Vacancy Programme Officer

Lawyers for Lawyers (L4L) supports lawyers worldwide who are being threatened and harassed in connection to their professional activities. Our work seeks to protect lawyers from threats, risks and reprisals, strengthen their international recognition and protection through laws, policies and practices, and empower them to fulfil their role as essential agents of the administration of justice. In order to achieve such objectives, we take part in fact finding, trial monitoring, advocacy and capacity building.

Lawyers for Lawyers is looking for a:

PROGRAMME OFFICER (32 hours)

A varying job with a lot of freedom and responsibility

The program officer works closely with the small team of employees and interns, as well as lawyers from our partner firms in the Netherlands. Lawyers for Lawyers is looking for a fantastic all-rounder; someone who enjoys combining many different tasks. Tasks include both substantive legal work and organizational work, from drafting reports and advocacy at the United Nations, to organizing events and training sessions for and by lawyers.

Responsibilities:

• Setting up and implementing campaigns and urgent appeal actions for lawyers at risk;
• Developing working relationships with organisations and individuals relevant to the work of Lawyers for Lawyers, both in and outside of the Netherlands;
• Conducting research into the situation of lawyers in various countries and regions, including Latin America and Southeast Asia;
• Drafting and editing reports for international human rights mechanisms and conducting an active lobby to improve the position of lawyers in these regions;
• Acting as a contact person for Dutch lawyers from partner firms and effectively collaborate with these lawyers;
• Organizing events, webinars and training sessions on the rights and privileges of lawyers at the international level, including the presentation of the Lawyers for Lawyers Award in May 2025;
• Representing our organization during events and giving presentations about our work;
• Setting up, developing and executing the ‘Shelter City Project’, which will begin in fall 2025;
• Various other tasks to support our mission and vision.

Who are you?

• You have completed a master’s degree in a relevant field of study and have knowledge of human rights (mechanisms) and preferably knowledge and understanding of the political and human rights situation in Latin America and/or Southeast Asia;
• You have relevant work experience in the non-profit sector and/or legal sector; including experience working with human rights defenders;
• You have proven research skills, including in conducting interviews;
• You have an eye for detail, with excellent planning and organizational skills;
• You have a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to prioritise and deliver results on time;
• You are able to identify and develop working relationships with organisations and individuals relevant to the work of the organization;
• You are eager to learn, proactive, results-oriented, analytical and culturally sensitive;
• You have excellent command of English and Dutch, both orally and in writing; proficiency in Spanish is a strong advantage.
• You are available and willing to travel for work.

What does Lawyers for Lawyers offer?

Lawyers for Lawyers is a small organization with a large network. The organization has extensive experience in supporting lawyers all over the world. Lawyers for Lawyers has a very committed, cooperative board consisting of senior lawyers.

Lawyers for Lawyers has an office in Amsterdam. This position requires 32 hours per week, the start date is 1 January 2025 (an earlier start date is possible upon agreement). Lawyers for Lawyers offers a temporary contract for a period of one year. We offer a gross monthly salary between €2,900 and €3,400 (based on 40 hours per week and experience) with a pension scheme. We also give you the space to continue to develop yourself through a training budget.

Application

We would like to receive your motivation letter and CV via info@lawyersforlawyers.nl. A reference check is also conducted as part of the application procedure – we therefore ask you to send us the contact details of two references (at least one non-academic).

You can apply until 16 October 2024. The interviews will take place on 5 and 6 November 2024. An assessment in the form of a practical assignment is part of the selection procedure. For more information about the position, please contact us at 020 717 16 38.

Non-EU candidates need to have a valid work permit to be considered for this position. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted.