Country: India
Closing date: 30 Sep 2015
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide network of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights across the world.
The ICJ South Asia office is recruiting a National Legal Consultant as part of its India programme, to start as early as possible and for a period ending on 31 July 2017. The ideal candidate will be a practicing human rights lawyer with a robust knowledge of national and international human rights law, specialization in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) rights, and practical experience of human rights research, advocacy and litigation in India’s legal system. The candidate must have a well-developed network amongst civil society organizations (CSOs), particularly Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) groups, legal practitioners, and relevant authorities in India, and must be dedicated to the promotion of SOGI rights. Ideally, the successful candidate will have knowledge of the work or prior experience of collaboration with the ICJ partner and other LGBTI groups. The position will be based in New Delhi.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
LGBTI communities continue to face discrimination, harassment, and violence across India as a result of their SOGI. Stereotypes, prejudices and discriminatory attitudes towards LGBTI communities contribute to this violence and discrimination. Such attitudes prevail at all levels of society, including the judiciary. As seen in recent cases, such as the Supreme Court judgment in Suresh Koushal, bias about LGBTI communities amongst the judiciary can have a significant impact on how SOGI-rights cases are adjudicated, and how the right to equality and non-discrimination are interpreted in these contexts.
The main objective of this project - “Promoting and protecting human rights and end discrimination on the basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Rights in India” - is to address the discrimination faced by LGBT communities across India by challenging discriminatory laws and practices, raising awareness of SOGI-based violence, and engaging with the judiciary. Project activities include documenting evidence of violence and discrimination against individuals on the basis of their SOGI; critically analyzing the existing legal framework; publishing a report containing research findings; supporting strategic litigation; and conducting a range of awareness-raising and advocacy activities, including by liaising with key officials and authorities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The National Legal Consultant (NLC) will work under the overall supervision of the Asia-Pacific Regional Director and will report directly to the ICJ International Legal Adviser (ILA). Further, the NLC will work in constant collaboration with the rest of the ICJ South Asia team and under the guidance of the ICJ Regional Office and ICJ Headquarters, and with other project stakeholders. The NLC will be responsible for:
· Implementing various aspects of the ICJ's India programme using the full range of ICJ advocacy strategies and legal interventions; conducting field research; preparing and following-up on legal reports, memos and court submissions; and providing other legal support necessary for the fulfillment of project objectives; · Compiling, drafting and finalizing the national research report on SOGI-based violence and discrimination; · Contributing to the implementation of other project activities (reports, workshops, public presentations, press statements and other advocacy initiatives); · Contributing to plan, monitor and review the project work plan as needed, and to report against project progress, activities and results; · Ensuring the primary liaison with ICJ’s partner organizations in the field, and maintaining appropriate communication and information flow regarding the project within ICJ in the region, in Geneva and other offices and staff; · Upon the request of the Asia-Pacific Regional Director, assisting the ILA in representing the project externally, particularly with CSOs, the Indian judiciary, and relevant Government agencies. · Assisting in other ICJ activities at the request of the Asia-Pacific Regional Director and/or the ILA.
QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will have:
Education & Experience
· Be qualified to practice law in India. Further academic studies and/or trainings in international human rights law specializing on SOGI rights highly desirable; · Have a minimum of five years experience working as a human rights lawyer and practitioner in India; demonstrated experience in human rights research, advocacy and litigation; and experience in working towards the implementation of international human rights standards at the national level.
Essential Skills
· Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of relevant Indian law and international human rights standards on SOGI rights; · Experience of developing networks and collaborating with civil society organizations, human rights defenders and legal professionals in the field of human rights and SOGI issues in India; · Strong research, analytical, litigation and advocacy skills; · Sound communication and inter-personal skills; · Strong command of English, both verbal and written; · Ability to work well with a team, including remotely and under minimum supervision; · Ability to maintain security and confidentiality considerations throughout the employment and beyond; · Commitment to human rights, rule of law, and the ICJ’s mandate and the project objectives.
The ICJ is an equal opportunities employer and offers competitive consultancy fees, including medical insurance. This is a full-time consultancy position for up until 31 July 2017.
How to apply:
APPLICATIONS comprising a cover letter, resume, writing sample and the names of at least 2 references should be submitted by 30 September 2015 as follows:
Ref: National Legal Consultant - India, by email: asia-recruitment@icj.org
Please appreciate that due to the volume of applications only short listed candidates will be contacted. We cannot answer phone enquiries. Thank you for your understanding.