Director of strategic litigation jobs
About International Lawyers Project (ILP)
ILP is a network of talented and passionate pro bono lawyers drawn from diverse countries and cultures across the globe. We mobilise teams of legal experts to support the policy and legal needs of marginalised communities, their governments, and their social movement organisations. Our partners are civil society organisations, governments, community groups and investigative journalists.
Founded in the UK in 2005, we are staffed by a small core staff team of lawyers and thematic experts dedicated to using the law to achieve economic and environmental justice through strategic pro bono legal support. Over the last 20 years, we have supported partners in more than 100 countries.
We are proud to have a diverse staff and volunteer team reflective of the communities we support, from Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe, with extensive expertise in our focus areas as well as law and international development. We work primarily in the Global South, with active projects across Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia, as well as in Europe. As a charity, our ultimate aim is to help our clients create long-lasting change in some of the world’s most disadvantaged regions.
Our vision is a just and sustainable world in which the law serves as a tool for those who need it most.
Role and Responsibilities
We are looking to recruit an experienced, innovative senior legal manager to manage our international Governance & Accountability Programme. The ideal candidate will be a qualified lawyer (or international development professional with equivalent experience in rule of law /governance / NGO use of legal strategies), with deep enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge of how our partners could use the law to achieve anti-corruption reform. A more detailed explanation of our organisational and programme strategy is set out in our 2024-2026 Strategy.
Working as part of a small but dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to learn at close hand what it means to work for an international NGO focusing on how the law can be used to fight corruption and achieve environmental and economic justice. You will develop projects with a range of partners, including international agencies, NGOs, CSOs, governments and government bodies. You will collaborate with a range of volunteer lawyers (law firms and barristers chambers) who are leading experts in their field. You will also nurture, build and maintain relationships with our funders. The role will involve outreach to new partners, programme management, drafting fundraising applications and donor reports, tracking impact, as well as evaluating and learning from projects.
Key Responsibilities:
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Implement the strategic vision for ILP’s Governance and Accountability (G&A) programme, in conjunction with the Senior Programmes Director, Senior Counsel, Legal Fellows, Executive Director, partners, staff and Board;
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Develop an expert understanding of the most effective policy tools and legal interventions to deliver the programme’s objectives, through engagement with volunteer lawyers, ILP partners, staff, Board and others;
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Build and maintain ILP’s G&A programme. This includes:
· Liaising with partners to identify legal/policy/campaign needs and offer potential legal and/or policy reform solutions, including through conducting analysis of their activities;
· Creating an active pipeline of G&A projects and cases including environmental crime and corruption, through identifying and engaging in regular outreach with potential new partners;
· Ensuring an even spread of G&A projects across the five strategic programme pillars;
· Identifying, building and maintaining strong relationships with existing and new highly experienced volunteer lawyers;
· Mapping and developing relationships with regional and international development entities and other technical assistance providers to identify potential partners, needs and focus countries;
· Representing the programme in external fora and events;
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Ensure effective project delivery and evaluation of impact including:
· Managing & coordinating project implementation through the full project cycle;
· Delivering financial management for assignments including accurate budgeting, forecasting, accounting and reporting;
· Supporting the development and maintenance of strong programme management and knowledge management systems and processes, including regular updating of ILP’s databases;
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Working closely with the Senior Counsel and Senior Programmes Director, lead fundraising activities to support both the G&A programme and organisational overheads, including exploring opportunities for potential funding with partners, liaising with and nurturing donors, designing funding applications and creating relevant budgets;
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Line management of G&A Legal Fellow;
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Share in the necessary operational and administrative activities of the organisation and contribution to website and social media communications.
Candidate profile:
We are especially interested in candidates with the following skills and experience:
· A qualified lawyer (or equivalent with significant relevant professional experience) with an excellent understanding of how law is useful to achieving reform in our key strategic work areas: public procurement integrity, environmental crime and corruption, accountability for international corruption asset recovery, countering illicit asset flows and illicit asset recovery, and tackling the UK’s role as an international money laundering hub for enablers;
· Understanding and enthusiasm for the concept and practice of pro bono legal assistance;
· Demonstrable project management skills and experience in an NGO (5+ years);
· Demonstrable experience in donor management, including drafting fundraising applications and budgets, nurturing new and managing existing relationships, meeting donor reporting requirements, drafting donor impact reports and raising funds for future projects and activities;
· Relevant experience and knowledge (either from previous work experience or study) relating to economic justice and/or environmental law and policy in an international development context;
· Ability to work on a wide range of tasks simultaneously, and at speed, including developing and managing relationships with a range of stakeholders (donors, NGOs, civil society organisations and government representatives), on an international basis;
· Demonstrable understanding (either from previous work experience or study) of key issues in sustainable international development, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals;
· Excellent research skills; strong administration and coordination experience in an NGO setting;
· Strong interpersonal and team working skills;
· Comfortable working independently and proactively and as part of a small team with a busy caseload;
· Very high level of fluency in spoken and written English;
· Working knowledge of another language such as Spanish (desirable).
Key details about the position
· Travel: candidates must be willing and able to travel internationally 2-5 times per year, including fulfilling vaccination and other requirements.
· Our genuine support for equity, diversity and inclusion is illustrated by our current team.
· Visa sponsorship: we are open to sponsoring a UK visa application for an extraordinary candidate.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Civitas Recruitment are delighted to be working with a forthcoming non-profit organisation with a strategic focus on protecting and advancing the rights of Muslims across the UK. An exciting opportunity exists for a Director to join the team. As Director, you will lead the organisations’ vision and direction across all areas, overseeing strategic litigation that sets important legal precedents; driving research and policy initiatives that influence debate and decision-making ensuring the delivery of accessible advice and guidance to those navigating legal or civic challenges. This is a full-time, permanent role, home based within the UK with meetings and in person events in London.
Who are we looking for?
Ideal candidates will possess senior leadership experience in a legal, policy or advocacy organisation with a track record of strategic delivery and managing external partnerships. A strong understanding of UK legal and political issues affecting Muslim communities, including civil liberties, counter-terrorism and discrimination. You will be a confident communicator with experience representing organisations publicly and will have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience with fundraising, donor engagement and knowledge of non-profit operations or governance would be an advantage however it is not essential for the role.
If the above role description sounds of interest and you feel like you meet the criteria; please apply immediately or for further information, please contact Syed at Civitas Recruitment for a full JD and informal discussion. Early applications are encouraged as we will be reviewing on a rolling basis and roles may closer earlier than initially indicated.
Thank you!
RLS Caseworker / Solicitor
As a RLS Caseworker / Solicitor you will conduct a small strategic caseload of asylum and refugee family reunion cases and assist on litigation (where eligible) under our legal aid contract to push for better decision-making, secure results for individuals and pursue improvements in the relevant law, policy and practices.
You will also act as the supervising caseworker/lawyer for the Afghan Pro Bono Initiative (APBI), which is a specialist casework project delivered by RLS with funding and pro bono assistance from 11 leading commercial law firms. As part of this role, you will supervise pro bono lawyers to provide high quality legal representation for Afghans on matters including family reunion, the ARAP scheme, the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and others. The project is now in its 3rd year and won the Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership Award at the Law Works Pro Bono Awards in 2022 as well as being nominated and commended for numerous other awards in 2022 and 2023. Please note that RLS recognise that pro bono legal work is always an adjunct to, and not a substitute for, an adequate system of publicly funded legal services.
Key responsibilities
- Have conduct of a small strategic caseload and provide high quality legal advice and representation to clients
- Supervise the work of volunteer pro bono commercial lawyers on cases
- Deliver training to pro bono commercial lawyers
- Ensure that all legal work is promptly and accurate recorded on RLS’s case management system and keep relevant time recording
- Develop and disseminate relevant information on legal developments in this area for relevant stakeholders, including both the Afghan Community and building the capacity of other practitioners
- Work in close collaboration with the other project Lawyer/s to develop and share experiences and best practice in relation to all aspects of casework (legal, evidential and procedural) and relevant internal processes
- Work in close collaboration with the Legal Director and Casework Supervisorto ensure that appropriate steps to achieve the aims and objectives of the project are taken, including ensuring that relevant data is obtained and assisting with the timely completion of the project Operational Plan/s
- Work in close collaboration with the APBI Coordinator to contribute to the production of materials such as project periodic reports, information on emerging and strategic issues in relation to ‘safe’ routes for use in advocacy, content for newsletters, social media posts and articles to raise awareness of the project and its aims and outputs
- Participate in, and contribute to, RLS’s monitoring, evaluation and learning framework
- Be an active member of the RLS team participating in team meetings at both the UK and International level: engaging in a collegiate and collaborative environment that includes participating in the development of a new and exciting legal organisation
- Work in close collaboration with the Community Engagement and Research Lead to contribute to the production of information sheets and other materials to disseminate to the Afghan community/ies
- Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with GDPR
- Adhere to RLS safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
Person specification:
Essential
- Be either a member of the Bar, a solicitor and accredited to IAAS Senior caseworker level, accredited to IAAS Senior caseworker level, or OISC accredited to Level 3
- Experience of asylum casework
- Experience of refugee family reunion procedures and applications, including applications outside of the Immigration Rules reliant on Article 8 ECHR and other human rights provisions
- Experience of online immigration applications
- Demonstrable knowledge of legal aid provision and ECF applications
- Experience of and commitment to working in a collaborative way on legal cases
- Good verbal and written communication skills in English
- Strong organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines
- Strong attention to detail, responsiveness, reliability and dependability
- Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills and an ability to deal professionally and collaboratively with both legal and not-for-profit stakeholders
- Computer literacy
- Right to reside and work in the UK
- Enjoy working with a small team in a flexible and fast-paced environment, as well as being an independent self-starter able to work with a high degree of autonomy
- Have a strong commitment to upholding the human rights of asylum seekers, migrants, and refugees
- Commitment to the aims of the project and the values of RLS
- The successful candidate will be required to obtain an enhanced DBS certificate (we cover the cost). However, a criminal record is not a barrier to the role.
Desirable
- Demonstrable supervision experience strongly preferred
- Those with lived experience of navigating immigration systems are strongly encouraged to apply and will be favourably considered
- Experience of legal aid casework
- Experience of conducting immigration appeals and/or public law litigation
- Experience of supervising commercial lawyers in a pro bono project setting
- Experience of preparing and delivering training
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Location: Bristol and one other location TBC
Depending on the needs of the service, there is potential for limited flexible/hybrid working within this role. Arrangements will be discussed with the successful candidate
Salary: Grade 7 - £48,757 per annum
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Contract- Permanent
Closing date: Monday 12th May 2025 at 11.30 pm
About the role
You will ensure we deliver high quality legal services and manage our Legal Aid Contract, with your main focus being to manage and supervise the legal teams who are advocating for clients with housing issues, as well as bringing about systemic change. You will be dealing with personnel issues, providing professional support and supervision to your team as well as carrying your own caseload of housing litigation.
Contributing to the strategic direction of Shelter legal services nationally will be an important aspect of the role too, as will taking the lead on delivering strategic change aligned to Shelter’s strategy and ensuring Legal aid contract requirements and performance targets are met.
You will be able to identify test case opportunities to address systemic bad practice and so achieve change for a greater number of people and will work closely with the Head of Legal Services, the Hub Management Team and teams within Communications, Policy and Campaigns and Business Development.
As a key member of the management team, you will also get to play your part in the management of our offices, including attending management team meetings and collaborating with other teams.
About you
You will be experienced in working under a housing legal aid contract, court advocacy, carrying your own caseload as well as managing and supervising others. You will have a minimum of 4 years post qualification legal practice experience, have supervisor status and have substantial knowledge of housing and homelessness law. Independent File Reviews, time recording and good case management will also be part of the role.
You are able to carry out research and policy analysis in the areas of housing, homeless and welfare law, produce reports and presentations.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
About the team
The Legal Service is made up of four teams – Community Legal, National Legal, Strategic Litigation and Legal Support. The Community Legal Team are based throughout the England hubs. You will be based in our Bristol hub which specialises in providing housing advice and homelessness work, with a particular focus on families. The hub works in partnership with a range of organisations to improve the underlying systems that prevent people from living securely in suitable, safe, affordable accommodation.
About Shelter
Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.
We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.
We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.
How to apply
Please submit your CV with a supporting statement with responses to the 'About You' points 1-5 outlined in the job description of no more than 1000 words total. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviour below throughout your responses:
- We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset
CVs without an accompanying supporting statement will not be considered.
Safeguarding Statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Recruitment Agencies
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Location: London and one other location TBC
Depending on the needs of the service, there is potential for limited flexible/hybrid working within this role. Arrangements will be discussed with the successful candidate
Salary: Grade 7 - £53,781 per annum
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: Sunday 18th May 2025 at 11.30pm
About the role
You will ensure we deliver high quality legal services and manage our Legal Aid Contract, with your main focus being to manage and supervise the legal teams who are advocating for clients with housing issues, as well as bringing about systemic change. You will be dealing with personnel issues, providing professional support and supervision to your team as well as carrying your own caseload of housing litigation.
Contributing to the strategic direction of Shelter legal services nationally will be an important aspect of the role too, as will taking the lead on delivering strategic change aligned to Shelter’s strategy and ensuring Legal aid contract requirements and performance targets are met.
You will be able to identify test case opportunities to address systemic bad practice and so achieve change for a greater number of people and will work closely with the Head of Legal Services, the Hub Management Team and teams within Communications, Policy and Campaigns and Business Development. As a key member of the management team, you will also get to play your part in the management of our offices, including attending management team meetings and collaborating with other teams.
About you
You will be experienced in working under a housing legal aid contract, court advocacy, carrying your own caseload as well as managing and supervising others. You will have a minimum of 4 years post qualification legal practice experience, have supervisor status and have substantial knowledge of housing and homelessness law. Independent File Reviews, time recording and good case management will also be part of the role. You are able to carry out research and policy analysis in the areas of housing, homeless and welfare law, produce reports and presentations.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
About the team
The Legal Service is made up of four teams – Community Legal, National Legal, Strategic Litigation and Legal Support. The Community Legal Team are based throughout the England hubs.
About Shelter
Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.
We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.
We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.
How to apply
Please submit your CV with a supporting statement with responses to the 'About You' points 1-5 outlined in the job description of no more than 1000 words total. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviour below throughout your responses:
- We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset
CVs without an accompanying supporting statement will not be considered.
Safeguarding Statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Recruitment Agencies
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Role Title: Digital Strategist
Contract Type: Regular
Reporting To: Associate Director
Program/Department/Unit Name: Creative
Location: Mexico City
Team Name: Digital Communications
Opportunity description:
The Digital Strategy team helps create and manage content across multiple digital platforms, all in service of advancing Open Society brand, advocacy, and issues.
Role Purpose:
This position will be responsible for harnessing the power of digital content, platforms, and performance data to amplify OSF’s advocacy efforts, brand identity, and issues.
Key responsibilities:
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Develop and execute digital strategies to advance OSF's advocacy, issue, and brand identity goals.
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Manage content across social platforms (Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, etc.) and other digital mediums such as websites, videos, and email.
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Oversee content calendars for social media, websites, email, and other digital channels; ensures all content aligns with OSF brand guidelines and messaging.
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Monitor, interpret, and report on social media and digital performance metrics from various sources, including web analytics, social platforms, email, and paid advertising campaigns.
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Manage digital projects and initiatives in coordination with other teams and external vendors, agencies, and partners.
The ideal candidate:
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Substantial experience working in digital communications with a proven track record in project management across multiple projects
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Broad experience working with contact and content management systems and social media publishing platforms
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Experience writing and managing content for large, global properties and accounts
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Superior writing and editing skills (in English) and experience producing and managing digital content, including messaging and short form social media content
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Expertise in building and managing a digital platform strategy, content calendaring, and audience engagement
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Experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting on data from various sources, such as web analytics, social media platforms, email campaigns, and paid media
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Experience managing an email or newsletter program
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Experience with HTML and CSS
What we offer
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Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
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Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
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Generous time off, as well as our standard Open Society close at year-end (where vacation days are not required) and flexible work arrangements.
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Employer-paid health insurance *and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
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Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
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Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
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A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.
Description of the organization
Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.
Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.
Additional information
Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.
Thank you!
BACKGROUND
“Our society will be judged by how we respond to those to whom we owe nothing.”
Helen Bamber OBE
Vision: All survivors of trafficking, torture, and extreme human cruelty have safety, freedom, and power.
Purpose: Together with survivors, partners and supporters we change systems by taking action
and bearing witness so that all survivors of trafficking and torture can access recovery and
protection
Mission:
· Combining lived and learned expertise the Helen Bamber Foundation Group puts the Human Rights of survivors of trafficking, torture and extreme human cruelty at the centre of everything we do. Together we rebuild lives.
· We and change the systems that further traumatise, isolate and fuel the exploitation of survivors. Together we challenge.
· We lead and enable improvements to best practice and policy in the UK and Globally based on evidence from lived and learned expertise. Together we transform.
· We host and partner with others to maximise collaboration in pursuit of safety, freedom and power for all survivors of trafficking, torture and human cruelty. Together we are stronger.
The Helen Bamber Foundation, founded in 2005 by the pioneering human rights advocate Helen Bamber, was created to reflect the evolving global patterns of violence and persecution. Helen Bamber, who entered Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp in 1945 as part of one of the first rehabilitation teams, recognised that all survivors of extreme violence—regardless of the perpetrator—require safety, legal protection, and medical and emotional support. Today it is a specialist clinical and human rights charity that works with people seeking asylum and refugees who are Survivors of trafficking, torture and other forms of extreme human cruelty.
In 2020, the Helen Bamber Foundation joined forces with Asylum Aid (established in 1990) to form the Group. Asylum Aid specialises in providing legal representation to vulnerable individuals seeking asylum, focusing on the most complex cases including survivors of trafficking, children, and stateless people. Asylum Aid is a leading actor in strategic litigation and advocates for policy and systemic changes to remove barriers to protection and justice. Asylum Aid maximises its impact by providing training and working in partnership with other organisations.
Today, the Helen Bamber Foundation's unique Model of Integrated Care (MoIC) provides holistic support encompassing therapy, legal advocacy, medical treatment, and practical assistance, helping survivors rebuild their lives with safety, freedom, and dignity. Using our expertise we drive best practice and systems change to deliver for all survivors.
We are innovative, ambitious and compassionate. The bravery and resilience of our clients is an inspiration to all the team at Helen Bamber Foundation Group, which comprises Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid. We believe that all Survivors should have safety, freedom and power to rebuild their lives.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.
We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that all our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.
We recognise and value the role diversity plays in good governance and genuinely welcome and encourage applications from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma.
OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE
Having moved into our new Trauma Centre last year, we are now looking for our first Office Manager, to coordinate and ensure that our office space and facilities are maintained in a safe, clean, and secure environment. They will have overall ownership of the office with regards to the day to day running and ensuring health and safety compliance, and with the support of a Facilities and Operations Assistant, they will ensure our staff and clients are able to enjoy a safe and comfortable environment.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 9am 6th May 2025
The website form will asked you to:
1. Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your skills and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role
2. Upload your current CV
3. Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.
SELECTION PROCESS
We anticipate that we will invite candidates to an initial 15-minute online screening meeting week commencing 12th May, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interview week commencing 19th May. We will also ask you to complete a short written task ahead of the day.
At Helen Bamber Foundation Group we want to be transparent about what kind of qualities we are looking for and build trust from the very beginning of your journey with us. The first step is your interview, and we mean ‘your’ interview so we will provide you with your interview questions ahead of the interview. This will allow you time to prepare, and ensure you have your best examples in mind.
ELIGIBILITY
Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).
Successful candidates will also be subject to an enhanced/DBS check and disclosure of adult and child barring lists, and confirmation of current registration with your professional body (if relevant). If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.
ADJUSTMENTS
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.
EXPERTS BY EXPERIENCE SUPPORT
We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network), which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector. Please feel free to use information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
We give Survivors of trafficking and torture the strength to move on.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Location: London (remote working within the UK is possible)
Hours: Full-Time or Part-Time (5 days or 4 days per week pro rata)
Remuneration: £80,000 -£100,000 depending on experience
Role overview
This is a new role within FILE, providing dedicated thought leadership internally and externally with respect to our land use and nature strategies. You will support our partners to accelerate a transition to sustainable food production, secure and enforce sustainable frameworks for extraction of transition minerals, and contribute to safeguarding key global ecosystems, including through enhancing and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.
You will work closely with the Director of Program Strategy, Regional Directors, and other portfolio leads to ensure land use and nature strategies are developed and integrated throughout our funding portfolios. Externally, you will build and maintain relationships with some of the world’s leading climate and biodiversity lawyers and campaigners, as well as with aligned philanthropies.
Our land use and nature work mainly supports partners working on protecting habitats in biodiversity rich areas of Africa, South America and South East Asia, including by challenging harmful practices of corporations based in the Global North. Its scope may shift over time, including as the successful candidate refines our strategy going forwards.
We seek to protect the rights of, and support partnerships with, indigenous people and local communities. Key strategic outcomes pursued include confronting supply chains of major corporates that drive greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and violate the rights of local communities, and securing regulatory changes to drive finance towards cleaner, more equitable alternatives.
Key Responsibilities
Each of these is conducted in close collaboration with relevant colleagues across FILE’s strategy teams, as well as FILE’s Research, Impact, and Learning, Grant Management, and Philanthropic Partnerships teams:
- Lead the development of FILE’s land use and nature strategies, including a focus on legal and narrative and movement-building approaches, as well as on enhancing and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities
- These strategies will set out a well-considered approach to sectors and themes including exploitation of transition minerals, deforestation and biodiversity loss driven by industrial agriculture, addressing rights violations in global corporate supply chains, etc
- Work in close collaboration with strategy, grant making and fundraising leads within FILE to increase access to funding sources and the resilience of partners working in the field
- Developing, maintaining and convening external partnerships and networks with partners and practitioners working on and use and nature strategies
- Provide leadership to the wider philanthropic and donor community on the need for legal interventions in pursuit of FILE’s land use and nature strategy, and support fundraising for FILE as well as directly for our partners
Key Outcomes
- FILE has a well-considered land use and nature strategy, including a focus both on legal and related narrative and movement strategies, which is integrated throughout our funding portfolios
- Increased funding is made available to partner organisations working on land use and nature, via FILE or directly from other philanthropies
- FILE colleagues and external partners have a trusted thought partner and collaborator on developing and implementing land use and nature legal strategies
- Overseeing / establishing high quality convening(s), with support of FILE’s Convening Manager, and networks of civil society and relevant legal practitioners and peers working in this area, to catalyse innovation and strengthen connectivity
- An engaged group of funders, ready to deepen their support for our partners’ work on land use and nature strategies
About you
We know that long lists of criteria can be discouraging and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the relevant criteria, we still encourage you to apply.
We also recognise that skills and experience can be gained in unexpected places, so we welcome applications from candidates who feel they have relevant skills for the role, gained from a wide range of professional, lived and learned experiences.
Essential criteria
- A strong commitment to protecting the environment, reforming corporate and financial governance, strengthening government ambition, and prioritising the rights of indigenous peoples, marginalised groups, and other communities most affected by climate change and environmental harms
- Experience of and expertise in developing and / or delivering legal strategies to advance systemic change on land use and nature
- Demonstrated experience in linking legal strategies to effective communications, campaign, and/or movement strategies to advance systemic change
- An ability to strategically manage projects, including prioritisation and forwards planning
- An ability to work equitably and effectively with multiple perspectives and build trust with diverse partners, and understanding of funder positionality and responsibility.
- A willingness to travel from time to time (at least four times a year, more if working remotely) to meet FILE staff and partners
- An ability to work flexibly as part of a team spread across many time zones, which will involve some meetings outside of standard working hours
- A professional standard of written and spoken English
Desired criteria
- A current or past qualification / bar admission as a lawyer
- Experience of working as a lawyer on strategic litigation against governments, corporations, or financial institutions
- Demonstrated experience of building and / or maintaining external networks, bringing expert practitioners and / or civil society together
- Experience working with communities adversely affected by climate change, environmental harms, and/or related human rights violations, particularly in the Global South
- Existing relationships with NGOs, lawyers, and / or philanthropic partners working on relevant land use and nature strategies
- An ability to communicate with partners in other relevant languages, including Portuguese, French, Spanish, and Bahasa Indonesia, would be a bonus but not essential
About FILE
The Foundation for International Law for the Environment (FILE) is a not-for-profit philanthropic organisation working to accelerate legal action on climate change.
Through grant-making and in-house legal expertise, we empower our partners to deliver strategic, innovative legal interventions and we support lawyers in their own countries to bring their own cases.
Legal action can unlock the systemic changes in finance, policy and social systems needed to protect all of us from climate change. The power of the law is both direct (changing policy and practice) and indirect (signalling the wider shifts taking place across these systems).
FILE is a ‘regrantor’ - this means we do not bring legal action in our own name. We receive grants from our philanthropic donors (a small group of like-minded climate foundations) and make onwards grants to partners who align with FILE’s charitable aims and purposes. We do not seek to make any profit from our activities either in a relevant financial year or in the longer term.
Working for FILE
FILE is a collaborative community of individuals who share a passion for climate, nature, and justice. We bring together knowledge and experience to support our mission.
Our people are empowered to lead their work both individually and as part of a wider team in order to make impactful change. As a relatively young organisation with the ambitious mission to change global systems, our roles are ideally suited to those who are highly strategic, flexible and adaptable, and open to growing in line with the Foundation.
FILE is committed to challenging inequality and values diversity, equity and justice in all areas of life. Our mission, work and impact is global, with staff and partners from across the world and a range of lived experiences. We firmly believe that we are strengthened by the diversity of our partners and staff.
At FILE, we actively work to create an inclusive culture where colleagues feel welcomed, heard and supported to succeed and thrive.
Location
FILE has offices in London and the Netherlands. We are advertising this role for candidates based (and with the right to work) in the UK, the Netherlands, Brazil or South Africa but will also consider applications from other locations where we are able to do so.
Please note, therefore, that you will see this role advertised in multiple locations but that we are only hiring for one position. Please apply to the job post for your preferred location.
How FILE supports its staff
FILE is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. FILE offer a generous annual leave policy and additional time-off work to support wellbeing. Amongst other benefits, FILE offers private healthcare and a contribution to a pension scheme.
FILE is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and encourage candidates who can contribute to the diversity of our team to apply.
Join us in making a tangible difference in the fight against climate change by creating spaces where diverse voices come together to drive impactful solutions.
Applications
Please apply on our website and upload your CV. This role is open for applications immediately and we accept applications on a rolling basis. If you are interested, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. The role will remain open for at least four weeks from the date of advertisement.
Diversity & Inclusion
As an equal opportunities employer, FILE is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join FILE. We are committed to continually learning and improving our diversity and inclusion practices, which can best be done if we are as diverse as the people of the world we’re working to protect.
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