ABA Center for Human Rights – International Legal Advisor 1

The American Bar Association Center for Human Rights is the ABA’s focal entity for critical human rights concerns in the United States and around the world. The Center is seeking an experienced International Legal Advisor to conduct substantive international human rights legal and policy analysis in support of the Justice Defenders program.

The International Legal Advisor conducts substantive international human rights legal and policy analysis in support of a grant-funded program. The role includes responsibilities to conduct research, undertake professional writing, and engage in public events and working groups on the subject matter.

Candidates should be detail-oriented, able to work well in cross-cultural settings, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. Candidates with strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task are highly desired.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Analyze laws, regulations, court rules and policies/policy proposals. Prepare memoranda, speeches, and articles, including for publication, on international human rights law and policy.
• Support Legal Advisor 2 or 3 to implement program activities to increase adherence to and awareness of international human rights law and end impunity for perpetrators of human rights abuses. May assist with supervision of interns/externs.
• Provide technical assistance to government officials, civil society, and other stakeholders seeking to promote and protect human rights and end impunity for perpetrators of human rights abuses;
• Coordinate with local partners on the provision of technical assistance, as needed.
• Coordinate with program staff on grant reporting requirements and logistics, as needed.
• Conduct legal and factual research and contribute to report writing on matters of international human rights law and policy.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of a Doctorate degree (JD or PhD).
• Requires outstanding international human rights law and/or policy research and writing skills and excellent communication and organization skills.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Cumulative two years of previous legal work or volunteer experience related to international human rights law, policy, and/or development.
• Experience working with USG-funded programs
• Strong interpersonal skills in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Grant writing experience
• Experience in advocacy on behalf of human rights defenders with foreign ministries, corporations, and multilateral institutions.
• Experience working with local counsel to develop strategies for litigation.
• Language proficiency, if not fluency, in one or more other languages, particularly Spanish, Russian, Arabic, or French.