MENA Advocacy and Research Officer, ICJ-European Institutions (100%) At International Commission of Jurists

Job location: Brussels, Belgium

Start date: As soon as possible

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide organization of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights. Its strategic goals for 2021-2025 are: (1) to develop, defend, and strengthen international institutions, instruments, and standards on rule of law and human rights; (2) to improve domestic implementation of, and compliance with, international law and standards; (3) to bolster the effectiveness and independence of judges and lawyers; and (4) to improve access to justice for all and accountability. With its Headquarters based in Geneva, Switzerland, ICJ has a presence in Africa, Latin America, Asia & the Pacific, Europe & Central Asia, and the Middle East.

To help ensure the successful implementation of the ICJ work in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and related advocacy before the European Union (EU) institutions , we are seeking a full-time Associate Advocacy and Research Officer based in the ICJ Office in Brussels (ICJ-EI). The ideal candidate is a lawyer fluent in Arabic and English, having experience working on human rights and rule of law advocacy and research in the MENA region, specifically in relation to Egypt and Libya, within the NGO sector.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In close co-operation with the legal, research and advocacy staff, the Associate Advocacy and Research Officer will contribute to the development and implementation of ICJ human rights and rule of law EU-focused advocacy and research initiatives in relation to the MENA region, in particular Libya and Egypt.

The Associate Advocacy and Research Officer tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Support the formulation and implementation of the ICJ advocacy and research strategies, projects and activities in relation to the MENA region, including engagement with EU mechanisms and bodies;
• Monitor and analyse the legal and political developments in the MENA region, in particular in Libya and Egypt, relating to the rule of law, human rights and the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession, including the impact of EU policies;
• Draft legal briefings and memoranda, amicus curiae briefs, public statements, opinion briefs and reports, and press releases relating to the ICJs work in the MENA region, in particular Libya and Egypt;
• Support the design of research and advocacy strategies and country engagement plans in collaboration with the MENA country teams;
• Support the use of the ICJ various media channels to advocate for, and advance the organization’s positions in relation to the MENA region with relevant EU audiences in a timely and coordinated manner;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of ICJ publications policy in relation to the MENA region, including by developing content; coordinating the production and dissemination of press releases, publications and articles, and sharing of the MENA program’s knowledge and successes;
• Provide support to increased awareness of the organization’s work and goals in relation to the MENA region through dissemination of information, organization of public events, and development and preparation of materials for advocacy and awareness-raising, in particular in direction of the EU;
• Organize publicity, advocacy, knowledge-sharing events and promotional opportunities;
• Engage with local partners, in particular in Egypt and Libya, to build and cultivate strategic partnerships to leverage advocacy opportunities with EU institutions and other stakeholders, and
• Perform other duties as required.

PROFILE

The successful candidate will have:

Qualifications

• Degree in law, public policy, or a related field;
• Licensed lawyer;
• Training on international litigation before international human rights bodies, strongly desirable.

Work Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in legal research, advocacy or a similar role;
• Relevant work experience on the MENA region, specifically on Libya and Egypt;
• Excellent analytical and written and oral communication skills in Arabic and professional command of English;
• Ability to think strategically and identify ways to improve research and advocacy efforts;
• Understands the best practices of main social media platforms;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a multi-cultural team;
• Sensitivity and responsiveness to all partners and programme staff; and
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and to adjust priorities flexibly in response to external events.

Language skills

• Professional fluency in English and Arabic, proficient in understanding various Arabic dialects.

Other competencies

• Demonstrated analytical and writing skills, including substantial report-writing experience;
• Demonstrated legal research skills;
• Willingness to travel in the MENA region; and
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and the rule of law