Job Purpose
Amnesty International (AI) in its International Secretariat has a fixed-term position available immediately to September 2027. The Legal/Policy Adviser will be part of the International Law and International Justice Team, which leads on AI's work on international justice and accountability, focusing on standard-setting for crimes under international law and the strengthening of domestic and international accountability frameworks and mechanisms. This person will focus primarily on issues of international humanitarian law and will work under the direct supervision of the Law and Policy Deputy Programme Director who heads the International Law and International Justice Team.
LOCATION
The preferred location for this role is London, however we will also consider Johannesburg, Nairobi and Mexico City. The salary on offer will be dependent on the location.
Main Responsibilities
- Provide legal and policy advice and analysis to the International Secretariat including its various Regional Offices, and the broader movement on specified areas of international humanitarian law, international human rights and related positions of the organization. The areas of most importance to this position are international humanitarian law, international and non-international armed conflict, international criminal justice and accountability, the International Criminal Court, and the rules of the United Nations on the use of force and its powers with regard to international criminal justice.
- Lead, help develop and/or support research, drafting, advocacy, policy, training and standard-setting activities as part of a project team leading Amnesty's work on international justice, international criminal law and international humanitarian law.
- Keep abreast of developments at inter-governmental organizations and in other relevant international and national forums of relevant standards, policies and practices and identifying opportunities for strategically important pro-active advocacy, in collaboration with the relevant Amnesty Programmes, Regional Offices and Sections, and lead or support on such advocacy where appropriate.
- Support the organization's strategic litigation on the aforementioned areas. This could include helping to identify areas and forums for strategic litigation, to draft third party interventions and to liaise with external counsel.
- Contribute to the maintenance and availability of comprehensive reference materials relating to human rights issues and the related application of Amnesty's policies within the post-holder's focus in order to maximise the effective and consistent implementation of the organization's priorities.
Skills And Experience
- Substantial expertise and experience in international humanitarian law, international criminal law and international justice mechanisms is essential. Substantial knowledge of and experience in the application of international human rights law is also important;
- Good knowledge of the bases for extraterritorial jurisdiction and the application of human rights obligations, including of non-state actors, under international law is desirable.
- Demonstrated experience in research and advocacy on human rights issues.
- Experience in or working with the legal profession, and/or in inter-governmental organizations, human rights NGOs or social movements.
- Strong advisory, advocacy and communication skills.
Please see attached job description for more information on responsibilities, skills and experience required.
About Us
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. We reach almost every country in the world.
Our aim is simple: an end to human rights abuses. Independent, international and influential, we campaign for justice, fairness, freedom and truth wherever they're denied. And whether we're applying pressure through powerful research or direct lobbying, mass demonstrations or online campaigning, we're all inspired by hope for a better world. One where human rights are respected and protected by everyone, everywhere.
At Amnesty International, we are passionate about what we do and we are proud of our achievements as a movement. To compensate our employees for the critical work they do, we reward them through a combination of an attractive and sector competitive salary and benefits package, high levels of engagement and involvement, and a commitment to employee development.
Benefits include 37 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays and grace days), pension scheme, employee assistance programme, life assurance and many more benefits designed to suit your own personal lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging environment.
For further information on our benefits, please visit https://www.amnesty.org/en/careers/benefits/
What We Hope You Will Do Next
If you are talented, passionate about human rights and want to use your skills, knowledge and experience to change the world then we would encourage you to click ‘Apply for this Role' below.
Freedom, Justice, Equality. Let's get to work.
N.B. We reserve the right to close a vacancy BEFORE the closing date in the event of an overwhelming response or a change in business priorities, therefore we recommend you apply now if you are interested.
Commitment To Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Amnesty International believes in a world that is fair, inclusive and equitable. Together, we're committed to being an anti-racist organisation with a diverse workforce that can better tackle the global human rights challenges that face our world today. We know that different voices, ideas, perspectives, experiences and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of people around the world.
We are committed to building and sustaining an anti-racist, culturally diverse and inclusive organisation, where all employees feel valued, have a sense of belonging and an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential. We therefore strongly welcome applications from suitably qualified people regardless of their background; including underrepresented groups, LGBTQI+ individuals and those who may have or are living with a disability.
To see our full statement please visit this link: Racial equality, equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion policy - Amnesty International
Amnesty International is committed to being an inclusive employer and providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all. If you would like to receive any information in a different way or would like us to do anything differently to help you apply for our roles, please get in touch with the team by emailing recruitment@amnesty.org
