At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in legal analysis, outreach, and training to support human rights accountability.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on international criminal law and humanitarian efforts.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, opportunities for international travel, and impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by collaborating with activists and enhancing legal strategies for justice.
- Qualifications: Requires a law degree, three years of relevant experience, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Be prepared to review sensitive content and travel to challenging locations.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: London
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Salary: £40,000 per annum.
The Role
Our client is seeking a legal professional with experience in international criminal law/international humanitarian law who also has strong interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in outreach, training, relationship-building and capacity strengthening. While working on legal accountability strategies is a key component of this role, this position equally involves engaging with civil society partners, training frontline documenters, and strengthening networks that support accountability. You should be comfortable moving between legal analysis and strategic litigation work and collaborating with human rights organisations. This position is ideal for someone who therefore values both legal impact and direct engagement with frontline partners.
The ideal candidate will have a litigation background with experience at an international tribunal or in human rights-focused litigation and strong communication skills to engage with partners in the field.
Accountability and Legal Strategy
- Analysing photo and video evidence to assess its potential for legal action.
- Researching and identifying strategic avenues for pursuing justice at national and international levels.
- Working in consortium with local activists, victims’ lawyers and litigation NGOs to bring justice for core international crimes and other human rights abuses, including cooperating with domestic law enforcement and international mechanisms (such as the UN and the ICC).
- Developing relationships with entities within relevant jurisdictions and/or UN bodies regarding possible collaborations with our client.
Outreach, Relationship-Building & Training
- Developing and maintaining partnerships with human rights organisations documenting atrocities.
- Developing and delivering field-based trainings for partner organisations and provide follow-up guidance as needed.
- Representing the organisation at conferences, working groups, and in discussions with civil society, international institutions, and legal bodies.
- Developing and updating training materials.
Additional Considerations
- Candidates should be prepared to review graphic content related to atrocity crimes.
- Travel internationally, including to countries where the security situation may be unstable.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required:
- First level university degree in law.
- Advanced degree in criminal law, international criminal law, international humanitarian law, or international human rights law (desirable).
- Minimum of three years’ experience in conducting criminal and/or human rights investigations, building cases and drafting submissions, and identifying and pursuing legal avenues for justice at national and international levels.
- Strong understanding of international criminal law, evidence standards, and justice mechanisms (national, regional, and international).
- Experience working with digital evidence, particularly photo and video, user generated content and open-source materials in legal proceedings (desirable).
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to represent our client externally and explain legal concepts to diverse audiences.
- Experience training and engaging with civil society organisations on documentation and legal accountability.
- Experience developing partnerships and collaborating with external stakeholders (lawyers, activists, NGOs, investigators, etc.).
- Project management skills, including designing and implementing legal accountability initiatives.
- Experience working in a fast-moving and responsive environment - able to work independently, manage multiple responsibilities/priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances/ adjusting priorities at short notice.
- Experience working with international accountability mechanisms, such as the ICC, UN bodies, or universal jurisdiction cases.
- Experience working with databases; strong IT skills; knowledge of Excel.
- Knowledge of languages other than English, in particular Arabic (highly desirable).
How to apply
Please send your CV with a covering letter (including stating where you saw the advertisement) and provide a brief example (max 300 words) of a litigation case or investigation where you played a leading role. The closing date for applications is 22 April 2025 at 23:59 (London time). Interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis.
Associate Legal Advisor employer: International Bar Association
Contact Detail:
International Bar Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Legal Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in international criminal law and humanitarian law. This will not only enhance your understanding but also allow you to engage in informed discussions during interviews, showcasing your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in human rights organisations or legal accountability roles. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to build connections and gain insights into the skills and experiences that are highly valued in this sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past work in litigation or human rights investigations. Highlight your role in these cases and the impact of your contributions, as this will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the responsibilities of the Associate Legal Advisor position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the current challenges faced by civil society organisations in documenting atrocities. Understanding their needs and how you can support them will be crucial in demonstrating your commitment to outreach and relationship-building during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Legal Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in international criminal law and human rights litigation. Emphasise any specific cases or projects that demonstrate your skills in legal analysis and strategic litigation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly express your interest in the role and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention your interpersonal skills and experience in outreach and training.
Provide a Strong Example: When asked for an example of a litigation case or investigation, choose one where you had a significant impact. Clearly outline your role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved, keeping it concise within the 300-word limit.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the legal field.
How to prepare for a job interview at International Bar Association
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in international criminal law and humanitarian law. Highlight specific cases or projects where you demonstrated your legal analysis skills, especially those involving strategic litigation or collaboration with human rights organisations.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Since the role involves outreach and relationship-building, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with civil society partners or trained others. Emphasise your ability to communicate complex legal concepts to diverse audiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world situations. Think about scenarios where you had to analyse evidence or develop legal strategies, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Research the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's mission, recent projects, and partnerships. Understanding their work will help you articulate how your skills align with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their efforts.