Accountability Legal Fellow

Human Rights First

Apr 6

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Entry Level
Legal
Washington, DC, +1

Requirements

Secured funding from an outside organization (law school, law firm, foundation, etc.).
A Juris Doctorate (J.D.), J.D. equivalent, or Master of Laws (L.L.M.) degree in a relevant field from an accredited U.S. law school, or enrollment in a program working toward completion of one of these degrees by August 2024
Authorization to work in the United States
Strong legal and policy research and writing skills, including the ability to monitor and analyze relevant national and international policy and legal developments.
Demonstrated ability to translate highly technical material for a variety of audiences, ranging from government investigators to congressional staff to readers of mainstream newspapers and specialized blogs
Prior experience in human rights or anti-corruption-related law and/or advocacy, with a preferred focus on international human rights law, domestic human rights legislation, and policy
Project management experience, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and an ability to coordinate efforts internally with colleagues and with outside partners
A strong work ethic, demonstrated capacity to take initiative, and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and projects
A sense of humor and ability to work collegially with other staff members
Ability to communicate patiently, respectfully, and empathetically with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including survivors of trauma or family members of political prisoners
High level of integrity and discretion in handling sensitive information
Ability to build and maintain relationships with civil society, government agencies, Congressional offices, etc.
Foreign language skills are preferred but not required
Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion in handling sensitive information

Responsibilities

Assist in Human Rights First’s efforts to promote and facilitate the use of targeted human rights and anti-corruption sanctions under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program and other similar authorities, including working with other civil society groups, the Department of State, and the Department of the Treasury to expand and increase the effectiveness of the administration’s use of its targeted sanctions and visa restrictions programs.
In coordination with the Accountability team and other NGOs, prepare recommendations identifying Global Magnitsky sanctions targets to the United States government to quickly respond to emerging human rights crises and identify advocacy opportunities to support the issuance of sanctions.
Work with the Accountability team to address time-sensitive issues related to emerging U.S. foreign policy and human rights issues, and conduct fact-finding and research on human rights and rule of law trends in the United States and relevant regions, as assigned.
Participate in meetings and other advocacy with executive branch officials and members of Congress and their staff on Capitol Hill.
Research and draft reports, blogs, op-eds, and other materials relating to the use of U.S. and other government sanctions tools and other accountability mechanisms, and the human rights implications of U.S. foreign policy and democratic backsliding.
Assist in organizing public events related to the use and adoption of targeted human rights and anti-corruption sanctions.
Update and develop resources related to targeted human rights and anti-corruption sanctions, such as recommendation templates, sanctions explainers, spreadsheets tracking sanctions designations, frequently asked questions, etc.
Assist in advising other governments or legislatures (e.g., in the European Union, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, etc.) on how to design and implement legislation to establish global human rights and anti-corruption targeted sanctions programs.
Other duties as requested based on department and/or organizational need.

Application Process

Cover letter
Resume
Two writing samples (one legal writing sample and one shorter, policy-oriented sample preferred, ideally related to human rights and/or foreign policy)
List of three professional references (may include academic references although at least one must be from a legal internship, externship, or professional position)
Timing of application
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Fellowships will ideally begin in early September and will last for one calendar year. However, HRF is flexible and other arrangements can be made if necessary.
HRF will be reaching out directly to individuals for in-person interviews following the initial review of applications.

Human Rights First

Human Rights First leads actions that hold oppressors accountable and free people from injustice.

Government

Industry

51-200

Employees

1978

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Human Rights First is an independent advocacy and action organization that challenges America to live up to its ideals. We believe American leadership is essential in the struggle for human rights so we press the U.S. government and private companies to respect human rights and the rule of law. When they don’t, we step in to demand reform, accountability and justice. Whether we are protecting refugees, combating torture, or defending persecuted minorities, we focus not on making a point, but on making a difference. For over 30 years, we’ve built bipartisan coalitions and teamed up with frontline activists and lawyers to tackle issues that demand American leadership. Around the world, we work where we can best harness American influence to secure core freedoms. Human Rights First is a non-profit, nonpartisan international human rights organization based in New York and Washington D.C.