Consultancy announcement: Legal Officer (Maternity Cover)

Location: The Hague

Closing Date: Wednesday 12 June 2019

REDRESS is recruiting a legal officer in The Hague on a part-time consultancy basis (15 days a month) to provide maternity cover for four months from July to October 2019, with the possibility of an extension.

REDRESS is an international human rights organisation based in London and The Hague that represents victims of torture to obtain justice and reparation. We bring legal cases on behalf of individual victims of torture, and advocate for better laws to provide effective reparations. Our cases respond to torture as an individual crime in national and international law, and as a human rights violation with state responsibility. We apply our expertise in torture, reparation, and the rights of victims to national and international courts. Through our victim-centred strategic litigation we are able to have an impact beyond the individual case to address the root causes of torture and to challenge impunity. We conduct research and advocacy to identify the changes in law, policy and practice that are necessary. We work collaboratively with international and national organisations and grassroots victims’ groups.

REDRESS has a longstanding interest in the progressive development of the ICC as an institution with the capacity to deliver justice for victims of international crimes, with a focus on victims’ rights, including participation, protection, legal representation, and reparation. We intervene directly before the Court, and engage with the Registry and the Trust Fund for Victims to progress their policies and implement reparations for victims. We support domestic war crimes trials under the principle of complementarity. We coordinate the Victims’ Rights Working Group, an informal global network of experts and advocates working to promote justice for victims at the ICC, operating under the auspices of the NGO Coalition for the ICC.

Position Profile: Legal Officer

Based in The Hague, the Legal Officer will be required to:

Lead REDRESS’ work on a project relating to rights of victims of violenct crimes in immigration and pre-trial detention in the Netherlands, including promoting a report, organizing policy meetings, preparing a guidance note with best practice, undertaking domestic advocacy, and organizing a final meeting for the project.
Work on a project relating to universal jurisdiction in the Netherlands, including the finalization of a report, further research, and engagement with the project in other countries in Europe.
Organise a workshop relating to the strategic litigation of universal jurisdiction cases in the Netherlands.
Support human rights litigation in Uganda relating to accountability for sexual violence.
Support our partners in Algeria on legal accountability for enforced disappearance.

Responsibilities

The Legal Officer is expected to contribute to the work of REDRESS as follows:

Legal Advice and Representation. Conduct strategic litigation on behalf of clients of REDRESS, through (where necessary) client care, legal and factual research, questioning witnesses, evidential analysis, drafting of submissions, and court-room advocacy.
Legal Advocacy. Conduct policy analysis and advocacy in support of the strategic objectives of REDRESS. Work with partners to advocate for legal and institutional reforms or to address systemic challenges. Draft reports, prepare submissions, and advocate to relevant stakeholders in national, regional, and international fora.
Professional Responsibility. Maintain the highest ethical standards, including for direct representation of clients, and case management.
Project Management. Develop, oversee, and deliver innovative and effective projects that further the strategic objectives of the organization. Contribute to the drafting of funding proposals, prepare and oversee budgets, and report on projects to donors and the board.
Work collaboratively with other legal and programme staff.
Design and deliver training programs for specific projects where needed.
Foster relations with existing and potential new partners and counterparts around the world on ongoing litigation, advocacy, training, and policy initiatives.
Representing REDRESS. Contribute to the wider needs of the organization, including communicating REDRESS’ work to a wide array of audiences.

The Legal Officer is also expected to carry out such further duties as may reasonably be requested from time to time by REDRESS.

Ideal Professional Background

The ideal candidate will need to have the following experience.

At least three years relevant experience.
Advanced degree specialised in international law or human rights law, or equivalent experience.
Licensed to practice law through bar membership or the equivalent.
Proficiency in international law and human rights, with knowledge of international criminal law, the law of torture, enforced disappearance, the rights of victims, or reparations.
Demonstrated excellence in legal drafting and editing; demonstrated competence in non-legal drafting.
Experience developing, budgeting, and implementing legal projects involving international partners.
Experience working with NGOs and other stakeholders in developing countries, including working overseas.
Experience in public speaking to a variety of audiences.
Experience of managing junior staff and volunteers.
Fluency in written and oral English; able to work confidently in French.

The following experience is desirable:

Experience in human rights litigation at a national, regional, or international level.
Experience working in a civil law system.
Experience in conducting advocacy at a national, regional, or international level.
Experience in report writing with prior publication experience.
Able to work confidently in Dutch.

Personal Attributes

Comfortable working with victims of human rights abuse with a range of special needs.
Comfortable to work with a wide range of personalities.
Energetic, resourceful, good strategic thinker but also willing and ready to take a hands-on role.
Highly efficient and organised, with an ability to multi-task.
Able to understand and support the aims, objectives and values of REDRESS and reflect them in all aspects of work.
Able to think and work strategically, creatively, and under pressure.
Able to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative.
Willing to undertake frequent travel, including to countries with a history of systematic and severe human rights abuses.

Reporting Relationships

The Legal Officer will report to the Head of Law under the overall supervision of the Director. They are expected to manage junior staff members and volunteers as appropriate.

Terms

The consultancy will provide cover for maternity leave for four months from July to October 2019, for 15 days per month, on a daily rate. The Legal Officer will work from the REDRESS office in The Hague, and must have the right to work in the Netherlands.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 12 June 2019

Interviews will take place in the week of 17 June 2019.

The consultancy will start as soon as possible after successful recruitment.

How to Apply

Please send to [email protected]: A cover letter explaining your interest in REDRESS and your qualifications for the role, a Curriculum vitae, the names and contact details of two references (these will only be approached in final short-listing process).

Deadline: Wednesday 12 June 2019