Program Officer (Forced Displacement)

ABOUT PILNET

PILnet is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that partners with legal professionals and civil society organizations (CSOs) globally to protect civic space, address global challenges, and work to build just, equitable, and sustainable societies. PILnet does this by supporting civil society, engaging legal professionals, and nurturing the next generation of legal professionals in three strategic priority areas: civic space, climate justice, and refugees and people on the move. PILnet currently has offices in New York, Budapest, and Hong Kong but operates globally.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We are looking for an enthusiastic Program Officer to support PILnet’s work on forced displacement and migration. You will support three main projects:

• Support the coordination of the GRF Legal Community Pledge which was first launched in 2019 when over 80 law firms, NGOs and others came together to collectively pledge to support efforts to protect and find solutions for refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, and other forcibly displaced persons. PILnet currently coordinates the Pledge together with a Core Group.
• Manage the Matching Portal which facilitates pro bono legal assistance for NGOs and refugee-led organizations (RLOs) globally. The Portal was first launched in 2021 and has facilitated pro bono legal assistance for over 70 matters in the past three years.
• Subject to external funding, support with the management of PILnet’s Refugee Legal Fellowship Program, recently launched in partnership with the Refugee-Led Research Hub at Oxford University. The Fellows will work hands-on alongside programmatic staff to co-design and implement strategies and projects to advance refugee rights and undertake a structured learning and growth program. You will support the development of this program and the supervision of 2-4 Fellows.

Reporting to the Global Project Coordinator, you will apply your technical skills, education and experience to:

• Manage the global clearinghouse/matching portal to facilitate pro bono legal assistance for NGOs and RLOs in need. This includes conducting intake calls, scoping legal needs, drafting matter descriptions and conducting outreach to suitable law firms.
• Support the Global Project Coordinator in coordinating all activities related to the GRF Legal Community Pledge, including attending meetings, taking minutes, supporting outreach to new pledgers and other administrative support.
• Support the organization of related events such as workshops, trainings and roundtables.
• Ensure the successful and timely implementation of all activities according to grant proposals, including contributing to narrative project reports for funders;
• Collaborate with PILnet’s communication staff to ensure effective promotion of project activities on social media, the PILnet website and other channels.
• Support the project’s monitoring and evaluation processes including data entry into PILnet’s database;
• Keep abreast of developments relevant to the project; and
• Other tasks as requested by the Global Project Coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in law, political science, international relations, public administration or related field. Preference will be given to applicants with a law degree. Training or a degree in refugee law is a plus.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience, preferably in a legal nonprofit focused on supporting refugees and others forcibly displaced people.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Spoken and written proficiency in Spanish, French, Arabic is a plus.
• Strong interest in public interest law, refugee law, social justice and human rights.
• Project management experience and a record of delivering activities on time.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to set and execute multiple activities simultaneously.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage competing priorities while maintaining a professional approach.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent people skills, including networking, organizing, and negotiating.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Outlook, Access, etc.) and Google Apps.

LOCATION

You will work alongside a small multicultural team from nonprofit management and legal backgrounds, providing you with a supportive and flexible working environment. Your work will be global in nature and you will be required to connect with internal and external stakeholders around the world; preference will be given to candidates who are based in an African, Middle East or European time zone.

This is a remote position and PILnet especially encourages candidates with a refugee background or other lived experience of statelessness or displacement to apply for this position if they have the necessary work authorization.