Deadline: 29 November 2015
Open Society Foundations (OSF) is currently seeking applications from the eligible applicants for the post of Legal Officer in New York, United States.
The Legal Officer’s work will focus on the right to peaceful assembly and the right to information, including such issues as arbitrary restrictions on use of public/private spaces, criminalization of protests for failure to obtain prior authorization.
The OSF works to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.
Key Jobs Responsibilities
The Legal Officer will perform the following functions-
- Assume responsibility for implementing freedom of assembly projects, under the supervision of the FOI/E Senior Legal Officer
- Support and provide research and advocacy on freedom of assembly and information-related issues, including regarding the right to peaceful protest, whistleblower protections, and access to information held by the security sector
- Help organize workshops, conferences and other events for the Justice Initiative and/or in cooperation with partner organizations. This work primarily involves assisting partner organizations with identifying participants, setting agenda, developing budgets, and supervising event logistics
- Draft budgets, memoranda, grants, contracts and other documents required to activate budgets to implement freedom of assembly/information -related projects
- Liaise with partners on administrative and financial aspects of projects, including handling grant contracts, ensuring that payments are made, notifying partners of reporting duties, and comparing budgets and spending reports
- Draft freedom of assembly/information materials and related program information and communications, including for the Justice Initiative website, as needed.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have-
- 7-10 years as a practicing lawyer or equivalent combination of education, experience and accomplishment.
- Law degree (J.D. or LL.M.), with substantial number of international human rights courses.
- High-level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, with strict deadlines and without loss of attention to detail, budget and reporting.
- Excellent written, oral, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of key organizations and networks active in the field.
- Good listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences.
- Willingness to work effectively as a team member and comply with deadlines.
- Ability to handle confidential issues.
- Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with internet research and database management.
- Human rights work experience in Latin America, Africa or another region outside the global north, required.
- Litigation experience, required. Experience litigating freedom of assembly or other criminal or human rights matters in national courts, highly desirable.
- Experience defending, and advocating for, the rights to freedom of assembly and/or information, desirable.
- Oral and written fluency in English, required.
- Fluency in Portuguese, French, Spanish and/or Arabic, highly desirable.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications through online process.
For more information, please visit OSF.
