Open Society Justice Initiative

The Justice Initiative, an operational program of Open Society, uses litigation and other forms of legal advocacy to empower people, defend the rule of law, and advance human rights. Through litigation, advocacy, research, and technical assistance, we promote and defend accountability for international crimes, combat racial discrimination and statelessness, support criminal justice reform, challenge abuses related to national security and counterterrorism initiatives, expand access to and exercise of freedom of information and expression, and confront corruption linked to the exploitation of natural resources. To our activities we bring deep and varied practice of litigation and other forms of legal advocacy, familiarity with legal and related political fora, substantive knowledge of human rights issues, and issue- and place-specific expertise and experience. We collaborate with a community of dedicated and skilful human rights advocates across the globe, and form part of a dynamic and progressive justice movement that reflects the diversity of the world it inhabits.

This post is conceived with a specific focus on migration and the work will be carried out in consultation with OSF’s International Migration Initiative (IMI), and in support of strategic directions agreed by the Justice Initiative and IMI. These directions may include issues linked with migration such as citizenship, discrimination, and policing. This position will also involve litigation to advance OSF goals and hands-on engagement assisting NGOs with legal advocacy and governments to design and/or implement legislative and institutional reform.

Based in New York or London, and reporting to the Head of Equality and Inclusion, the Legal Officer for Equality and Inclusion (Migration) will work with a high degree of autonomy, developing and implementing projects.

We are looking for a candidate with practical experience using a combination of international policy advocacy, law and litigation, community engagement, and strategic communications, among other tools, to extend legal protection for migrants and asylum seekers. The team brings together a diverse group of compassionate and committed professionals with a common drive to think creatively about how to use law and legal remedies.

You should have a Law Degree, and at least seven years’ post-qualification experience, with significant experience representing clients before national and/or international tribunals. Also, experience with civil society groups and migrants/asylum seekers working for migrants’ protection and asylum rights using law, capacity-building, community organising and campaigning; practical experience of working with migrant communities are highly desirable.   

Suitable candidates of migrant or minority background and those from communities affected by these issues are strongly encouraged to apply.

For further information and this role and to apply, please visit our website.

Closing date: 20 July 2018.

We are strengthened by the diversity of our colleagues across the Open Society Foundations. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments so that colleagues with disabilities are able to fulfil the essential functions of the job.