The Open Society Justice Initiative uses law to protect and empower people around the world. Through litigation, advocacy, research, and technical assistance, the Justice Initiative promotes human rights and builds legal capacity for open societies. The Open Society Foundations foster accountability for international crimes, combat racial discrimination and statelessness, support criminal justice reform, address abuses related to national security and counterterrorism, expand freedom of information and expression, and stem corruption linked to the exploitation of natural resources.
The Open Society Foundations are currently recruiting for a Migration Lawyer. Based in London, the Migration Lawyer develops, implements and manages program strategies and projects in the field of International Migration. Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Open Society Justice Initiative, the Lawyer works in close consultation with Open Society Foundations' International Migration Initiative.
Tasks include hands-on engagement in providing assistance to NGOs in pursuing legal advocacy and to governments in the design and/or implementation of legislation and institutional reform; litigation and support for litigation; and research and policy analysis. Although this is a position with global remit, it is expected that the Lawyer will devote a substantial portion of time to litigation and projects in the Asia-Middle East migration corridor and Central America/Mexico.
Qualifications:
o Minimum seven years experience of migration law work, including at least four years litigating cases in domestic and international fora.
o Familiarity with international and regional human rights tribunals and jurisprudence, particularly in the field of migration.
o Additional human rights work or law practice, especially at the appellate and sub-regional courts highly desirable.
o Fluency in English.
o Ability to work in Spanish, French or another widely spoken language highly desirable.
o Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
o Strong oral and written communication and analytic skills.
o Extraordinary initiative and creativity.
o Attention to detail.
o Skills and high comfort level with computer research, database management and word processing, including Outlook, internet, Lexis/Nexis, Microsoft Word.
o Pleasant manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues at all levels, contacts, and the general public.
o Ability to work both independently and with others.
o Integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle confidential matters.
Salary: 65,000 per annum. Excellent benefits package. Start Date: ASAP
Send cover letter, curriculum vitae and legal writing sample no later than Monday, 6 June 2011 to: recruitment-JI@osf-eu.org. Please include Job Code: MIGLAW/OSJI in subject line. No telephone calls, please. The Open Society Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
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