One Position as Senior Legal Advisor in Business and Human Rights (80-100%)

Who we are

The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) is an independent, non-profit legal and educational organization dedicated to enforcing civil and human rights worldwide. We initiate, develop and support legal interventions to hold state and non-state actors accountable for human rights abuses. Within ECCHR, the Business and Human Rights program seeks to support individuals or groups affected by corporate harm with transnational legal interventions before national, regional or international courts. Our strategic legal interventions aim at advancing the legal and policy debates on the obligations of businesses towards human rights and the meaningful implementation of the corresponding rights by those affected.

Who we seek

We are looking for a senior position at least five years of relevant work experience to support the work of the Business and Human Rights Program. Specifically, we are seeking a motivated colleague, who is able to quickly integrate into a team of 10 colleagues to work on strategic legal interventions for corporate accountability in transnational settings. The thematic bandwidth of the projects may range from applying mandatory human rights due diligence laws in global value chains in upstream and downstream scenarios, over climate justice to criminal liability in particular in settings of state repression and conflicts. The programs’ strategic choices on above work areas can be consulted here: https://www.ecchr.eu/en/business-and-human-rights/ and here: https://www.ecchr.eu/en/climate/.

A thorough understanding of the regulatory framework applying to corporate accountability in Europe, the political and legal debates in the Business and Human Rights field and past experience in project management in transnational settings and cross-cultural relationships with affected communities is essential.

Our work is strengthened by the diversity of colleagues at ECCHR. We expressly welcome applications from candidates of all cultures, backgrounds and experiences, can provide support with visa applications and relocation, and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to foster the employment of colleagues with disabilities. The position is full-time, with the possibility of part-time employment at 80% of the standard working hours.

The position is based in Berlin.

What we have to offer

You will start an exciting and challenging work in an internationally active human rights organization with a global network and an appreciative working environment. You will be integrated into the Business and Human Rights Program team, one of the four programs of the organisation. Next to your particular project work initially focusing on supply chain accountability and climate justice but with gradual inclusion of further topics over time, you will take part in the strategic and operational work of the various strands of the BHR program through team meetings and beyond.

What the job includes

• contribute to ECCHR’s Business and Human Rights program, with a focus to be determined jointly on the basis of your qualifications in one or several of the above mentioned areas.
• Research facts and write background reports, legal and political analyses, expert opinions, and legal briefs for submission to regional, national or international courts • Manage transnational litigation projects including working with several partner organizations in Europe and outside Europe as well as partner lawyers, including managing budgets and support of the fundraising team
• Communicate with partner organizations, government authorities, lawyers, people affected by and seeking justice for human rights abuses • Participate in and organize events including workshops, conferences and panel discussions
• Advocacy activities related to legislative proposals regarding Business and Human Rights topics in Germany and at the European level and related public outreach and communication tasks
• Supervise Legal Trainees
• Take part in occasional travel in and outside Europe

What you bring

• A law degree or equivalent university degree, for example in economics or political science
• At least five years, of professional experience in legal interventions to establish corporate accountability for human rights violations and/or negative environmental impacts
• A thorough understanding of Business and Human Rights discussions, especially of existing interventions and legal mechanisms under human rights due diligence and related international laws and regulatory frameworks
• Strong project management skills
• Legal drafting skills
• Excellent written and spoken German and English; a working level of Spanish or French are a plus
• Experience in managing (transnational) projects involving various stakeholders, including affected communities, experience in the Global South is a plus
• Prior experience or knowledge on corporate and/or financial research is a plus
• Experience and comfort using standard computer software
• A team-player with high social skills
• Willingness and ability to grasp new topics, work with new partners and in diverse teams
• High sensitivity to working on eye level within intercultural and diverse environments and the experience and reflection needed to do so with global south partners from a position of privilege of a Germany-based organization
• Critical thinking on legal, political and social issues and awareness of socio-political hierarchies such as gender, race, class, etc.
• Willingness to travel occasionally in and outside of Europe

The position is ideally to be filled by September 2024 and is limited to two years with the objective of renewal

Salary

The remuneration for this position will start at 4.600 Euro depending on the candidate’s relevant prior experience.

Additional benefits

• Flexible working time models, including the possibility home office by arrangement within the team
• Consideration for the (time) needs of parents and other people with care responsibilities
• 30 days of vacation per year with a 5-day week
• Monthly payment of the 49 Euro ticket (for public transportation) and payment of the Bahncard if required
• A flexible and open approach to trainings necessary for professional development
• Full continued payment of salary if the child falls ill
• Work laptop
• Support for further training measures
• Company cell phone if required
• Dog-friendly
• We also offer numerous other benefits – from centrally located offices to team activities and free yoga classes

Please send your written application including CV and cover letter in German or English by email, in one attachment only, by 7th of July to

Eva Seeliger
People and Culture Management
peopleandculture@ecchr.eu

European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights,
E-Mail: peopleandculture@ecchr.eu
Zossener Str. 55-58, Aufgang D
10961 Berlin
www.ecchr.eu