, informs and strengthens legal empowerment programming worldwide; a Global Network, hosted on the Namati website, bringing together legal empowerment practitioners to provide a platform for sharing research findings, training materials and case management systems; and support to innovative country-level projects that develop model approaches to legal empowerment programming across a range of thematic issues and socio-political contexts. A small grantmaking facility will be established to complement this approach, enabling strengthening of, and more critical and substantive engagement with, the global network, and providing the opportunity to address the many research questions currently being asked of the legal empowerment movement.

Based in Budapest, and working under the supervision of the Legal Empowerment Project Manager, the Program Officer of the global legal empowerment initiative will primarily assist in supporting the program’s grantmaking facility so as to strengthen a wide range of grassroots organizations in developing effective, high quality, sustainable services, and filling any research gaps in the global legal empowerment agenda.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Grantmaking

• Assist in identifying potential partners and projects to advance the global legal empowerment agenda and research needs;
• Solicit, help develop, review and evaluate proposals; organize proposal reviews by other internal and external reviewers; correspond with potential grantees; prepare and review grant documentation and dockets;
• Supervise and monitor grants (maintain regular communication with counterparts, provide feedback, conduct site visits, review reports, budgets and financial reports, website and publications) and evaluate progress;

• Maintain ongoing, active relationships with grantees and oversee the implementation of funded grants;
• Document and provide ongoing assessment and evaluation of Justice Initiative’s legal empowerment grant portfolio.

Capacity Building

• Work with the Project Manager and grantees to identify capacity building needs, plan and coordinate technical assistance to support grantee technical capacity and organizational development;

• Identify relevant resource people/ external consultants as needed to provide capacity building on co-management, financial training, monitoring and evaluation training, data collection, documenting work etc.; negotiate and prepare terms of consulting arrangements;

• Ensure that learning from grantees is documented and integrated into the global program, presented on the web platform and contributes to the evidence base for legal empowerment;

• Identify and develop peer exchange and horizontal learning opportunities for grantees and technical assistance consultants, and facilitate these meetings as required.

Learning, documentation and advocacy

• Research/ documentation: prepare background papers, updates, program publications and assist in preparing reports, proposals for other donors etc. as needed;
• Maintain database of donors in the field, keep track of developments of donor strategies and activities on legal empowerment;
• Help organize events to publicize and discuss issues relevant to the work on legal empowerment and represent Justice Initiative in meetings, events and conferences;
• Observe and document the work and programmatic direction of civil society organizations, international non-governmental organizations and other actors working on legal empowerment issues;
• Build and manage relationships with other Open Society Foundation entities, funders, and interested parties who may be resources to Justice Initiative, and its grantees;
• Provide written and oral reports on activities.

General program administration

• Track and manage budgets for the above work;
• Provide general administrative support to the program, and when travelling, manage logistics and organization of meetings;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in law, international relations, public policy or another relevant field; post-graduate degree in similar preferred;
• Five to eight years professional experience in public policy, international development, human rights, gender relations or other relevant field;
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills in English required;
• Ability to communicate at a proficient level in French and/or Spanish preferred;
• Strong organizational, analytical, research and problem solving skills and attention to detail;
• Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues at all levels, program contacts, and the general public;
• Ability to work independently and as member of a team;
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
• At least one year’s experience working with a civil society organization in a developing or post-conflict context;
• Previous grantmaking experience desirable;
• Experience in project management, including managing consultants, and developing and managing project budgets.
• Ability to work simultaneously on a wide range of projects and prioritize appropriately;

Application deadline: May 1, 2012

For more information about the Open Society Justice Initiative, please visit http://www.soros.org/initiatives/justice

The Open Society Foundations are an Equal Opportunity Employer which supports diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

TO APPLY: Send resume, motivation letter, writing sample, contact information for three references, and salary requirements to applications@admingroup.hu indicating ‘Program Officer / OSJI’ in the subject line.