Legal Jobs
JUSTICE is looking for an outstanding criminal lawyer, for a full-time fixed term 12-month contract, with the possibility of renewal, subject to funding. This provides an exciting opportunity for a practising lawyer with a strong research background or academic lawyers keen to engage in high-level policy and law reform work.
We are looking for a lawyer mainly interested in criminal justice, as well as in cross-cutting issues affecting the functioning of the justice system (current cross-cutting projects include work on the state of the rule of law in the UK and AI, human rights, and the law).
JUSTICE is at the forefront of work promoting access to a fair criminal justice system for all. The successful candidate will be building on our recent work on racial injustice in the youth criminal justice system and post-conviction decision making, including the parole system and administrative decision-making in prisons, as well as our cross-cutting workstream on the state of the rule of law in the UK. They will also be scoping and setting up a new criminal justice project relating to fraud.
We would like to recruit a bright, motivated person who is passionate about criminal justice system reform, and the promotion of access to justice and fair trial. The successful candidate must be able to work independently and as part of a team. With excellent interpersonal skills, they will be able to work closely with JUSTICE members, who include senior figures in the legal profession. The post holder will work with our Interim Legal Director to further develop our criminal justice work stream and assist on system-wide proposals for change. This role is focused primarily on England and Wales, though it will touch on UK wide issues and the Scottish criminal justice system from time-to-time.
The JUSTICE team are currently working in a hybrid manner. Staff members have access to office space in London, however, attendance is currently optional. Our staff enjoy flexible working conditions, 27 days annual leave, plus the week between Christmas and the New Year, 8% employer pension contribution and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
The application form and candidate pack are below. The candidate pack includes more information about this role including the person specification, the organisation and more details on how to apply.
The deadline for applications is 11pm Sunday 12 May 2024. Please mark your email with ‘CRIMINAL JUSTICE LAWYER’ in the subject line.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 21 May 2024. Candidates may be required to complete a test as part of the interview process.
JUSTICE is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, but particularly welcome applications from individuals from marginalised groups, those with lived experience of the justice system, as well as those underrepresented in the legal professional including women, people of colour, trans and non-binary people, and disabled people.
Please note that we will not respond to any enquiries from recruitment agencies.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The successful applicant will line-managed by and work closely with the Head of Practice Management (HoPM). It is essential though that they are self-motivated and can work independently.
Key tasks
- To establish and maintain a communications strategy and plan for Chambers, utilising the latest in digital communication methods.
- To manage the promotional activities of Chambers, its Practice Teams, and individual members, by managing and developing:
- Its website and social media,
- Webinars, podcasts and other digital training methods,
- In-person training and promotional events.
- To assist the HoPM by promoting Chambers to professional clients.
- To manage the promotion of Chambers via the media.
- To manage and promote engagement with legal associations, charities and NGOs to further the ethos and business of Chambers.
- To promote Chambers and its members to relevant legal directories.
- To assist with the development and promotion of campaigns organised or joined by Chambers.
- To undertake internal communication work building a culture of engagement across Chambers.
The above tasks will include:
- Identifying newsworthy cases and issues upon which Chambers may wish to engage, including through liaising closely with members of Chambers and the Practice Management Team (PMgT) to identify notable cases and issues upon which we may wish to engage.
- Working under the direction of the HoPM to assist in the practice development of individual members.
- Engaging barrister members and pupils to produce high quality training and promotional material for the website and social media, including content production such as webinars, podcasts and vlogs.
- Ensuring the website is:
- Accessible, attractive, interesting and as useful as possible to our professional and lay clients,
- Optimised to achieve top search engine ranking,
- Up to date, with members’ pages regularly reviewed, and news items frequently added,
- A source of training materials and information relating to our work and ethos, including webinars, vlogs, blogs and ‘how to’ guides.
- Ensuring a variety of social media platforms are utilised to optimise the footprint of Chambers, and to promote news about Chambers’ cases and other activities as quickly, professionally and as widely as possible.
- Identifying potential new clients to the PMgT and assisting them in the promotion of Chambers.
- Maintaining and developing professional client contact lists, mailing lists and databases, in conjunction with the Practice Teams and PMgT.
- Coordinating, advertising and managing training and promotional events in conjunction with Practice Teams and the PMgT. This to include maximising outcomes from events.
- Liaising with outside bodies, including legal associations, charities and NGOs to promote the engagement of members of Chambers and the standing of Chambers as a whole.
- Managing the use of Chambers seminar facilities for ethos-compatible third-party events.
- In conjunction with the HoPM and individual members, coordinating and drafting submissions to legal directories.
- Developing and maintaining effective relationships with journalists, media outlets and prominent actors in the human rights field to optimise the exposure of members and Chambers as a whole.
- Maintaining and developing promotional material for Chambers to reflect and promote its ethos.
- Assisting with the production of Chambers promotional material, including sophisticated marketing materials by utilising the latest advertising platforms optimised for social media.
- Monitoring, evaluating and reporting on key communications activities, to help refine and improve the strategy.
- Working to a budget set by the Chambers’ AGM and reporting to the Staffing / Planning Committee and Chambers’ Meetings as requested.
Person Specification
The individual will have:
- A clear understanding and commitment to the ethos of Chambers.
- Experience of developing and maintaining an organisational communications strategy.
- A strong technical understanding of website and social media platform management and content production.
- Experience of the use of a range of digital communications for promotion and development.
- The ability to draft clear, engaging copy and undertake editing, under pressure.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work both in a team and on own initiative.
- The ability to think creatively and demonstrate a very high level of attention to detail.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise.
The successful applicant will be confident and articulate, and may have relevant experience in the NGO, international organisation, development or charity sector. A general understanding of the way the legal profession is organised and works will be helpful but not essential.
Garden Court North Chambers occupies a modern spacious premises in Blackfriars House, a Bruntwood Works pioneer building offering a collaborative working space with a library and podcast room, a high-spec auditorium and a communal lounge and independent coffee shop.
We offer excellent working conditions in a friendly and modern environment; training opportunities; annual pay reviews; a contributory pension scheme; and 25 days paid annual holiday in addition to statutory bank holidays and any weekdays when Chambers is closed.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role Title: OISC Level 2 Immigration Advisor
Shropshire Supports Refugees (SSR) is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting refugees and marginalised migrants who have come to live in Shropshire.
Our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive community by offering practical help, resources and emotional support to those in need. With a staff team of fifteen and fifty dedicated volunteers, we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
Location: Shrewsbury and locations around Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin
Hours: 37.5 hrs per week
Reports to: CEO
Salary: £31,200 - 2yr fixed term contract
Main Responsibilities:
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Conduct initial consultations with clients to assess their immigration needs and eligibility
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Provide comprehensive advice on various immigration matters, including visa applications, settlement, asylum claims, and appeals within OISC level 2 guidelines
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Maintain accurate records and case files, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations
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Build and maintain strong relationships with clients
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Advocate on behalf of clients by telephone, letter and email with appropriate agencies
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Keep up-to-date with changes in immigration laws and policies and provide training to colleagues as necessary
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Attend training events relating to asylum and immigration
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To supervise OISC level 1 colleagues
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Undertake other tasks within the organisation as required
Person Specification:
Essential:
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OISC Level 2 accreditation is essential
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Previous experience working as an Immigration Advisor or similar role within the immigration sector
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In-depth knowledge of UK immigration laws, policies, and procedures
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds
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Strong time management with the ability to work to strict deadlines
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Knowledge and understanding of the voluntary sector
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Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
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Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
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Ability to work independently and manage a caseload effectively
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Proficiency in the Microsoft suite
Desirable:
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Fluency in additional languages
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Experience of Salesforce CRM
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Full driving licence
Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in the solicitor role at the Black Equity Organisation.
The role will be a stimulating and inspiring opportunity for an experienced equality and discrimination lawyer to work pro actively and strategically to use the law as a tool for change.
BEO is a civil rights charity that was set up to challenge and dismantle systemic racism. We work with Black communities by using campaigning, policy and research in conjunction with the law to effect meaningful change.
Legal services are central to BEO. We are therefore looking for someone of 4yrs PQE who has experience in social welfare, human rights, public and administration law and who seeks an opportunity to use those skills specifically in the area of challenging systemic racism.
In the last year we have been developing our relationships with partner organisations, ranging from community groups, our stakeholder law firms, NGOs and law firms experienced in equality and discrimination law, to deliver legal services. The role holder will be required to build on and expand these relationships so that BEO can offer quality legal advice to Back communities in the nations and regions across the United Kingdom.
We are building our internal legal team so that we can provide targeted legal support to Black communities. We are looking for someone to work with the Director of Legal Services and Policy to ensure that high quality legal advice, support and representation are the hallmark of BEO.
Apart from delivering targeted legal advice and representation and identifying and running strategic litigation cases, the role holder will be required to think creatively to assist in fundraising and campaigning to develop a sustainable legal service. BEO does not have a Legal Aid Agency contract so self funds all legal work.
BEO is a small team, so the role holder must have the skills and confidence to work on their own initiative as well as with members of other teams in BEO.
About You-
We are looking for someone with 4 years PQE who is excited about being part of a team that will build a legal service and who can work with Black communities and be guided by them.
You will also be able to demonstrate that you are aware that Black communities are not homogeneous and you will bring this understanding to the way that you approach your work and interact with clients, our partners and community organisations.
Your qualities will include an understanding that intersectionality is relevant in all that we do at BEO and that your assessment of how we use the law will be seen through that lens.
You will be someone who has lived experience of or insight and comprehension of the impact of racism on all aspects of the lives of members of Black communities.
In return we offer flexible, hybrid working from day one, a 5% employer pension contribution, a generous leave, maternity and parental leave package together with a strong focus on wellbeing and the chance to be part of the task of dismantling structural racism.
If this sounds like you, please do click apply!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
ABOUT ASYLUM AID
For over thirty years, Asylum Aid has been providing legal representation to some of the most vulnerable people seeking asylum. We have built an expert service, delivering vital and life-saving services in some of the most complex legal cases, with a particular speciality working with unaccompanied children, Survivors of trafficking, torture or other forms of human cruelty, and stateless people. Our vision is that all those in need of protection from persecution and other forms of human cruelty in the UK can obtain it, and are treated fairly and with dignity.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As Children and Young People’s Solicitor and Senior Caseworker at Asylum Aid, you will primarily work with unaccompanied asylum-seeking child (UASC) and young people (under 25), providing end to end representation on their asylum, human rights and trafficking claims. You may also undertake age dispute challenges and other judicial review work on behalf of your clients. You will combine this work, which will account for approximately 70% of your time, with conducting other immigration matters, including adult asylum claims, family reunion applications and statelessness applications. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the wider work of the Asylum Aid team, delivering high quality legal services on the full range of protection and trafficking issues that affect migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. You will conduct asylum casework under legal aid funding, with a specialist focus on representing unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people, and contribute to policy and strategic legal work to promote the rights of children and young people in the asylum system.
You will be a qualified solicitor or Immigration caseworker with IAAS Level 2/Senior Caseworker accreditation and have significant experience in publicly funded immigration work under a Legal Aid Agency Contract. You should have, or be able to obtain, Level 2 Children Safeguarding.
As is the nature of this sector, the role will be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Asylum Aid Director, supervisors and the surrounding team, they should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment.
Equal Opportunities
The Foundation and Asylum Aid is an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer. We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates as we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in at every level within the organisation. We particularly welcome applications from those with BAME backgrounds and with lived experience of the UK immigration system.
Please note you must have the right to work in the UK as we are unable to provide visa sponsorship.
Please note that the successful candidate will be offered the job subject to suitable references and an enhanced DBS check.
If appointed you will be required to give your consent to Asylum Aid to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment.
Please submit an up to date CV and covering letter by 9am on 25 April 2024. Your application should outline your relevant skills and experience, as well as how your previous experience matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role. In setting the salary regard has been had to the NCJ payscales.
Interviews are scheduled to be held during the week commencing 6 May 2024 at our offices in central London. For any queries, please contact Monika Nollet, Director of Legal Casework at Asylum Aid.
We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage. No agencies.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
ABOUT THE EUROPEAN LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE
ELSC is an initiative of the Palestinian NGO Network, comprising 200 Palestinian civil society organisations, developed in response to the widespread repression in Europe of advocacy for Palestinian rights. Founded in January 2019, we provide free legal advice and assistance to individuals who face unjust smears, disciplinary investigations, criminal sanctions and other repressive measures aimed at shrinking the space for Palestinian rights advocacy in mainland Europe and Britain. Some of our public legal wins in Britain of the past four years can be read here: https://elsc.support/our-work-in-the-uk.
We are “movement lawyers”. In every case we take on, we are accountable not only to the individual client but also to our civil society partners in Britain; and we work hand in hand with local stakeholders in the movement, from trade unions to civil liberties groups. We aim to defend and empower the movement to organise for justice without fear of repression.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Associate Solicitor will lead our legal team in Britain and oversee our cases in England and Wales.
The role requires a qualified solicitor with experience of running litigious cases. Our main practice areas in Britain are: (i) public law and human rights; (ii) employment and discrimination and (iii) defamation law. The post-holder will have particular expertise in one of these areas. Our cases also involve data rights, freedom of information, criminal law, actions against the police, charity law, education law, international humanitarian law, and immigration issues.
The post holder will manage a growing team that consists of a Legal Officer and a Junior Legal Officer. In addition, our country teams have advocacy and communication officers and researchers who monitor anti-Palestinian racism.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Duties and Responsibilities
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Oversee all litigious and advisory casework in Britain alongside our junior legal staff and legal network. Provide expert legal advice and representation, to individual clients and movement partners.
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Manage our legal officers, providing training and feedback to them as appropriate. Collaborate closely with our legal network of solicitors and counsel with the goal of strengthening the wider movement.
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Develop and advance new legal strategies for challenging state and non-state repression of advocacy for Palestine in consultation with our legal network, national partners and experts.
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Support the development of effective advocacy campaigns to increase the impact of litigation outside the courtroom.
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Support ELSC’s outreach and public engagement initiatives.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Required experience, knowledge and skills
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3 years + post-qualified experience (PQE) and admitted to practise as a solicitor in England and Wales.
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Experience leading on a variety of contentious and non-contentious matters, particularly in public, employment and/or defamation law.
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Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to provide clear and concise legal advice on complex issues in a comprehensible and appropriate format.
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An ability to engage with the law critically and develop strategies that serve broader political objectives. Track record of collaborating well with other lawyers, academics and civil society organisations.
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Excellent client care skills, particularly in relation to vulnerable or marginalised clients.
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Experience in a role which requires coordination of multiple projects and/or workstreams concurrently, and the ability to manage relationship with partner organisations, coalitions and counsel.
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High level of English-language proficiency.
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Commitment to the Palestinian liberation and solidarity movement.
Desirable experience, skills and knowledge
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Dual-qualified in Scotland and/or Northern Ireland.
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Ideal candidate will already have LAA Supervisor status or meet the requirements to do so
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Experience working with campaigning and advocacy organisations.
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Experience with management and organisational development.
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Understanding of and experience working with a variety of local, national, and international jurisdictions, including those governed by common law or civil law.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
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Demonstrate a commitment and sensitivity to the ELSC aims and objectives
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Commitment to anti-racism, anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.
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Willingness to travel and work occasional unsocial hours as required.
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Abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practices and legal requirements.
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Treat with confidentiality any personal, private, or sensitive information about individual organisations, clients, donors and supporters, staff, and projects.
We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, LGBT or relationship status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex, or social class. We particularly welcome applications from Palestinians and those who identify as part of the Palestinian diaspora.
ELSC recognises that applicants from marginalised communities are less likely to apply for jobs if they do not fulfil every single qualification. We encourage you to consider applying even if you do not meet every attribute listed. Our priority is to find the right candidate for the position.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Death Penalty Project is recruiting a project manager to join our team. We're looking for a self-started with experience of managing donor-funded projects and a passion for human rights. We are open to flexible working requests.
About us:
The Death Penalty Project (DPP) is a is a legal action NGO with special consultative status before the United Nations Economic and Social Council. We provide free representation to people facing the death penalty worldwide, with a focus on the Commonwealth. We use the law to protect those facing execution and promote fair criminal justice systems, where the rights of all people are respected.
We believe the death penalty is a cruel and inhuman punishment that discriminates against the poorest and most disadvantaged members of society. We want to see it consigned to history.
What we do:
We represent and assist those facing the death penalty and other cruel punishments, free of charge.
We deliver targeted and practical capacity building to judges, lawyers, mental health professionals, and others working within the criminal justice system.
We commission original research and publish training resources that challenge misconceptions and deepen understanding around the death penalty.
We engage with governments, policymakers, and other key stakeholders in a constructive dialogue on how abolition of the death penalty can be achieved.
The Role:
Reports to: Deputy Director
Duration of contract: Permanent, subject to a three-month probationary period
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week. DPP are open to flexible working requests.
Holiday entitlement: 25 days plus UK bank holidays
Pension: 5%
Location: Combination of work from home and office days in Central London
Key responsibilities:
- Manage the coordination of ongoing project activities, including the commissioning and publishing of research, training and capacity building plans, and advocacy and engagement efforts.
- Manage donor-funded grants, to ensure agreed objectives and deadlines are met.
- Produce high-quality narrative reports to funders in line with donor requirements, and coordinate with the Deputy Director for the development of accurate donor financial reports.
- Produce and maintain up-to-date project documents and tools, such as project delivery workplans and country information sheets.
- Draft other documents as required, such as briefing notes, memoranda and/or letters for advocacy and engagement efforts.
- Develop and maintain DPP’s monitoring and evaluation system, effectively tracking progress against organisational and project indicators, and developing and implementing project monitoring and evaluation tools.
- Maintain active relationships with project partners involved in research, capacity building and/or engagement activities, as well as manage any contracts for services that may be required for the delivery of projects, such as audits or evaluations.
- Identify, manage and / or escalate any risks or issues that may arise in relation to effective and timely project delivery (including reputational, operational, financial, or other risks).
- Keep up to date on relevant political developments in our priority geographies and brief other members of the team as needed.
- Proactively develop ideas for project activities that advance DPP’s mission and strategy in our priority geographies.
- Work closely with Communications colleagues to develop and feature impact data and stories that highlight our research, capacity building, and advocacy work on DPP’s website and social media.
- Contribute to the drafting of concept notes, project proposals or other funding applications, where needed.
- Provide line management and support to project interns and volunteers, when applicable.
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential:
- At least five years of relevant experience in the non-profit and / or human rights sector
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including a strong track record of producing high quality donor reports and/or briefing documents
- Experience managing logframes and/or other monitoring and evaluation frameworks
- Experience managing EU and/or FCDO-funded projects, or similar
- A self-starter that enjoys working in a small team, with rapidly changing priorities and deadlines, and with a range of responsibilities
- A strong interest in human rights issues related to The Death Penalty Project’s work
- Permission to live and work in the UK
Desirable:
- Knowledge and understanding of international human rights law and related issues, or strong desire to learn
- Knowledge of the UN system, for example the workings of the Human Rights Council