Application Deadline: Thursday, 14 May 2020
Locations: New York & London
Three -Year, Fixed-Term Legal Officer, Open Society Justice Initiative. New York. Posting Date: 04/21/2020. Deadline: 05/15/2020
Do you want to help make the world a better place with your practical litigation experience involving climate change and human rights or public interest cases? We are seeking a Legal Officer, three years fixed-term based in London or New York, developing and executing strategies of complex climate change or environmental justice litigation with strong research and drafting skills.
The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We are active in more than 120 countries, making us the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.
The Open Society Justice Initiative (JI) uses strategic litigation and other kinds of legal advocacy to defend and promote the rule of law and to advance human rights. We employ litigation, advocacy, research, and technical assistance across a range of issues.
As a Legal Officer at Open Society, you will:
Conceptualize strategic human rights litigation on climate change and or environmental justice;
Identify and assess potential cases on climate change/ environmental justice for litigation by the Justice Initiative and or its partners;
Develop a holistic litigation strategy for selected cases that incorporates collaboration with technical and community experts, community mobilization/sensitization, general and media advocacy;
Manage and execute litigation strategy for selected/assigned cases, including leading/overseeing specific-case litigation teams of lawyers and experts;
Draft legal applications, briefs, pleadings and other documents for submission to domestic and international administrative forums, tribunals and courts;
Provide technical assistance and strategic advice to Open Society Foundations network and Justice Initiative partners involved in climate change/environmental justice;
Provide litigation advice to and guide on development of subject-matter knowledge for team members and other programs of the Open Society Foundations
What we are looking for:
Experience with human rights law and or international law. Degree in Law with substantial post-qualification experience and a solid background in litigation;
Demonstrated experience in conceptualizing and managing complex climate change/ environmental justice litigation;
Demonstrated experience in managing litigation teams and in working with technical non-legal experts to support litigation, including analysis and preparation of complex expert evidence for use in litigation;
Practical experience with case and document management in a busy law practice or with an organization involved in complex litigation;
Experience in providing litigation support throughout the different stages, including research, intake interviews with clients; preparation of legal filings, including fact checking and cite checking; organizing evidence; collating authorities, preparing case summaries and managing litigation teams;
Demonstrated ability to conduct research, write and edit a range of different materials including reports, legal documents, blogs and submissions for different audiences;
Proficiency in English, with strong written and oral communication skills.
Availability to engage in substantial travel.
Desirable (but not required):
Experience in strategic litigation in different jurisdictions is an added advantage.
Practical experience of working with non-governmental organizations highly desirable;
Working knowledge of French or Spanish an added advantage;
Experience with record keeping, budgeting management and finance administration highly desirable;
What we offer:
London
Ample opportunities to learn and grow, from annual professional development allowances to onsite training’s and brown bag lunches with visiting experts.
25 paid holiday, flexible work arrangements, private medical coverage, a generous retirement savings plan, up to one year of paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, sabbatical opportunities, and much more.
A commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to bring their full self to work and make a positive impact on the world.
New York
Ample opportunities to learn and grow, from annual professional development allowances to onsite trainings and brown bag lunches with visiting experts.
Top-notch benefits and perks designed for your well-being and a healthy work-life balance (20 vacation days, flexible work arrangements, 100 percent employer-paid health insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, six months paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, sabbatical opportunities, and much more.
A commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to bring their full self to work and make a positive impact on the world.
If this sounds like the position you have been looking for, please submit your cover letter and CV; we look forward to learning more about you.
Competitive rates of pay apply.
We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support, and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.
About Us
The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to criticism, whose laws and policies are open to debate and correction, and whose political institutions are open to the participation of all people. We seek to strengthen justice and the rule of law; broaden respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities; encourage pluralism and a robust diversity of opinion; deepen democratic practice and participation; expand economic equity; support effective governance; and invest in individuals, public and private organizations, and social movements that advance these goals.
We are a global network of foundations committed to local knowledge and national expertise. Our network includes national foundations, regional foundations, and other geographic programs operating in more than one hundred countries. At the same time, many programs with global reach operate from our four headquarters in Europe and the United States, including programs on digital information, documentary photography, drug policy, early childhood, education, fellowships, fiscal governance, higher education, human rights, international migration, justice, public health, scholarships, think tanks, and women’s rights. In addition to making grants to organizations and individuals, the Open Society Foundations engage in policy advocacy, legal advocacy and litigation, program-related investing, and public communications, as well as providing direct assistance to governments. Most programs and foundations in the network are governed or advised by their own boards.
The Open Society Foundations are the global philanthropies of George Soros, who, as chairman, plays an active role in the work of the foundations.
For Application Details: https://osfglobal.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/OSF/job/New-York/Three-years-Fixed-Term-Legal-Officer–Open-Society-Justice-Initiative_JR-0001802
