Founded in 2002, TRIAL International is a non-governmental organization fighting impunity for international crimes and supporting victims in their quest for justice. The organization takes an innovative approach to the law, paving the way to justice for survivors of unspeakable suffering. With offices in Geneva, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Democratic Republic of Congo, TRIAL International provides legal assistance, conducts investigations, litigates cases, develops local capacity, and pushes the human rights agenda forward.
TRIAL International’s Ukraine Program focuses on the use of strategic litigation to advance the accountability agenda in relation to international crimes committed in Ukraine, and the reinforcement of Ukrainian investigative and prosecutorial capacities.
To strengthen its legal team, the Ukraine Program is seeking for a full-time Junior Legal Advisor, to assist with a broad range of activities related to strategic litigation, including by leveraging the principle of universal jurisdiction abroad and using capacity building to reinforce Ukraine’s domestic fight against impunity. As such, the junior Legal Advisor contributes to the legal work and reinforce the team’s strategic litigation efforts with case-building and support to victims in their quest for justice. Coordination with partners in Ukraine is required. Therefore, the position can be based either in Geneva, location of TRIAL International’s headquarter, or in one of the bordering countries with Ukraine.
YOUR MISSION
- Conduct comprehensive legal research, analyze collected documentation and large volume of data from our partner’s iDOC database, gather linkage evidence and pattern-based information.
- Assist in preparing legal files for submission to appropriate authorities aiming at the initiation of proceedings using the principle of extraterritorial jurisdiction.
- Provide legal advice, logistical support, and regular updates on proceedings to victims, supported by the organization, as well as interact/assist lawyers representing victims in legal proceedings.
- Assist the program’s case-building capacities and coordinate with our partners investigative teams.
- Participate in meetings with different stakeholders and national authorities and represent the organization in various fora, including in other countries.
- Organize the legal work with our local partner and contribute to the mapping of additional local and international partners that can support the program in Ukraine.
YOUR PROFILE
- Post-graduate/master’s degree in law with specialization in international criminal law, humanitarian law and/or human rights law.
- At least 2 years of demonstrated experience in a field relating to national or international criminal justice, human rights and/or international humanitarian law.
- Training/practice as a legal adviser with an international or Ukrainian based NGO, as well as experience in working on universal jurisdiction cases.
- Strong analytical capabilities to critically evaluate, analyze and exploit large volume of data and witness statements (mainly in Ukrainian language), from diverse sources, to extract meaningful insights and patterns.
- Excellent legal research skills and concrete experience in writing legal documents, reports, presentations, and briefings for diverse audiences.
- Experience working with open-source intelligence tools for investigative purposes.
- Experience in working with survivors of atrocities.
- Full command of written and spoken English, as well as very good legal drafting skills.
- Fluency in Ukrainian. Knowledge of Russian language and Russian military structure is an asset.
Work permission eligibility varies by country; please note that TRIAL International may be unable to sponsor work visas based on citizenship.
WHAT WE OFFER
An exciting and varied opportunity in a dynamic organization in full development, with a committed and motivated team.
- Workplace: Geneva or one of the countries bordering Ukraine
- Department/Program: Ukraine Program
- Reports to: Legal Coordinator, Ukraine Program
- Workload: Full time
- Type of contract: Fixed-term contract for 1 year
- Start date: As soon as possible
The conditions of employment offered correspond to those applicable in the NGO sector and depend on the work location.
How to apply
We look forward to receiving your application. Applications should include a cover letter of a maximum of one page and a CV including professional references. Please send a complete application to recrutement@trialinternational.org by September 15, 2024, midnight (CET).
Only complete and eligible applications will be considered, and only short-listed candidates will be contacted. We invite you to send your CV without a photo.