GLAN: Legal Researchers, ECtHR Climate Change Litigation – closing date 15 January

The Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) is recruiting a number of legal researchers to support a ground-breaking climate change case brought, with GLAN’s support, by six Portuguese children and young adults to the European Court of Human Rights against 33 European countries. This is an opportunity to work on what will be one of the most consequential and high-profile cases ever to come before the Strasbourg court.  

GLAN is a network of lawyers and investigative journalists which pursues innovative legal actions across borders challenging States and other powerful actors involved in human rights violations and systemic injustice. Our actions address the most pressing human rights issues and fall within the following themes: War and occupation; accountability and supply chains; environmental and economic justice; and migration and border violence.  

The successful candidates will support GLAN’s team in processing, analysing and categorising the responses of the 33 States in the above case which (subject to the possibility of the case reaching a “friendly settlement”) are due by the 26th February 2021 as well as the submissions of third-party interveners (of which there are likely to be many). The role will also involve working with a large team of barristers specialising in the area of human rights and international law from two of London’s leading chambers.  

Candidates should have a high level of knowledge of international human rights law (demonstrated by academic qualifications/grades or work experience), an ability to quickly develop an understanding of a new area of law/complex factual issues, a strong aptitude to digest and analyse a significant volume of written material and a capacity to work under pressure in a team environment. Subject to Covid-19-related restrictions on travel, the role will be based in Galway, Ireland (at least for a certain period, to be agreed with successful candidates).  

As an equal opportunities employer, we particularly welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds. All appointments will be made on merit, based on skill and experience relative to the role. 

Start date: 1st-15th February 2021.

Duration: 6-12  months (The possibility of transitioning to a longer term contract exists but will be dependent on funding).

Pay: competitive 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES​

• Quickly develop a familiarity with the key evidential and legal questions arising in this case;
• Assist in the design and implementation of a system for processing, analysing and categorising the defences of the 33 Respondent States and third-party interventions;
• Assist in liaising with the barristers instructed and experts engaged in this case.
• Supporting communications work associated with the case.
• Occasionally supporting other GLAN legal actions.  

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE​

Essential

• LLM in international human rights law or involving the study of this area of law or significant experience practising in this area;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel;
• Fluency in English (CEFR C1/C2);
• Ability to work well under pressure in a team environment. 

Desirable

• Knowledge of international climate change law;
• Fluency in French (CEFR C1/C2);
• Litigation experience;
• Experience working in or practising before international courts or quasi-judicial international bodies. 

How To Apply 

Please send a CV and concise (1 page maximum) cover letter to info@glanlaw.org. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and no later than 15th January 2021.