Open Society Institute Summer Law Clerk

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.

We seek to strengthen the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check.

We help to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights.

We implement initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media.

We build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information.

Working in every part of the world, the Open Society Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

The Open Society Foundations Washington office seeks to hire a Summer Law Clerk to work on United States human rights, national security, and immigration and refugee issues.

Purpose of Position

Provide research and other policy advocacy assistance for the senior policy analyst for U.S. human rights, national security, and immigration.  Work is carried out under general supervision.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following.  OSI may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

• Research and prepare written materials on domestic and international human rights and national security issues.  Issues could include terrorism detentions and prosecutions, rendition policy, immigration enforcement and due process, and profiling and discrimination in the national security and immigration contexts;
• Perform legal research (including LexisNexis and other research tools);
• Draft legal memoranda, background papers, and other advocacy materials;
• Attend hearings or meetings and draft summaries and analyses;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, and minimum of one year of relevant experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Currently enrolled in a law school degree program;
• NGO or foundation experience/interest in human rights preferred.

Skills Required

• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office, experience with database management preferred;
• Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• High level of self-motivation and at ease working independently when necessary;
• Poised and works well under pressure, attentive to detail and prioritizes and works well under pressure, often simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and the general public.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation

Hourly rate commensurate with experience.

Application Instructions

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before December 14, 2012, to: HumanResources@opensocietyfoundations.orgInclude job code in subject line: SLC/DC.