Open Society New York, Legal Research Intern

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 60 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.   

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Justice Initiative is seeking four (4) research interns during the summer months for a minimum of 10 weeks.  Working under the supervision of Justice Initiative legal officers, the researchers will support the legal programs through the following tasks in the fields of anticorruption, national criminal justice reform (specifically pre-trial detention, access to justice, and safety, security and accountability), legal capacity development, freedom of expression and information, equality and citizenship, national security/counterterrorism and international justice:

•    Conduct all-source research via websites, Lexis/Nexis, foreign source materials, academic studies, oral interviews of experts, legal and political documents, Library of Congress materials, etc;
•    Write concise research memorandums (both legal and non-legal) and informational and analytic reports priority topics addressing the main themes of the Program, as outlined above, as well as specific country studies, political and economic developments, international organization activities, civil society surveys and evaluations, etc;
•    Attend scheduled staff conference calls and relevant meetings hosted by think tanks, nongovernmental organizations, government briefings, etc;
•    Maintain electronic and paper files on substantive research areas and on case management;
•    Upload onto the Justice Initiative website any pertinent research as required by the program staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:
 
•    Presently attending law school or law school graduate;
•    Masters and/or Bachelors degree in international affairs, political science, government or other related field;
•    Prior legal research-related experience, preferably in the field of international law;
•    Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication, and organizational skills;
•    Very strong research, writing and analytic abilities;
•    Advanced computer research, database management and word processing skills, including Outlook, internet search, Lexis/Nexis, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access; 
•    Ability to effectively manage several projects in a fast-paced environment;
•    Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, colleagues, and the general public;
•    Integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle confidential matters;
•    Availability to work 10-12 weeks, 40 hours per week.

Upon acceptance, interns will need to provide a letter from their university indicating that they are receiving credit and/or funding for the internship.

DURATION: 10-12 weeks; June – August 2011

COMPENSATION:  Unpaid, lunch provided.

To Apply
Please email resume and cover letter with brief writing sample before January 10, 2011, to: humanresources@sorosny.org Include job code in subject line: JIN/INT 

OR 

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code JIN/INT
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019 

FAX: 212.548.4675

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer.