The Institute for International Law and Human Rights (IILHR) is seeking a Washington Director to develop policies and implement programming that maximizes the impact of our work, furthers our strategic objectives, supports general IILHR administrative, personnel, and financial operations, and upholds IILHR’s values and principles.

About the Position

As Washington Director, you will play a key role as part of our team to develop and implement programming, collaborate on advocacy strategies, and be the point of contact for liaison with human rights and rule of law players in the United States. The Washington Director will take the lead in supporting implementation of IILHR programming, as well as administrative, personnel, and financial operations, as well as coordinate with IILHR’s network of law school partners, fellows, and associates. The Washington Director will work with the Executive Director and Legal Advisor as a member of the senior team to ensure effective, coherent and timely policies and operations.

About You

You will have at least three years professional experience in human rights and the rule of law, including work in the field, and have extensive knowledge of law, politics, international relations or other fields related to human rights and the rule of law. You will have the ability to develop coherent policies based on a detailed understanding of human rights principles and IILHR’s core values, and the management skills to put these policies into effect.

You will have a law degree or equivalent. You will have demonstrated excellent research, analytical and writing skills. You will have extensive experience of managing people, including at a distance; excellent analytical skills; good interpersonal and organizational skills; excellent communication skills. You will have experience of planning, organizing and prioritizing work under pressure and working under deadlines. You will also have excellent external representational skills. You will have outstanding written and verbal English is essential and the ability to work to a high professional level in another language, particularly Arabic, Italian, or French.

About Us

The Institute for International Law and Human Rights is a non-governmental organization dedicated to providing states in transition the capacity to strengthen the rule of law and build and sustain respect for human rights. With a staff that includes diplomats, parliamentarians, and attorneys, the IILHR team has a strong track record of successfully implementing programs that provide legislative support to foster support for human rights and constitutional and judicial development. IILHR promotes international law and comparative legal tools as a way to resolve and manage conflict. To accomplish its objectives, IILHR deploys legal counsel and human rights experts to countries in transition, providing direct, hands-on consultation with legislators, opinion leaders, civil society, and others. In collaboration with local institutions, IILHR identifies and recommends country-specific action, drawing on best practices and lessons learned from around the world. IILHR does not prescribe “solutions,” but rather highlights options and practices for consideration in a careful, consultative manner. IILHR has a strong focus on building respect for the rule of law and human rights in Iraq. For more information, please see our website at www.iilhr.org.

Job Description

Subject to oversight by the Executive Director, responsible for overall management of all IILHR legal and advocacy programs in Washington, DC.

1. Oversees the day to day activities of IILHR headquarters in Washington, DC, and ensures that IILHR achieves program goals, which include:

• Researching and developing plans for drafting legislation in collaboration with IILHR’s Legal Advisor;
• Researching and drafting legal memoranda as necessary in collaboration with IILHR’s Legal Advisor;
• Coordinating activities with IILHR offices in Brussels and Baghdad as necessary;
• Providing direct support to IILHR program activities as necessary; and
• Managing IILHR Administrative, Personnel, and Financial operations, under the supervision of IILHR’s Executive Director;

2. Develops and implements advocacy strategies with officials from the US Government, international organizations, and other human rights non-governmental organizations:

• Partner with IILHR divisions and researchers to identify and create opportunities that support their advocacy efforts involving the US government, and engaging in sustained follow-up on such initiatives;
• Conduct research on US foreign policy issues and draft position papers, letters, and background legal memoranda;
• Help coordinate and bring together the staff of IILHR’s Washington, DC office with respect to advocacy efforts across divisions and other organizational activities;
• Work with non-governmental organizations and represent IILHR in various NGO settings and coalitions in which IILHR participates;

3. Supervises the work of associates and fellows in the Washington, DC office:

• Assist with research and train IILHR partners at the University of Virginia School of Law, Cardozo Law School, Georgetown University Law School, and others;
• Assist with the recruitment and supervision of IILHR fellows, legal interns, externs and summer associates working in Washington, DC office;

4. Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

The Washington Director should have at minimum a law degree, or equivalent in the field of political science, law, or international affairs, as well as a minimum of three years work experience in the fields of international development, law, or foreign affairs. Candidates must have a thorough understanding of human rights mechanisms, capacity building techniques and direct experience working within or with international human rights organizations and a demonstrated commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The ideal candidate will also have good judgment and excellent analytical and strategic-thinking capabilities; the ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure; the capacity to pay close attention to detail while working in a fast-paced environment and juggling multiple tasks; and the ability to work effectively independently, as part of a team, and in partnership with other organizations.

A thorough understanding and familiarity with the Washington foreign policy landscape, post-conflict legal norms, development strategies and capacity-building techniques is required. French, Italian, and/or Arabic language skills preferred.

Terms and Conditions

Salary: Commensurate with experience
Hours: 40 hours per week
Location: Washington, DC
Duration: This is a permanent position. IILHR is an “at-will” employer.
Holidays: Full time staff receives 20 days per annum plus five personal days and US public holidays.
Office hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday
Insurance: IILHR provides a generous insurance package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance for all employees and their dependents.
Probation: A six-month probation period will be included in the contract for this position.
Work Permit: Individuals should ascertain their eligibility to work in the United States in this post before applying.
Health and Safety: All staff are required to comply with IILHR's policy and rules relating to Health and Safety and its security regulations at work as detailed in our Employee Handbook.

Equality and diversity is at the core of our values and staff, volunteers and interns are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.

Closing Date

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV and writing sample to inquiries@iilhr.org no later than Friday, September 2, 2011. Successful applicants will be contacted directly.