Legal Officer
Position:
Legal Officer
Location:
Remote
Contract Type:
Contractor- international
Compensation:
Commensurate with experience
Term:
1 year
About Project Expedite Justice
Project Expedite Justice (PEJ), founded in 2016, is a United States-based NGO with 501(c)(3) charitable organization designation.
PEJ's mission is to use all available legal options to seek justice for individuals inadequately protected under the law, who cannot access legal resources, and who are exploited by governments, corporations, or others.
PEJ applies a novel, victim-centered approach to addressing mass atrocities. PEJ's 3-step model includes training, mentoring, and providing independent legal consulting. We partner with and train local lawyers and investigators to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence according to international legal standards. Without evidence, there can be no accountability. We further build local capabilities and advance the justice process through case-specific mentoring and strategic guidance to local legal practitioners and investigators. Finally, we partner with local NGOs, pro bono law firms, and legal clinics to represent victims of international crimes and serious human rights abuses in court or alternative judicial mechanisms.
PEJ has projects in several countries. Our inclusive team includes people working remotely from Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the US. We are deeply committed to increasing opportunities for lawyers and other human rights defenders from the global majority or global south to participate in international rule-of-law-based nonprofit work.
The Opportunity: Legal Officer
Job Summary:
Under the overall supervision and strategic guidance of the Legal and Program Director (Ukraine) and the daily coordination of the Program Coordinator, the Legal Advisor will work directly with the Senior Legal Advisor to support the investigation, analysis, and legal work of the team. They will facilitate the implementation of the project by preparing briefs, memos, and training materials; writing and editing legal products; identifying and managing legal and judicial partners and potential partners; and setting up meetings and contacts with relevant stakeholders. The Legal Advisor will work with the rest of the legal team to implement project activities, especially the oversight, writing, and coordination of legal products, as assigned.
Key Responsibilities
The Legal Advisor will be responsible for:
Drafting, reviewing, and editing legal memos on issues of relevance to the project, including on Ukrainian and international law, and overviewing the legal research done by legal assistants.
Advising the legal team on relevant aspects of Ukrainian law, especially substantive and procedural criminal law and preparing any memos required on Ukrainian law and the legal system.
Preparing briefs to advise victims' communities with legal avenues and concrete options to seek reparation and compensation in applicable jurisdictions.
Assisting with the legal analysis to build cases in support of national and foreign investigations and prepare judicial and sanctions submissions.
Identifying opportunities, organizing and preparing support material for training of legal communities in Ukraine.
In general, capacity building and training for judicial authorities.
The Legal Advisor will also participate as relevant in the following general PEJ activities:
PEJ organizational meetings.
Contribute to concept development, proposal writing, and other fundraising activities.
Conduct research and drafting legal analysis memoranda on a variety of issues to support partners and the organization.
Assist with and prepare legal input for regular reporting needs.
Report and document activities related to the project or the organization.
Profile: Qualifications and Attributes
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Law degree from a recognized institution.
Strong understanding of international human rights law, international criminal law, and transitional justice mechanisms.
Experience in legal research, analysis, and writing.
Familiarity with Ukrainian law, particularly criminal law and procedure.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Commitment to human rights and social justice.
How to Apply:
Email recruitment@projectexpeditejustice.org with "Application: Legal Officer" in the subject line, and attach:
CV/resume (maximum of two pages); and
Cover letter.
By submitting your application, you consent to a reference check, where we will contact up to three professional references you provide.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.