REDRESS is recruiting a new Head of Law

London or The Hague

Closing Date: Thursday 12 July 2018

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.

Based in London or The Hague, the Head of Law will provide leadership and oversight for the legal work of REDRESS. The successful candidate will have worked for at least ten years in human rights law, with significant experience litigating at national or regional level, in the fields of torture, victims’ rights, or reparations. This position must supervise a team of 4-6 lawyers, and give effective and constructive feedback to professionals from different legal systems and backgrounds, and at the same time manage a large portfolio of cases all around the world, with the attention to detail needed to keep track of multiple deadlines.

Reporting to the Director of REDRESS, the Head of Law is a member of the senior management team of REDRESS, contributing to the effective management of the organisation, and the delivery of the strategy. If the role is taken up in The Hague, then the position would be the senior staff person in that office and the effective head of the office. The successful candidate will fulfil the following roles.

Legal Expertise. Ensure the quality and consistency of REDRESS’ legal submissions and arguments, in reports, publications, and litigation; act as lead lawyer where necessary.

Document Review. Ensure the high quality and persuasiveness of legal pleadings and briefings.

People Management. Supervise a team of 4-6 lawyers through coaching, mentoring, guidance, and oversight.

Case Management. Maintain a robust case management system, and effectively monitor a large portfolio of cases.

Professional Responsibility. Ensure that REDRESS staff maintain the highest ethical standards in their work.

Vision and Creativity. In delivering the REDRESS strategy, develop our legal work so that it remains at the cutting edge, particularly with regard to a victim-centred approach to strategic litigation.

Reporting. Provide clear and succinct reporting of our legal work for donors and trustees.
Project Management. Develop, oversee, and deliver innovative and effective projects for that further the strategic objectives of the oreganisation, including through financial oversight.

Networking. Foster relations with existing and potential new partners and counterparts, and consideration of new themes to be taken up by REDRESS within its mandate.

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

The ideal candidate will need to have the following experience.

At least 10 years relevant experience.
Licensed to practice law through bar membership or the equivalent.
Proficiency in international law and human rights, with experience in human rights litigation at a national, regional, or international level.
Expertise in international criminal law, the law of torture, the rights of victims, or reparations.

Experience working in a civil law system.
Experience working with NGOs and other stakeholders in developing countries, including working overseas.
Demonstrated excellence in legal drafting and editing; demonstrated competence in non-legal drafting.
Experience in public speaking to a variety of audiences, including high level officials.
Fluency in written and oral English; ability to work in French; proficiency in other UN official languages an advantage.
Significant experience of managing, mentoring and supporting legal and professional staff, ideally in an international NGO environment.
Experience of developing, budgeting, and implementing complex legal projects involving international partners.
Experience in conducting advocacy at a national, regional, or international level a distinct advantage.

Comfortable working with victims of human rights abuse with a range of special needs, with a genuine interest in victims’ rights.

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.

This is a full time permanent position. The position can be based either in London, or in The Hague (the latter for those with the right to work in the European Union), and will require extensive international travel. The salary is commensurate with experience, and there will be a probationary period. There are generous holiday benefits, with a pension contribution (dependence on location).

First interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 19 July and Friday 20 July. We aim to conduct the final interviews on Thursday 26 July and Friday 27 July.

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: Thursday 12 July 2018.