Global: Consultant Position - OSI Justice Initiative

TERMS OF REFERENCE:
THREE to FIVE-MONTH CONSULTANCY
MARCH – JULY 2009

Seeking a lawyer with at least 5 years professional experience in international law or domestic criminal law, with a comprehensive knowledge of or experience working in the International Criminal Court, expertise on other international and hybrid courts would be an asset.

Start Date: Immediate (anticipated March)

The Open Society Justice Initiative, an operational arm of the Open Society Institute (OSI), pursues legal reform activities grounded in the protection of human rights, and contributes to the development of legal capacity for open societies worldwide. The International Justice program supports and enhances the work of all international and hybrid tribunals.

The Justice Initiative is seeking to recruit a Consultant to be based in New York, USA, or The Hague, The Netherlands, for 3-5 months, to help develop programs aimed at expanding and deepening its focus on International Criminal Court (ICC) related issues.

The ideal candidate will be a lawyer with at least 5 years experience in international law or domestic criminal law, with a comprehensive knowledge of or experience working in the International Criminal Court; expertise on other international and hybrid courts would be an asset.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Senior Legal Officer, International Justice, the consultant will have the following responsibilities:
- Assist in the elaboration and development of several Justice Initiative ICC projects under exploration, including with respect to the role of the Prosecutor, the value of NGO-provided information to the Court, the Court’s outreach with respect to external actors, operationalizing the principle of complementarity, and preparations for the seven-year review;
- Assist in developing a strategy focused on the ICC, including through an assessment of programmatic priorities premised on maximum value-added in relation to ongoing efforts;
- In relation to the above activities, consult with actors both within and beyond the OSI network working on international justice issues;
- Maintain regular communication with the Senior Legal Officer and NY office, as well as others in the OSI International Justice and Africa programs, and provide a weekly update on activities.
- Inform and mobilize the OSI/Justice Initiative network in support of protection of partners on the ground who are at risk because of human rights/ICC related activity;
- Research and write reports on ICC-related activities, as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience
- A law degree and a minimum of 5 years legal experience, with at least 2 years working on ICC or international justice issues;
- Excellent knowledge of the ICC Statute, international criminal/humanitarian law, and jurisprudence of other international courts.

Essential Skills
- Political judgment and the ability to develop and carry out innovative advocacy strategies;
- Strong analytical and organizational skills;
- Excellent verbal and communication skills;
- Fluent in English with superb legal writing and editing skills. Working knowledge of French highly desirable;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team.

Women and persons from countries or regions where the ICC is active are strongly encouraged to apply.

The application should be include the following:
a) letter of interest, stating qualifications, past experience, and outlining the approach to be taken to the work;
b) curriculum vitae of the consultant;
c) writing sample;
d) monthly or daily rate.

Bids should be submitted by email to the following address: [email][email protected]
The subject line must reference: “IJ consultancy.”

Application Deadline: February 10, 2009

Only successful applicants will be contacted in person. No phone calls please.