International Legal Adviser – Myanmar

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a global network of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights. Since 1952, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has performed a unique and prominent role as a nongovernmental organization defending human rights and the rule of law worldwide. With its Headquarters based in Geneva, ICJ operates on the ground in Africa, Latin America, Asia & the Pacific, Europe & Central Asia, and the Middle East.

The ICJ is seeking to recruit an International Legal Adviser who will assist with the implementation of the ICJ’s Myanmar programme. The ideal candidate is an international human rights lawyer with a comprehensive knowledge of international human rights law and standards, with practical experience of human rights legal advocacy and an understanding of the history, politics and legal system in Asia and the Pacific.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement all aspects of the ICJ’s Myanmar programme using a range of innovative advocacy strategies to support ICJ legal interventions, including, field research into human rights issues related to law and justice in; writing, contributing to and editing human rights reports, legal memos and briefing papers; engaging with allies and advocacy targets including civil society, local and international media, government, diplomats, UN agencies and mechanisms;

• Assist in preparing training materials and participating in training and capacity building exercises, developing advocacy initiatives, trial observations and assisting partners in developing litigation strategies and drafting court submissions;

• Develop and maintain relationships with the legal, political and academic communities in Myanmar and the Asia Pacific region;

• Monitor and analyse legal and political developments, human rights and the rule of law developments internationally, including monitoring law reform initiatives;

• Assist the Asia & Pacific Regional Director in developing strategic plans and fundraising proposals for the ICJ’s work in Myanmar;

• Where appropriate, and under the supervision of the Regional Director, represent the ICJ externally, develop and maintain relations with governments, donors, inter-governmental organizations, NGOs and the judicial, legal, politics, academic and human rights communities, prepare press releases, deliver public speeches and otherwise raise the public profile of the ICJ;

• As agreed with the Asia & Pacific Regional Director implement strategies to strengthen, inform and mobilize the ICJ Network of Commissioners, National Sections and Affiliated Organizations in the region and engage them in the work of the ICJ;

• Work closely and liaise with ICJ colleagues at the regional and global levels, including joint work with the staff of other regional and international programmes;

• Supervise the work of relevant staff members, consultants and interns;

• Carry out other appropriate responsibilities as requested by the Asia and Pacific Regional Director and the Senior International Programme Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have:

Education and experience

• A degree in law. An advanced degree is highly desirable;

• 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in the legal sector;

• Progressive international experience as a human rights lawyer;

• Experience of practical legal and advocacy experience at the national and international level working for the implementation of international human rights standards;

• Applied knowledge of international human rights and humanitarian law and international and regional human rights jurisprudence;

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

• Experience of having some work in Myanmar is desirable;

• Policy experience;

Language skills:

• Fluency in English with proven high level legal writing and editing skills;

• Working knowledge of Burmese is desirable;

Other competencies:

• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and the rule of law;

• Excellent legal research and writing skills;

• High motivation and demonstrated interest in human rights;

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Powerpoint;

• Strong analytical and organizational skills;

• Proven communication skills with media and advocacy;

• Willingness to travel within Myanmar and internationally;

• Ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure, in a complex, dynamic and changing work environment, as part of an international multi-cultural team; and

• Openness and flexibility, capacity to adapt to changing priorities and needs. The ICJ is an equal opportunities employer and offers a competitive salary package.