Job Description – International Litigation Expert

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background

Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ) was conceived as an idea by a co-founder while participating in the Leaders for Democracy Fellowship (LDF) program of the US Middle-East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) in 2015. The idea became a reality and evolved into an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental human rights organization.

STJ's beginnings were more than modest; at first, the organization only reported on Syrians who had suffered arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearance or torture. From the seed of this project, planted on fertile ground, grew an established human rights organization licensed in the Middle East and the European Union. Today, STJ strives to expose all types of human rights violations committed by the various parties to the conflict in all parts of Syria.

Departmental purpose

• Promote accountability by building and presenting cases involving violations of international law and human rights, with a focus on the Syrian context.
• Ensure that case files are thoroughly researched, well documented and strategically presented to international legal bodies.
• Work with legal experts and other Syrian legal organizations as well as relevant international organizations to build and promote strategic cases.
• Collect and analyze evidence to build a strong community with legal mechanisms to facilitate access and representation for victims in Syria.

Main tasks

1. Prepare comprehensive case files in accordance with the criteria of the respective work units and donor agreements.
2. Ensure case files contain required witness statements, data types, evidence, and work unit collaboration.
3. Coordinate and work closely with the process team.
4. Provide strategy recommendations for all phases of case investigation, writing and closure.
5. Act as an intermediary between the organization and international litigation lawyers.
6. Facilitate communication between the process team and external parties, including updates, answering questions and concerns, and developing strategies.
7. Help us prepare legal submissions for international jurisdiction platforms.
8. Compile, monitor and manage the quality and relevance of evidence collected, including open source data, visual evidence and witness statements.
9. Review and analyze evidence to establish connections between violations, victims and perpetrators.
10. Ensure that cases meet the organization's standards, as demonstrated in previous cases submitted to international mechanisms.

Expected results:

1. Submission files prepared in accordance with the donor agreement and organizational standards are ready for submission.
2. Develop and deliver a detailed working methodology document that can be used as a reference when preparing cases.

Requirements

• At least a Master's degree in law, international law, human rights or a related field or equivalent professional experience.
• At least three to five years of experience in international litigation, human rights law, a related field or a similar function in the NGO sector.
• Good knowledge of international legal standards, filing processes and available mechanisms or current cases in the Syrian context
• Solid knowledge of the Syrian context and the various relevant levels of analysis
• Excellent analytical, research and editing skills.
• Commitment to legal and ethical standards in case construction and evidence handling.
• Knowledge of English and Arabic (reading, speaking and writing).
• Strong communication skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Legal work permit at the place of residence.
• Ability and willingness to work in a small team with minimal supervision when required.
• Fluency in English and Arabic (writing, speaking and reading) is a must

Desirable

• Access to examples of previously published work such as reports, legal opinions or other relevant documents is desirable.

How to apply

• Send an email with the subject: International Litigation Research Expert – August 2024 to [email protected] by the 31st of August 2024 with the following requirements:
  • Current CV.
  • Motivation letter.
  • 2 references from the last employer.
  • Expected compensation.

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