International Legal Advisor Position with the International Commission of Jurists

International Legal Adviser

Closing date: 17 Dec 2010
Location: Thailand - Bangkok

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide network of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights.

The Asia Pacific office is seeking to recruit an International Legal Adviser who will be responsible for implementing the ICJ’s Thailand programme and for developing and maintaining relationships with the Thai legal, political and academic communities. The ideal candidate will be an international human rights lawyer with a comprehensive knowledge of international human rights and humanitarian law with practical experience of human rights legal advocacy and an understanding of the history, politics and legal system in Thailand. The position will be based at the ICJ’s Bangkok office, report to the Asia-Pacific Programme Director and the Senior Legal Adviser and work closely with the rest of the Asia Pacific team and counterparts in other ICJ offices.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Regional Director, the International Legal Adviser has the following responsibilities:
• Implementing all aspects of the ICJ’s Thailand programme using a range of innovative advocacy strategies to support ICJ legal interventions, including conducting field research into human rights issues related to law and justice; writing, contributing to and editing human rights reports, legal memos and briefing papers, helping to prepare training materials and participating in training and capacity building exercises; trial observations; and assisting partners in developing litigation strategies and drafting court submissions
• Monitor and analyse legal and political developments, human rights and the rule of law developments internationally, including monitoring law reform initiatives.
• Assist the Programme Manager in developing proposals and preparing reports for donors.
• As agreed with the Regional Director, represent the ICJ externally, develop and maintain relations with governments, donors, inter-governmental organizations, NGOs and the judicial, legal and human rights communities, prepare press releases, deliver public speeches and otherwise raise the public profile of the ICJ.
• As agreed with the Regional Director, implement strategies to strengthen, inform and mobilize the ICJ Network of Commissioners, National Sections and Affiliated Organizations in the region and engage them in the work of the ICJ.
• Actively maintain supportive working relations and seek opportunities for joint work with the staff of other regional and international programmes.
• Supervise the work of relevant consultants and interns.
• Carry out other, appropriate responsibilities as requested by the Regional Director.

Qualifications
• Seven years progressive experience as a human rights lawyer, including at least five years relevant work experience in the region, preferably in Thailand
• A degree in law. Advanced degree in international human rights law and/or international humanitarian law highly desirable
• Experience of legal practice, legal advocacy or national implementation of international human rights standards
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and rule of law

Skills
• Applied knowledge of international human rights and humanitarian law and international and regional human rights jurisprudence
• Political judgment and the proven ability to develop and carry out innovative advocacy and legal work
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Proven communication skills with media and advocacy
• Policy experience
• Fluency in English with proven legal writing and editing skills. Working knowledge of Thai an asset
• Willingness to travel within Thailand and internationally
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure, in a complex, dynamic and changing work environment, as part of an international multi-cultural team

How to apply

Deadline for applications is 17 December 2010. Ref: International Legal Adviser, Thailand programme. Applications must include a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three references. Applications should be sent by email to: asia-recruitment@icj.org and by post to: International Commission of Jurists, 10/1, Soi Ari 2, Phahonyothin Road, Samsennai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, THAILAND

The ICJ is an equal opportunities employer and offers a competitive salary package. Due to the volume of applications only short listed candidates will be contacted. In addition, we cannot answer phone enquiries.