Myanmar: National Legal Researcher, Myanmar

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.

We are seeking to recruit a National Legal Researcher who will support Myanmar lawyers and civil society to use laws and legal mechanisms to promote and protect human rights.

The ideal candidate is a human rights lawyer, researcher or activist with a comprehensive knowledge of international human rights, humanitarian law with practical experience of human rights legal advocacy and an understanding of the history, politics and legal system in Myanmar.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting directly to the International Legal Adviser, the National Legal Researcher has the following responsibilities:

· Implement all aspects of the ICJ’s Myanmar programme using a range of innovative advocacy strategies to support ICJ legal interventions, including conducting field research into human rights issues related to law and justice;

· Writing, contributing to and editing human rights reports, legal memos and briefing papers,

· Helping to prepare training materials and participating in training and capacity building exercises; trial observations; and assisting partners in developing litigation strategies and drafting court submissions.

· Support the networking and human rights advocacy capacities of Myanmar lawyers and civil society and human rights defenders through organising and facilitating learning events, including workshops and mentoring visits, in Yangon as well as in the states and regions.

· Monitor and analyse legal and political developments, human rights and the rule of law developments in Myanmar, including monitoring law reform initiatives.

· Work with the team in Myanmar to develop proposals and preparing reports for donors.

· Represent the ICJ externally, develop and maintain relations with governments, donors, inter-governmental organizations, NGOs and the judicial, legal and human rights communities, prepare press releases, deliver public speeches and otherwise raise the public profile of the ICJ.

· Implement strategies to strengthen, inform and mobilize the ICJ Network of Commissioners, National Sections and Affiliated Organizations in the region and engage them in the work of the ICJ;

· Actively maintain supportive working relations and seek opportunities for joint work with the staff of other regional and international programmes.

· Work with the team in Myanmar to develop proposals and preparing reports for donors.

· Assist in any other task assigned by the Asia & Pacific Regional Director and the Senior International Programme Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate for this national staff position in Myanmar will have:

Education & Experience

· Degree in Human Rights, Public Policy, Development, law or other relevant field.

· An advanced degree in international human rights law, international humanitarian law or international business law is desirable.

· Three to five years progressive relevant experience as a lawyer, or working on human rights, in Myanmar;

· Experience in managing human rights or development programmes in the field is desirable; Demonstrated commitment to human rights and rule of law.

Essential skills

· Fluency in English (written and spoken) is strongly preferred; at the minimum, a practical working knowledge of English is required. Fluency in Burmese is required. Knowledge of any other language used in Myanmar is desirable.

· Knowledge of international human rights and humanitarian law and international and regional human rights jurisprudence;

· Strong analytical skills; communication, planning and organizational skills;

· Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team;

· Openness and flexibility, capacity to adapt to changing priorities and needs;

· Teamwork and interpersonal skills;

· Openness and flexibility, capacity to adapt to changing priorities and needs.

The ICJ is an equal opportunities employer and offers a competitive salary package.

APPLICATIONS close on October 6, 2017 and should be addressed with a cover letter, resume, writing sample and names of at least 2 references to:

Ref: Legal Researcher, Myanmar

By email: asia-recruitment@icj.org

Please appreciate that due to the volume of applications only short listed candidates will be contacted and applications will be considered as they are received. We cannot answer phone enquiries. We thank you for your understanding.