Legal Intern at the Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict

The Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict (CIVIC) is seeking a legal intern for its new Making Amends Campaign (MAC).

CIVIC works on behalf of war victims by advocating for warring parties to recognize and make amends to the civilians they harm. The MAC seeks to further entrench the practice of making amends through targeted, high-level international advocacy. Solid familiarity with core aspects of international humanitarian law (IHL), customary international law and practice, international criminal law, international human rights law, and key policy issues pertaining to the protection of civilians in conflict is essential.

CIVIC seeks a seasoned law student well-versed in the areas above to undertake legal and policy research, analysis, and writing in accordance with the needs of the MAC Director. The successful candidate must also have concrete knowledge of international decision-making bodies and particularly the UN, and a demonstrated commitment to human rights and civilian protection in a conflict or post-conflict setting. The MAC intern will work with numerous members of the CIVIC staff. He or she will be managed by CIVIC associates and will report directly to the MAC Director on all substantive matters.

Internship duties include but are not limited to:

• Conducting legal research, providing accurate and creative legal analysis, and producing concise and forceful legal writing on topics and in formats requested;

• Tracking, compiling, and presenting key legal and political developments relevant to the MAC and particularly pertaining to the UN;

• Attending meetings, briefings, and conferences at the direction of CIVIC staff;

• Updating databases, revising website content, and writing correspondence to supporters as necessary;

• Functioning as a multitasking, driven, and mature member of our team.

Applicants must:

• Be detail-oriented, punctual, and flexible while handling multiple tasks at any one time.

• Work equally well in a group well as well as independently.

• Be creative, take initiative, and demonstrate ambition with assigned tasks.

• Have excellent writing and research skills and should anticipate using these skills frequently.

• Be poised and professional in all settings, as well as observe confidentiality and discretion when working with sensitive information.

• Be available full-time (35+ hours per week) for a period of at least 10 weeks.

Internships should start June 15th and conclude at the end of August. Any planned holidays or travel plans must be declared prior to accepting an internship offer. This is an unpaid internship with a small stipend for food and travel.

To apply, please submit a detailed cover letter, resume, unedited writing sample, and 3 references to peggy@civicworldwide.org and contact@makingamendscampaign.org .

NOTE: In the subject line of your email please indicate "Legal Intern Application-Fall 2011" Every effort will be made to inform applicants of their application status as soon as possible.

No phone calls please.

Legal Assistant at IFES in Afghanistan

Legal Assistant Jr.-Afghanistan
Location: Afghanistan
Division: Program Management
Status: Consultant
Position Number: 11:083

Project Description:
IFES is an international, nonprofit organization that supports the building of democratic societies. IFES provides targeted technical assistance to strengthen transitional democracies. Founded in 1987 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, IFES has developed and implemented comprehensive, collaborative democracy solutions in more than 120 countries.

In June 2008, IFES was awarded a three-year contract with USAID, named the Support to the Electoral Process in Afghanistan (STEP). The STEP team is tasked to provide support to the Independent Election Commission (IEC) of Afghanistan in its long-term capacity building and other areas of operation.

Job Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Senior Legal Advisor and the IFES Afghanistan Chief of Party the legal assistant will perform the following tasks:

• Assist the IEC working group in reviewing electoral regulations and procedures (both IEC and ECC), with recommendations for revisions. (WP 1.1)
• Coordinate activities of IFES legal team as they create a compendium of Afghan electoral law. 
• Contribute to the dictionary of electoral terms. Both the compendium and the dictionary will be used as resources for the reform of the legal framework for future elections. (WP 2.1)
• Facilitate the working group of IEC and former ECC legal experts and advisors as needed.
• Other activities as requested by Senior Legal Advisor and/or Chief of Party. 

Qualifications:
• Advanced University Degree (Master or J.D.) in Law, International Studies, Human Rights, Public Policy, or similar field;
• Candidates should possess at least four years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in legal research, capacity development and governance assistance with an international legal perspective;
• Experience at the international level, especially in international organizations desirable; 
• Experience in a post-conflict environment is a must and Afghanistan experience highly desirable; 
• Experience carrying-out and providing legal advice in regard to electoral processes; 
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.

Preferred Attributes:
Successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:

• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations; 
• Client Orientation – Ability to identify and analyze clients’ needs and provide appropriate solutions to meet business requirements; 
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style;
• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills and ability to coordinate the work of others, work to meet tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Ability to coach, monitor and develop staff.

To Apply:
You must go to http://www.ifes.org/ to the Careers section and apply online. Applications are only accepted in this way. Make sure you upload all papers together (ie. cover letter and application, etc.).

Civic Education Specialist at IFES

Civic Education Specialist-Afghanistan
Location: Afghanistan
Division: Program Management
Status: Consultant
Position Number: C11:32

Project Description:
About IFES

IFES is an international, nonprofit organization that supports the building of democratic societies. IFES provides targeted technical assistance to strengthen transitional democracies. Founded in 1987 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, IFES has developed and implemented comprehensive, collaborative democracy solutions in more than 120 countries.

About the Project

In June 2008 IFES was awarded a three-year contract with USAID, named the Support to the Electoral Process in Afghanistan (STEP). The STEP team is tasked to provide support to the Independent Election Commission (IEC) of Afghanistan in its long-term capacity building and other areas of operation. Current end date of the project is September 2011.

Job Responsibilities:
Reporting directly to the IFES STEP Chief of Party (CoP), and working in close partnership with the Civic and Voter Education Manager (CVEM) the Civic Education Specialist will:

• Provide advice to the Independent Election Commission (IEC)’s Public Outreach Department (POD) on designing and implementing of civic education/public information strategies and campaigns in the non-election years leading up to 2013-2014 election cycle. 
• Provide advice and support to POD in its efforts to integrate lessons learned and best practices from 2009 and 2010 election cycles. 
• Provide support to the POD team in its efforts to improve voter education strategies, its content and methodologies. Special focus should be put on developing approaches that would allow for more effective delivery of voter information throughout Afghanistan. 
• Examine efforts and provide recommendations to POD head to better include various marginalized sectors in the electoral process, especially illiterates, women, youth, Kuchis, etc. 
• Support IFES STEP team in coordination and oversight of its subcontractor working on designing and implementing country wide civic education efforts
• Other support as requested by IEC & duties as assigned by COP.

Civic Education Specialist will also prepare and submit his/her report feeding into IFES Afghanistan biweekly and monthly reports and a final trip report to the Chief of Party and Senior Program Manager in Washington. All reports are to offer a description of activities accomplished for the period, progress toward accomplishment of objectives, problems and constraints encountered, activities undertaken to solve the identified problems/constraints, plans/recommendations for future activities, and important lessons learned.

Qualifications:
•Advanced University Degree (Master or equivalent) in International Studies, Education, Public Policy, Law, or similar field
• Candidates should possess at least twelve years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in civic education, public outreach, electoral systems and governance assistance;
• Experience working in coordination with sub-awardees, national and local counterparts in supporting effective participatory processes; 
• Experience in designing and leading formal trainings, coaching and mentoring as well as public outreach campaigns; 
• Experience at the international level, especially in international organizations desirable; 
• Experience in a post-conflict environment is a must and Afghanistan experience highly desirable; 
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; knowledge of Pashto or Dari is highly desirable.

Preferred Attributes:
Successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following attributes: 
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations; 
• Client Orientation – Ability to identify and analyze clients’ needs and provide appropriate solutions to meet business requirements; 
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style;
• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills and ability to coordinate the work of others, work to meet tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. 

To Apply:

You must go to http://www.ifes.org/ to the Careers section and apply online. Applications are only accepted in this way. Make sure you upload all papers together (ie. cover letter and application, etc.).

ASIL's International Criminal Law & International Criminal Court Course Series

ANNOUNCING THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW & INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT COURSE SERIES (Washington)

This summer, the NPIG Committee on the International Criminal Court is presenting an exciting series of classes on international criminal law and the International Criminal Court. Please find details and registration information below.

----------------------
ASIL CLE INSTITUTE: INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW AND THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT COURSE SERIES

WHEN: MAY 24, 2011 ~ JULY 15, 2011

WHERE: ASIL HEADQUARTERS, 2223 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON DC 20008


This CLE course will feature up to seven classes that will provide an opportunity to engage in substantive discussions on international criminal law, gain continuing legal education (CLE) credit, and receive career guidance in this legal field. Topics will include an overview of the field of international criminal law, how the ICC fits within the tribunal system, a review of the complementarity principle, a history of the Rome Statute, an examination of the prosecutorial and judicial selection process of the ICC, and a discussion about the future of the ICC.


To register, go to http://asil.org/activities_calendar.cfm?action=detail&rec=192

Classes in the Series:

1.     Introduction to the International Judicial System   May 24, 2011,  12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.  Instructor: Chiara Giorgetti, Associate of the International Arbitration Group of White & Case LLP and Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center. This course will provide an overview of existing international courts and tribunals and their jurisdictions. For more information and to register, click here.

2.     Introduction to the International Criminal Court and the Rome Statute  June 2, 2011, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Instructor: Elizabeth Andersen, Executive Director and Vice President of the American Society of International Law. This class will provide an overview of the jurisdiction and structure of the ICC and an introduction to the Court's early practice. For more information and to register, click here.

3.     The Prosecutorial and Judicial Selection Process  June 9, 2011, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.  Instructor:  Gabrielle Mertz, Director of Development of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court. This class will provide an analysis of the procedures used to select judges and prosecutors in the International Criminal Court, embedded in the wider context of the whole international courts system. For more information and to register, click here.

4.     The Future of the International Criminal Court   June 16, 2011, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.  Instructor: David Abramowitz, Director of Policy and Government Relations at Humanity United. This class will provide an NGO perspective on the practice of the Court today and its activities in the context of how the Court plans to handle future challenges. For more information and to register, click here.

5.     The Complementarity Principle  (Pending last 2 weeks of June)  Instructor: David Tolbert, International Center for Transitional Justice. 

6.     The War Crimes Office in the U.S. Department of State July 6, 2011,  2:00 p.m. -3:30 p.m.   Instructor:  Diane Orentlicher, Deputy, Office of War Crimes Issues for the U.S. Department of State. This class will focus on U.S. policy responses to atrocities committed in areas of conflict and elsewhere throughout the world, including U.S. government support for international and domestic war crimes tribunals. For more information and to register, click here.

7.     Methods for Investigating International Crimes July 13, 2011, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Instructor: David M. Crane, former Chief Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone.  This class will be focusing on the prosecution of Charles Taylor as a case study. For more information and to register, click here. 

CLE INFORMATION

ASIL will apply for mandatory CLE accreditation with the following states prior to each of the individual classes in the series: California, Florida, New York (via approved jurisdiction of Pennsylvania), Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Other states may or may not accept the credit from these MCLE states. Questions regarding your state's specific reporting requirements should be directed to your state bar or MCLE board.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Entire Course Series: SPECIAL DISCOUNTED FEE FOR MEMBERS! [ASIL Members -- $125.00 // Non-ASIL Members -- $175.00]

Individual Class Fee: To register for an individual class, please see the individual class listing. [ASIL Members -- $25.00 // Non-Members -- $45.00]


The New Professionals Committee on the International Criminal Court was formed to advance understanding of international criminal law and the working of the ICC in legal and policy communities and to represent the voice of new professionals in discussions on the future of international criminal justice. 


http://asil.org/activities_calendar.cfm?action=detail&rec=192 

Researcher at Amnesty International

Location: London 
Salary: £41,124 
Fixed term maternity cover contract of up to one year in duration, starting from 1st July 2011

The International Secretariat of Amnesty International needs a researcher to take up a fixed term role in its South America team.

About the role

As a research-based campaigning organization, investigating and documenting human rights issues is fundamental to our advocacy and lobbying work. Our South America team requires a researcher to take the lead in initiating human rights research and action on the Americas by providing country and thematic expertise, excellent research skills and sound political judgement. Your task will be to monitor, investigate and analyze political, legal and social developments and human rights conditions, give authoritative advice on these areas and prepare human rights action materials.

About you

With experience of working on human rights issues, you will have worked in or have substantial knowledge of South America, particularly with specialist knowledge of Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru. You’ll have a background in either activism, academia, law or journalism with the ability to identify and thoroughly investigate those issues and ensure our voice has authority.

You will also have proven research and writing skills and the ability to be impartial and think strategically. Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish, including excellent writing skills, is essential.

About us

Our aim is simple: an end to human rights abuses. Independent, international and influential, we campaign for justice, fairness, freedom and truth wherever they’re denied. Already our network of almost three million members and supporters is making a difference in 150 countries. And whether we’re applying pressure through powerful research or direct lobbying, mass demonstrations or online campaigning, we’re all inspired by hope for a better world. One where human rights are respected and protected by everyone, everywhere.

Closing date: 8th June 2011.

For further information about this and our other current vacancies, and to apply online, please visit www.amnesty.org/jobs. CVs will not be accepted.

Student Task Force Internship at Human Rights Watch

Summer 2011
Apply Immediately

Human Rights Watch (HRW) 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 of influential governments and international institutions.

Currently, the LA office has openings for a summer Student Task Force (STF) intern. Ideally, the selected candidate would begin immediately and continue until the beginning of the academic school year (mid-August). Based in LA, STF is a Human Rights Watch-sponsored youth leadership-training program that brings together high school students from all over Los Angeles and empowers them to advocate for the rights of children. HRW interns and STF teachers work in partnership to mentor students in leadership skills and activism, fostering confidence and maturity among students and enabling them to become effective voices for change and social justice within their communities. Each STF intern has many opportunities for substantive responsibility, which makes the STF internship a rewarding and uplifting learning experience.

Responsibilities of the STF intern include, but are not limited to:

•Creating and organizing advocacy opportunities for the STF campaigns that focus on children rights issues;

•Researching curriculum and developing meeting outlines, strategies and tools to equip students to be knowledgeable and effective human rights activists;

•Maintaining ongoing relationships with local student leaders and faculty advisors;

•Organizing and leading meetings with student leaders and committees to create and test materials;

•Coordinating outreach events with participating STF high schools, student leaders, faculty advisors and like-minded organizations; and

•Assisting with other office-related tasks, as assigned.

Internships are unpaid. Interns are required to commit to 15 hours per week for a minimum of three months. Academic credit can often be arranged as HRW internships offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by HRW staff, interaction with community activists, 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 ideal STF intern should be well-organized, self-motivated and reliable, with a strong interest in children’s human rights. Experience with curriculum and resource development is highly desired. Academic background in political science, international studies, or global studies is a plus. Availability for 15 hours per week, and occasional night events is a must. Computer skills (i.e. MS Word, MS Excel, and Internet applications) are required. Experience with graphic design, web design, and online communication tools are a plus. Applicants must be able to provide their own transportation to the HRW office in West Los Angeles.

For more information on the Student Task Force, please visit http://www.hrwstf.org.
Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

Please apply immediately by emailing the following four items to LAjobs@hrw.org: 
1) Cover letter, indicating availability in the first paragraph, as well as applicant's specific human rights interests (length – 1 pg.) 
2) Resume, including the names and contact information for three professional and/or academic references (length – 1 pg.) 
3) Professional/administrative writing sample (unedited by others) (length – 1-3 pgs.)

Please use “STF SUMMER INTERNSHIP APPLICATION” as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Due to the large number of applications received for the position, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls or email inquiries, please.

Foreign Policy Advisor for Latin America and Global Trade at US Conference of Catholic Bishops

The Foreign Policy Advisor serves the U.S. Bishops as a senior advisor on the religious and moral dimensions of U.S. policy toward Latin America and global trade. The Advisor evaluates international developments, analyzes U.S. policy, drafts USCCB policy recommendations and documents, helps educate Catholics and the wider public, and advocates with public officials to promote the USCCB’s international priorities. Working under the supervision of the Director of the Office of International Justice and Peace, the Advisor serves as a member of a team within the International Office and the Department of Human Development, Justice and Peace. The Policy Advisor maintains relationships with staff of other national and regional bishops’ conferences, Catholic Relief Services, and international policy and advocacy organizations, especially ecumenical and interfaith partners.

Competitive starting salaries with excellent work environment and fringe benefit package, including free parking. Close proximity to Metro (Red Line – Brookland/CUA). Please submit a resume with a cover letter indicating you interest and salary requirements to:

Office of Human Resources (IJP)
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 Fourth Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20017-1194
Or FAX: 202/541-3412
Or E-MAIL: resumes@usccb.org
EOE/M/F/D/V