Legal Researcher (100%)

Target start date: September 2023

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide organization of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights. Its strategic goals for 2021-2025 are: (1) to develop, defend, and strengthen international institutions, instruments, and standards on rule of law and human rights; (2) to improve domestic implementation of, and compliance with, international law and standards; (3) to bolster the effectiveness and independence of judges and lawyers; and (4) to improve access to justice for all and accountability. With its Headquarters based in Geneva, Switzerland, ICJ has a presence in Africa, Latin America, Asia & the Pacific, Europe & Central Asia, and the Middle East.

To contribute to implementing the organization’s programme of work in the countries of focus, we are seeking a full time Legal Researcher. The ideal candidate has native fluency in Arabic and excellent oral and written English skills. They have knowledge and experience of international human rights and humanitarian law and a keen interest in human rights legal research and advocacy as well as a sound understanding of the history, politics and legal framework of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting directly to the MENA Senior Legal Adviser, the Legal Researcher holds the following responsibilities:

• Monitor and analyse the legal and political developments in the countries of focus relating to the rule of law, human rights and the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession and carry out legal advocacy to strengthen the rule of law and human rights in the region;
• Draft legal briefings, memoranda, submissions to regional or international human rights mechanisms, public statements, reports, and press releases and other media content relating to the ICJ’s work in the countries of focus;
• Draft concept notes and agendas, support/conduct capacity building and training for legal practitioners and provide logistical and procurement support to the work of the MENA programme, in particular in preparing the missions and seminars that the ICJ will carry out in Tunisia, Lebanon, or other countries as applicable;
• Assist in developing and maintaining a substantive dialogue on issues related to the work of the MENA programme in Tunisia with multiple stakeholders, in particular representatives of civil society as well as the judicial, legal and human rights communities;
• Provide sound and timely legal advice on specific regional and national human rights and rule of law issues in the region;
• Assist in identifying, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with counterparts in relevant international, regional and national human rights organisations with the aim of developing networks, alliances and coalitions;
• Inform and mobilise the ICJ Network in support of the work of the MENA programme in the countries of focus;
• Ensure close internal coordination between the MENA programme and other ICJ regional and thematic programmes;
• Support programme’s communication activities, including social media content;
• In conjunction with staff responsible for finance, contribute to preparing and managing the MENA programme’s budget for the countries of focus as well as monitoring expenditures;
• Contribute to internal and donor reporting and programme and project level monitoring and evaluation actions;
• Ensure the implementation of the work plan within the designated timeframe in relation to the countries of focus;
• In conjunction with the fundraising staff, contribute to fundraising for the MENA programme’s work on the countries of focus, including drafting proposals and assisting in maintaining good relations with donors;
• Carry out other appropriate tasks and support other country teams as requested.

PROFILE

The successful candidate will have:

Education

• University degree in law. Further academic studies in international human rights law and international humanitarian law is highly desirable;

Work experience

• A minimum of 2 years of legal experience, including with non-governmental or inter-governmental organizations in Tunisia or other MENA countries; relevant internships & traineeships may be counted 50%;
• In-depth experience of legal and field research for advocacy purposes;

Language skills

• Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of French is an asset;

Essential skills

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft office; Very good organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage conflicting demands, meet deadlines and adjust priorities;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team. Demonstrated commitment to human rights and the rule of law in the MENA region.