Do you want to protect fundamental freedoms in Sub-Saharan Africa? The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) is looking for a creative, enterprising, and highly motivated lawyer to help us do just that.
ICNL promotes the freedoms of association, assembly, and expression and supports civil society, civic participation, and philanthropy in countries around the world.
The Legal Advisor is a full-time position based in our Washington, DC office. Extensive travel is expected. As a member of ICNL’s Africa team, the Legal Advisor will help strengthen international and regional norms protecting civic space and support the work of civil society partners to defend the freedoms of association, expression, and assembly throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. The job will be dynamic, fast-paced, and best suited to someone creative, flexible, and comfortable with multi-tasking.
Under the direction of ICNL’s Vice President - Programs, the Legal Advisor will:
• Collaborate with leading African human rights activists to defend the freedoms of association, expression, and assembly;
• Represent ICNL in meetings with governments, donors, and partners throughout Africa;
• Help develop the cutting-edge knowledge and analysis that allows ICNL and our partners to stay ahead of rapidly developing civic space issues;
• Prepare analyses of draft legislation for use by government officials, parliamentarians, civil society, and the media;
• Help strengthen coalitions of likeminded government allies, civil society organizations, movements, and individuals critical to achieving ICNL’s mission; and
• Design trainings and initiatives to strengthen knowledge of laws affecting civil society, civic participation, and philanthropy.
• Law degree from an accredited school;
• At least 5 years of professional experience in international policy, human rights, or development;
• Demonstrated knowledge of civic space issues on the African continent;
• Fluency in English (proficiency in French is an advantage);
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and presentation skills;
• Proven ability to engage constructively with governments and civil society/media networks;
• Experience in program strategy and design as well as project management;
• Willingness to travel extensively.
• Civil society experience, particularly in challenging political environments, is an advantage;
• The Legal Advisor must possess legal authorization to work in the US.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Please send a cover letter and a CV to [email protected]. The subject line should state “Legal Advisor: Africa.”