INTERIGHTS is an international Human Rights charity based in London which develops and promotes the legal protection of human rights worldwide. Set up as a charity in 1982, in co-operation with lawyers, non-governmental organisations and judges, it has since promoted the effective use of human rights law by fully realising and exploiting all legal avenues available to protect these rights, and by providing greater global access to information on judicial decisions concerning human rights. INTERIGHTS holds consultative status with the United Nations' Economic and Social Council, the Council of Europe and the African Commission for Human and Peoples' Rights, and is authorised to present collective complaints under the European Social Charter. INTERIGHTS is dependent on grants from foundations and on donations from individuals.
The exact nature of activities will depend on organisational and programme priorities at the time of the placement; however, it is likely that the main areas in which experience will be offered will include:
- Legal research on international and comparative human rights law and practice to support the preparation of briefs before domestic courts and the European Court of Human Rights;
- Preparation of materials for INTERIGHTS' training workshops on the European Convention of Human Rights;
- Assistance on INTERIGHTS' publications on the European Convention of Human Rights;
- Where possible, attendance at meetings with human rights practitioners, lectures in London, or visits to other international / national human rights organisations based in London.
The three-month internship will begin in October 2010 and will be based in London. Interights will arrange and pay for travel and visa costs. The intern will receive a monthly grant of £1,200.
Accommodation is not provided but INTERIGHTS can advise on finding a suitable place to stay.
The successful applicant will:
- have a degree in law;
- have worked for two years in a human rights NGO or as a practising lawyer in one of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe/Former Soviet Union;
- have significant and demonstrable experience of working with the European Convention on Human Rights and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights;
- be connected with civil society actors in the region and show potential to contribute to the development of human rights law in the region;
- have worked and have interest of working on the rights of disadvantaged groups, such as persons with disabilities, LGBT people, ethnic minorities, people suffering from HIV/AIDS.
- be familiar with regional and international human rights instruments and mechanisms;
- demonstrate strong research, analytical and writing skills; and
- have good spoken and written English (knowledge of a regional/local language will be an advantage)
To apply please send a covering letter, a curriculum vitae indicating two referees and a recent writing sample of no more than two thousand words. Short listed applicants may be interviewed by telephone.
Applications should be sent to Chloe Marong by email to jobs@interights.org. The closing date for applications is 13 September 2010.