Isle of Man (The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland): International Legal Advisor

Organization: REDRESS
Country: Isle of Man (The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
Closing date: 20 Feb 2015

Founded in 1992 and registered as a charity in the UK, REDRESS is a small, specialised and widely respected human rights organisation that works internationally to obtain justice for survivors of torture and end impunity for governments and the individuals who perpetrate it, and to develop and ensure compliance with international standards.

The organisation provides specialised legal assistance to individuals and communities in securing their rights, conducts advocacy with governments, parliaments, international organisations and the media and works in partnership with like-minded organisations around the world. More information on REDRESS’ work can be found on its website: www.redress.org.

REDRESS has about 12 full and part-time staff members and a number of volunteers.

THE INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ADVISOR

The job of international legal advisor is a key position in the organisation that relates to all members of the legal team. The key tasks include:

1. Providing advice and input to the organization on international law as it relates to REDRESS’ work on the prohibition of torture and remedies and reparation for survivors;
2. Fostering relations with and representing REDRESS with counterparts at the United Nations and with regional courts/commissions with a view to supporting the progressive development of international standards, raising new challenges of concern to the absolute prohibition against torture and providing input into thematic and country-specific reports and processes as relevant;
3. Carrying out specific litigation, advocacy, policy and research regarding the prohibition of torture and remedies and reparation for survivors, in the context of specific themes of relevance to REDRESS, such as counter-terrorism measures, violence against women, disappearances;
4. Working collaboratively with other legal and programme staff and directly with partner organizations around the world on ongoing litigation, advocacy, training and policy initiatives, including appropriate consideration of international law arguments in national/local briefs and submissions;
5. Direct client representation of survivors of torture in respect of specific cases falling under the brief of the International Legal Adviser;

The International Legal Advisor is also expected to carry out such further duties as may reasonably be requested from time to time by REDRESS.

IDEAL PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

• 5+ years directly relevant experience;
• Proficiency in international law, direct experience with international litigation is desirable;
• Qualification (ability to practice) in a jurisdiction of relevance to REDRESS;
• Advanced degree specialised in international law;
• Experience working with NGOs in developing countries;
• Experience in report writing (excellent drafting skills required, prior publication experience desirable);
• Experience in public speaking to a variety of audiences;
• Advocacy experience;
• Fluent in English and with a second language highly desirable, in particular French, Spanish, Russian or Arabic;
• Experience of managing junior staff and volunteers.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Comfortable working with victims of human rights abuse with a range of special needs
• Comfortable to work with a wide range of personalities;
• Energetic, resourceful, good strategic thinker but also willing and ready to take a hands-on role;
• Highly efficient and organised, with an ability to multi-task;
• Ability to understand and support the aims, objectives and values of REDRESS and reflect them in all aspects of work;
• Ability to think and work strategically;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Ability to think creatively;
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative;
• A genuine interest in victims’ rights;
• Willingness to undertake frequent travel, including to countries and regions which have experienced severe and systematic human rights abuses.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The International Legal Advisor will report to the Counsel under the overall supervision of the Director. He/she is expected to manage volunteers and junior staff members as appropriate.

SALARY AND TERMS

• This is a full time permanent position.
• Salary commensurate with experience, with a three month probationary term.
• Generous holiday and other benefits apply, and after successful completion of the probationary term, the incumbent will be eligible for a 10% pension contribution.

The successful candidate should be prepared to take up the position on or before 1^st April 2015. Interviews will take place in end February 2015. This is a permanent position.

The position is based at the REDRESS office in London. However, the employee will be required to travel regularly to a variety of locations where REDRESS works.

How to apply:

Please send to info@redress.org: Cover letter expressing interest; Curriculum vitae; The names and contact details of 2 references (these will only be approached in final short-listing process); Two writing samples.

Deadline: 20 February 2015

Envisioned start date: 1st April 2015