Switzerland Legal Adviser Middle East and North Africa Programme

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.

We are recruiting a Legal Adviser to work on our Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Programme from our International Secretariat in Geneva. The MENA programme aims to support the development of independent and impartial judiciaries and legal professions in the region, as a mean to protect and consolidate the Rule of Law and human rights. The programme uses its expertise in international human rights law and standards to influence the development of law and policy in the region, in particular through the inclusion of human rights standards in national legislation. The programme also aims to ensure accountability in cases of gross human rights violations.

The ideal candidate will be an individual with knowledge and experience of international human rights and humanitarian law with high interest in human rights legal research and advocacy as well as a sound understanding of the history, politics and legal framework of the MENA region.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Senior Legal Adviser for the MENA Programme, and in co-ordination with other ICJ legal and administrative staff, the Legal Adviser will contribute to implementing the ICJ’s programme of work in the MENA region, in particular by:

• Providing sound and timely legal advice on specific regional and country human rights and Rule of Law issues; • Actively contributing to the development and shaping of ICJ MENA strategies at the regional and country level; • Monitoring relevant legal and policy developments in the MENA region, and carrying out legal advocacy to strengthen the Rule of Law and human rights in the region; • Representing the ICJ at the external level, including in the field, with international organisations and other actors; • Organising ICJ missions, trial observations and seminars in the region, including managing practical arrangements with local partners; • Researching and writing background briefings for missions and seminars, including analysis of relevant national and international law; • Drafting ICJ reports, submissions to UN bodies, press releases and advocacy papers; • Review and editing of papers prepared by ICJ consultants on national law and practice relevant to human rights protection in the region; • Ensure close internal coordination between the MENA programme and other ICJ regional and thematic programmes and act as a source of expertise to other ICJ thematic and regional programmes on issues related to the MENA region; • Inform and mobilise the ICJ Network in support of the work of the MENA programme; • Contributing to fundraising for the programme; • Assist in managing the aspects of the project’s resources and budget.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have:

Education & Experience

• A degree in law. Further academic studies in international human rights law and international humanitarian law highly desirable; • Minimum of 7 years of legal experience at the national and international levels, including with non-governmental organisations or inter-governmental organisations in the region; • In-depth experience of research for advocacy purposes, including field research; • First-hand expertise and demonstrated commitment to human rights and the rule of law in the MENA region;

Essential Skills

• Excellent legal and political judgment and proven ability to develop and carry out innovative legal advocacy strategies; • Excellent and practical knowledge of human rights and related advocacy work, including at the international level; Strong research, writing, analytical and organisational skills; • Ability to effectively manage conflicting demands, meeting deadlines and adjusting priorities; • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team; • At ease with fundraising and outreach; • Excellent oral and written English with a very good working knowledge of Arabic. Knowledge of French an asset.

The ICJ is an equal opportunities employer.

How to apply:

APPLICATIONS close on 31st January and should be addressed with your resume, a cover letter and the names of at least 2 references to: Ref: Legal Adviser, MENA Programme

By email: recruitment@icj.org Or by post: International Commission of Jurists, P.O. Box 91, 1211 Geneva 8, Switzerland

Please appreciate that due to the volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. We cannot answer phone enquiries, thank you for your understanding.