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Human Rights First · 3 months ago

Human Rights Accountability Legal Fellow

New York, NY

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$65K/yr - $75K/yr

Human Rights First is dedicated to promoting accountability for human rights abuses and corruption through innovative advocacy tools. The Human Rights Accountability Legal Fellow will support efforts to ensure the U.S. government respects its human rights obligations and will work with a team to facilitate the effective use of targeted sanctions in collaboration with civil society organizations.

AssociationNon Profit

Responsibilities

Assist in Human Rights First's efforts to promote and facilitate the credible 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 to identify issues of concern

In coordination with the Accountability team and other NGOs, prepare recommendations identifying Magnitsky-style sanctions targets to governments to quickly respond to developing human rights crises, and identify advocacy opportunities to support the effective use 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 or private convenings related to the use and misuse 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 with efforts to analyze, prevent, and respond to the misuse of targeted sanctions powers that undermine accountability institutions and mechanisms like the International Criminal Court

Other duties as requested based on program and organizational need

Qualification

U.S. law degree (.)Legal research skillsPolicy analysisHuman rights law experienceProject managementForeign language skillsInterpersonal skillsTime managementCommunication skills

Required

A U.S. law degree (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 2026

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 handing sensitive information

Ability to build and maintain relationships with civil society, government agencies, Congressional offices, etc

Authorization to work in the United States