Deadline: 20 January 2012
Open to: Candidates with a law degree, and at least 5 years relevant work experience
Remuneration: The salary is commensurate with experience; generous benefits package included
Description
PILnet: the Global Network for Public Interest Law is seeking a full-time Legal Officer for its Pro Bono Program. He/She will be based in PILnet’s Budapest office.
PILnet is an international NGO devoted to building a global network to activate, empower and connect those who use legal tools to work in the public interest. PILnet connects with local partners to develop the institutions essential to rights-respecting societies. It inspires lawyers to serve the public interest, strengthens the ability of civil society to help shape law and policy and makes formal systems of justice more accessible. In addition to its New York headquarters, PILnet conducts its work from offices in Budapest, Moscow, and Beijing.
The Pro Bono Legal Officer is responsible for coordinating the global pro bono clearinghouse run by PILnet, long-term relationship building with NGOs and legal professionals, and managing several projects in Europe, including the annual European Pro Bono Forum. The Legal Officer reports to the Director for Europe and works in close collaboration with the organization’s other legal officers.
Key responsibilities
- Coordinating the Global Pro Bono Clearinghouse activities, assisting in matching law firms and NGOs for pro bono legal services and supporting the development of other clearinghouses.
- Collaborating with NGOs in Europe and elsewhere, and strengthening relationships with public interest lawyers, law firms, NGOs, bars and governmental representatives from target countries.
- Planning and organizing the Annual European Pro Bono Forum and other events, under the supervision of the Director for Europe.
- Preparing and delivering presentations at conferences and other public events on pro bono topics.
- Maintaining PILnet’s Pro Bono web pages.
- Editing and drafting reports, proposals and other documents.
- Assisting the Director for Europe in developing new projects.
Eligibility
The candidates for the job position have to possess:
- A law degree, and at least 5 years relevant work experience.
- Demonstrated interest in law, human rights, international civil society development. Law firm and especially pro bono experience desirable.
- Project management and event planning experience.
- Excellent communication skills including fluency in written and spoken English required; working level in at least one Western European language (French, German, Spanish) required; additional European language skills strongly desireable.
- Strong research and communication skills.
- Goal-oriented with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines.
Remuneration
Salary is commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package included.
Application
To apply: Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter that specifically addresses the candidate’s suitability to perform the job responsibilities detailed above to: legalofficerbp@pilnet.org
Deadline: January 20, 2012
Start date: February 15, 2012 (or earlier)
Only those offered interviews will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
