ABOUT PILNET
PILnet is an international, locally present 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 Legal Officer to work in support of PILnet’s programs and activities aimed at strengthening the legal resilience of CSOs in Latin America. We work with organizations to pinpoint their legal needs and then connect them to qualified pro bono lawyers, at no cost. Moreover, to strengthen the awareness among CSOs on how different laws and regulations can impact their operations, PILnet develops seminars, trainings and guides on common legal topics. Operating through a vast global network of pro bono lawyers, PILnet provides support to organizations worldwide. Currently, PILnet is actively building and expanding a diverse network of partners, NGOs and lawyers in Latin America. Leveraging regional resources, exclusive international workshops, events, and pro bono legal assistance, PILnet aims to expand its projects in this region and is looking for a Legal Officer to lead these activities and develop new partnerships.
Reporting to the Program Director: Civic Space, you will apply your technical skills, education and experience to:
- Develop new partnerships and grow PILnet’s network of pro bono lawyers and CSOs in Latin America
- Expand PILnet’s Global resources to Latin America
- Support PILnet’s Global Clearinghouse pro bono requests from Latin America, by corresponding by emails, video calls, and phone calls with CSOs to understand their legal needs, drafting descriptions of legal needs, and identifying and communicating with law firms within PILnet’s network who can provide pro bono support.
- Design, organize and manage in-person/hybrid events (webinars, roundtables and others) in Latin America and globally
- Other tasks as assigned by the Program Director: Civic Space.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Degree in law, social sciences, political science, international relations, or related field. Preference will be given to applicants with a law degree.
- Interest in public interest law, social justice, and human rights.
- Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with diverse audiences, including law firms, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations in Latin America
- Excellent research, reporting, written and oral communication skills.
- Proficiency in Spanish and English is required
- Ability to work well under pressure and manage competing priorities while maintaining a professional approach
- Proficiency 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 regional in nature (Latin America) and you will be required to connect with internal and external stakeholders in that region, but also globally. As such, preference will be given to candidates who are based in Latin America, +/- 3 hours from EST. This is a fully remote position, but there is also an option for a hybrid arrangement with working from the PILnet’s New York office.
How to apply
Interested candidates should fill out the application form and send a cover letter and CV to recruitment@pilnet.org with the subject line ‘Application for LatAm Legal Officer position‘, as soon as possible.
Applications will be reviewed after January 15th 2024. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis starting in mid January. PILnet will be able to offer you an initial contract until December 31, 2024, with a three months probation period and with the option of further extension subject to available funding.
The cover letter should describe your interest to work with PILnet and spell out your relevant educational and/or practical experience. We kindly request that applicants do not submit CVs with pictures. PILnet focuses solely on qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to the job requirements.
PILnet is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at PILnet are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications and merit, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. PILnet will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. PILnet encourages applicants of all ages and backgrounds. Personal data provided by applicants will be used strictly in accordance with PILnet’s Privacy Policy.