VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
March 2007

Legal Officer International Economic Relations Programme The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide network of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights. The ICJ's international secretariat in Geneva is seeking to recruit a Legal Officer for its recently launched International Economic Relations Programme. The Legal Officer will take on the ICJ's dynamic programme of work for the legal accountability of corporations for the impact of their conduct on human rights, including effective remedies and redress for victims, under national law and directly under international law and standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES Under the supervision of the Deputy Secretary-General (until such time as a Director for the Programme is appointed), the Legal Officer for the International Economic Relations Programme has the following responsibilities:

- Develop and implement innovative ICJ advocacy strategies to shape the emerging human rights legal accountability of business and other international economic actors at the international and national levels;
- Develop and implement the legal thinking and advocacy strategies to further ICJ's work on international human rights standards relating to business;
- Through the preparation amicus curiae briefs and other legal interventions support selected strategic litigation at the national, regional and international levels;
- Carry out a programme of advocacy to build on the work of the ICJ's Expert Legal Panel on Corporate Complicity in International Crimes;
- Lead on the ICJ's advocacy relating to international economic relations at the United Nations and other intergovernmental fora;
- Inform and mobilise the ICJ's network composed of Commissioners, National Sections and Affiliated Organisations, in support of the organisation's advocacy strategies;
- Identify, establish and maintain effective working relationships with counterparts in relevant international, regional and national human rights organisations with the aim of developing networks, alliances and coalitions where useful;
- Assist in the development and maintenance of relations with donors. Assist in the drafting of project and programme proposals and budgets;
- Supervise the work of relevant consultants and interns;
- Manage the progress of the programme of work, including: regular monitoring and internal reporting on progress, budget management and drafting of external narrative reports.

The successful applicant will have:

At least eight to ten years experience as an international human rights lawyer. Demonstrated understanding of issues related to international economic relations. A degree in law. Further academic studies in international and human rights law highly desirable.

Excellent knowledge of international human rights law, the United Nations human rights system and one or more regional human rights systems essential. Knowledge of international humanitarian law and international criminal law highly desirable. Practical experience of human rights standard-setting in the United Nations and in regional organisations highly desirable.

Sound political judgment and the ability to develop and implement innovative advocacy strategies.

Demonstrated commitment to human rights.

Fluent written and spoken English. Working knowledge of Spanish and French highly desirable.

Proven interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team.

Applicants from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East are particularly encouraged.

APPLICATIONS close on 6 April 2007 and should be addressed with your resume and the names and contact details of at least two referees to: Ref: Legal Officer, International Economic Relations Programme.

By email: [email][email protected]
Or by post:
International Commission of Jurists,
P.O. Box 91, 33 rue des Bains,
1211 Geneva 8
Switzerland
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No calls please.