Legal Officer (10 month fixed-term contract)

The European Network on Statelessness (ENS) is seeking a Legal Officer (10-month fixed-term contract with potential for extension) to play a key role in enabling us to fulfil our mission to break the cycle of statelessness in Europe and realise everyone’s right to a nationality. There is a possibility of extension beyond the initial contract term, subject to funding availability.

ENS is a civil society alliance of over 180 members in 41 countries. We are dedicated to raising awareness about statelessness, supporting legal and policy development, and building civil society’s capacity to act. At the heart of our work lies the understanding that stateless people and their communities should be leaders of change.

This is a great opportunity to help us deliver our new Strategic Plan working at the forefront of one of the most pressing human rights issues. The successful candidate will support our law and policy development work and help galvanise change across the region to end statelessness in Europe.

We are looking for someone with a legal background and good understanding of statelessness and related human rights issues and standards. They will be able to demonstrate an aptitude to successfully perform the various facets of the role, including legal research and analysis, litigation, and legal advocacy. They will be highly articulate in English (other languages are an asset) with excellent attention to detail, and strong IT, organisational, and interpersonal skills. They will contribute positively to our dynamic organisational ethos, and demonstrate a flexible ‘can do’ approach, fitting well into a fast-moving and demanding environment with an international dimension.

The role represents an exciting opportunity for candidates with the requisite aptitude, flexibility, and ambition, as well as a strong commitment to working with diverse communities across Europe to address statelessness.

We provide a friendly and welcoming team environment. This includes flexible working arrangements and opportunities for learning and professional development.

We particularly welcome applications from stateless (or formerly stateless) individuals, and people from a migrant, refugee, or minority background. If you require support with your application, please get in touch to discuss this further with us.

ENS is committed to Safer Recruitment and all appointments are subject to satisfactory references and pre-employment checks as required in line with our Safeguarding Policy. ENS has a flexible working policy and is open to considering the role being undertaken on a part-time basis. Please specify your preferred work hours when applying. We will be happy to discuss flexible working options at the interview stage.

Please note that all applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visa applications for this post.

Employee benefits include:

• 25 days annual holiday (with an additional day for each completed year of service up to 5 days)
• 5% employer pension contribution
• enhanced family-friendly policies
• enhanced sick leave and sick pay
• an employee assistance programme
• ENS operates a hybrid working model with staff working partly from home and partly from the office. The postholder would usually be required to work in the office a minimum of one day per week during their probation period and a minimum number of days per month to be agreed with their Line Manager thereafter.

If you would like to discuss any aspects of the role, please contact ENS Head of Policy & Advocacy, Nina Murray - contact details in the role description document.