Senior Litigation Officer – REMOTE

Who We Are

The Free Yezidi Foundation (FYF) supports the Yezidi community in the aftermath of the 2014 Yezidi Genocide. FYF promotes the rights and well-being of Yezidis in Iraq and the diaspora, with an emphasis on women’s empowerment, the pursuit of justice, and helping the community rebuild through trauma treatment, education, training, and economic development.

FYF is virtually headquartered in the Netherlands and the United States, with its operational base in Duhok, Kurdistan Region or Iraq. The Foundation is particularly engaged in service provision for religious and ethnic minorities (REM) in Iraq, with an emphasis on women, youth, and survivors of mass atrocities from the Yezidi and other REM communities.

Background

Founded in August 2014 in response to ISIL’s genocide perpetrated against the Yezidi community in Iraq, FYF is a non-partisan, Yezidi, women-led nonprofit organization. FYF’s mission is to support the Yezidi community through advocacy and justice, as well as provide mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), education, and livelihoods opportunities to genocide survivors, with an emphasis on women and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). FYF began its work with the establishment of a Women’s Center and Children’s Center in Khanke IDP camp in Duhok, Iraq in 2015 and has since provided critical programming for REM women, youth, and survivors, including opening and operating an Enterprise and Training Center and Bakery, supporting survivors to access reparations under the Yezidi Survivors Law, and seeking justice for survivors of genocide and conflict-related sexual violence. Grounded in principles of empowerment and dignity, FYF’s humanitarian and development work equips all community members with the tools needed to sustainably improve their lives for a brighter future, with a special focus on the well-being of women and girls.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of FYF’s Programs Director and oversight of the Executive Director, the Senior Litigation Officer will advance strategic litigation in criminal and corporate accountability cases for FYF. This is a remote position that entails approximately 60 working days over the course of two years. The number of days required may increase depending on workload and other factors.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform several functions:

• Report to the Programs Director.
• Lead and coordinate litigation efforts on criminal and corporate accountability cases related to the Yezidi Genocide.
• Develop litigation strategies in collaboration with FYF’s partner.
• Oversee the preparation of legal briefs, court filings, and other relevant documentation.
• Monitor the progress of ongoing cases, providing regular updates to the Executive Director and Programs Director.
• Represent FYF in strategic litigation efforts alongside the Executive Director.
• Engage with international legal bodies, governmental institutions, and NGOs to advocate for Yezidi justice.
• Ensure that Yezidi survivors’ voices are centered in legal processes and international advocacy.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the project partner, fostering strong collaboration and ensuring the alignment of efforts with overall program goals.
• Ensure all information collected during the course of assignment remains strictly confidential, and agree that all such information belongs to FYF and cannot be disclosed to any party, in accordance with FYF confidentiality and non-disclosure contract clauses.
• Collaborate with the Iraq-based justice team as needed, particularly the Justice Manager, to ensure effective communication and alignment of strategic litigation objectives.
• Provide regular reports on litigation progress, emerging challenges, and strategic recommendations to the FYF leadership team and for inclusion in quarterly reports to the donor.

Qualifications

• Law degree with specialization in international human rights law, international criminal law, corporate litigation, or related fields.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in litigation, preferably with experience in international criminal accountability and/or corporate accountability cases.
• Deep understanding of international legal frameworks related to genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and corporate accountability.
• Proven track record of leading or contributing to strategic litigation cases.
• Experience working with survivors of atrocity crimes a plus, with a sensitivity to trauma and survivor-centered approaches.
• Strong experience representing organizations or clients in international legal settings.
• Familiarity with working across different legal jurisdictions.
• Understanding of the Yezidi genocide and related human rights violations desired but not required.
• Ability to assess complex legal issues and develop innovative litigation strategies.
• Proven ability to work in cross-functional teams and with international partners.

The most essential qualities for this position include compassion, cultural sensitivity, ability to navigate complex social dynamics, integrity, emotional strength, ability to work as part of a team, and respect for the vulnerable and suffering.

Base of Operations

Remote

Start Date: November 2024

Remuneration: The consultant will be paid on a monthly basis for days billed, based upon a daily rate mutually agreed upon by the consultant and the Free Yezidi Foundation.

Upon Joining FYF

FYF has non-disclosure and liability waiver clauses in its contracts for all employees and consultants upon joining the team. All paperwork and related documents will be managed between the time the offer is sent and the incumbent begins work, including agreeing to the FYF code of conduct.