Legal Intern - Legal Action Worldwide

BACKGROUND

Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) is a non-government organisation comprised of a network of prominent human rights lawyers and advisors. It provides innovative legal assistance to the least represented people, especially women and children, in fragile and conflict-affected states. Its geographical focus is on the East and Horn of Africa and the Middle East. LAW mobilises domestic, regional and global legal expertise to improve access to justice and obtain redress for people suffering from human rights violations and abuses, and has a particular emphasis on forced displacement and sexual and gender-based violence. It is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

LAW has recently established its No Safe Haven (NSH) project in partnership with Hickman and Rose in the UK. NSH seeks to end international impunity for perpetrators of grave human rights violations and to provide justice to the victims of such atrocities. The development of international criminal law in the last two decades has increased the opportunities for victims of serious human rights abuses to seek remedies extra-territorially under the principle of universal jurisdiction (UJ). NSH provides advice and support to lawyers and NGOs working to launch UJ cases and coordinates all those involved in UJ work. It is based in London, UK.

NSH is now looking to recruit a legal intern to be based in London. The intern would be involved in legal, administrative and fundraising activities.

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION

Job title

Legal Intern (Full-time)

Reports to

Daniel Machover (Hickman and Rose) and To Be Decided (LAW)

Responsibilities

· Undertaking legal research and assisting in the development of legal documents

· Coordinating the Universal Jurisdiction Working Group and managing a network of lawyers involved in Universal Jurisdiction cases

· Assisting in fundraising projects, including by creating a Fundraising Action Plan and developing proposals and applications

Job tasks include

Legal:

· Review the available literature on evidence gathering for international crimes with a view to determining whether a manual should be created for lawyers working in this area

· Collaborate in creating a manual if it is determined that there is such a need

· Research on how issues may be raised, debated and tabled in the House of Lords and the Parliament in the UK

· Undertaking other substantive research projects for LAW for specific projects or casework

· Attending relevant meetings in London relating to the issues focused on by LAW and No Safe Haven

Media and fundraising:

· Creating a Fundraising Action Plan for No Safe Haven

· Drafting donor proposals and donor reports, maintaining records to enable accurate and timely donor reporting

· Assisting in monthly report to LAW’s Partners/Founders

· Assisting with publications of material, eg writing blogs

Administrative:

· Coordinating a Universal Jurisdiction Working Group comprised of lawyers and NGOs working on Universal Jurisdiction, including by scheduling meetings, providing updates, taking minutes during meetings undertaking all related administrative tasks

· Assisting with roundtable discussions on the establishment of Universal Jurisdiction

· Maintaining and updating a database of lawyers involved in Universal Jurisdiction cases

· Organising materials for other meetings and minute-taking

· Managing logistical and travel arrangements

· Replying to emails enquiring about No Safe Haven

Minimum qualifications

· Bachelors degree in law and/or human rights;

· Knowledge of international criminal law;

· Knowledge and experience in Universal Jurisdiction work would be an advantage;

· Excellent research and drafting skills;

· Excellent organisational and analytical skills;

· Experience in fundraising;

· Experience in coordinating working groups or other networks;

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and strong technical literacy;

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to take initiative;

· Experience working with international NGOs is strongly preferred.

How to apply:

Commencement: Mid-August 2014

Closing date: 11th August 2014

Stipend: LAW is able to pay a small monthly stipend to cover travel and lunch costs.

Contract period: 6 months

Applications should be sent to gathuru@legalactionworldwide.org