PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

The Human Rights Accountability Legal Fellow will support the organization’s work focused on ensuring that the U.S. government respects its human rights obligations and promotes those of other governments. The fellow will join a team of lawyers and policy experts that work across a broad range of U.S. foreign policy issues related to accountability for human rights abuses and corruption. The focus of much of this work centers on coordinating a global coalition of more than 330 NGOs engaged in making recommendations to the United States and other governments on persons eligible for targeted sanctions and visa restrictions based on their involvement in serious human rights abuses and/or corruption.

The 12-month position begins in September 2023. Please note, applicants must secure funding from a law school, foundation, law firm, or other funding opportunity to support the fellowship.

MAJOR DUTIES AND 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 Act 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.
• 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 a targeted human rights and anti-corruption sanctions program.
• 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.
• Assist in updating and developing resources related to targeted human rights and anti-corruption sanctions, such as recommendation templates, sanctions explainers, spreadsheets tracking sanctions designations, frequently asked questions, etc.
• Other duties as requested based on department and/or organizational need.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong legal and policy research and writing skills, including the ability to monitor and analyze relevant national and international policy and legal developments
• Solid written and oral advocacy skills and a demonstrated ability to translate highly technical material for a variety of audiences
• Demonstrated understanding of issues involving human rights law and norms and/or corruption
• Project management experience and ability to coordinate efforts internally with colleagues and with outside partners
• Demonstrated capacity to take initiative, to finish assignments under pressure, and to work collegially with others
• Experience working with diverse, inclusive teams
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with civil society, government agencies, Congressional offices, 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
• Proficiency in non-English languages can be helpful, but not required.

APPLICATION MATERIALS:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Writing sample focused on legal or policy aspects of human rights or corruption
• List of three professional references