DIRECTOR, ASIA and the PACIFIC 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.

The ICJ seeks a Director to manage its work in Asia and the Pacific (including South Asia, Southeast Asia, and increasingly, East Asia and the Pacific) from the ICJ’s regional office in Bangkok, Thailand. The ideal candidate will be a visionary international human rights lawyer who has held senior positions, including management positions. S/he has a comprehensive knowledge of international human rights and humanitarian law, deep practical experience in legal advocacy, an understanding of the history, politics and legal systems of the region and a well-developed network in the region.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of the Asia and the Pacific Programme will have the following responsibilities:

· Propose strategic direction and plans for the ICJ’s work in Asia and the Pacific to strengthen the rule of law to protect and promote human rights. Participate actively in the strategic planning for the ICJ as a whole;

· Manage the Programme through its phases of development, including the implementation of the full range of ICJ advocacy strategies and legal interventions on countries and themes in the region;

· Manage and supervise all aspects of the setting up and day-to-day running of the ICJ presences in the region;

· Supervise the work of ICJ staff, interns and consultants assigned to the Regional Programme;

· Actively develop mutually supportive working relations with other directors and senior staff. Promote cross-fertilization of ideas and opportunities for joint work with other regional and international programmes;

· Play a leadership role as the ICJ’s official spokesperson on issues relating to human rights and the rule of law in the region;

· Implement strategies to mobilize the ICJ Network of Commissioners, National Sections and Affiliated Organizations in the region and engage them in the work of the ICJ;

· Manage the Programme’s resources and budget;

· Contribute significantly to the development and implementation of fundraising strategies for the Programme.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

The successful candidate will have:

Education & Experience

· Over 10 years progressive experience as an international human rights lawyer, with significant experience of working in the region. Minimum five years of increasingly responsible staff, programme and financial management experience in an international or non-governmental organization;

· A degree in law and further academic studies in international and human rights law and international humanitarian law;

· Experience of national litigation and litigation before international or regional human rights systems.

Other requirements

· Excellent applied knowledge of international and regional human rights and humanitarian law and jurisprudence;

· Political judgment and the proven ability to develop and carry out innovative advocacy and legal work;

· Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to excel at the challenge of maintaining and expanding a programme;

· Proven communication skills and knowledge of the media and organizations in Asia and the Pacific;

· Fluency in English with proven legal writing and editing skills. Working knowledge of additional languages from the region an asset;

· Management capacity and the ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure, in a complex, dynamic and changing work environment, as part of an international multi-cultural team;

· At ease with fundraising and outreach;

· Demonstrated commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

The ICJ is an equal opportunities employer.

HOW TO APPLY:

APPLICATIONS close on 18 December 2016 and should be addressed with your resume (maximum two pages), a cover letter (maximum two pages) and the names of at least two references to:

Ref: Director of the Asia and the Pacific Programme

By email: recruitment@icj.org

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