Legal Researcher
The Equal Rights Trust (ERT) seeks a legal researcher for an 18-month period starting as soon as possible but no later than 1 August 2008 to work on the project entitled “Detention of Stateless Persons” (50%) and other ERT projects (50%). All applicants should have permission to work in the U.K. The main areas of work include:
  • Research into international and national law and practice regarding detention of stateless persons;
  • Project-managing “Detention of Stateless Persons” by advising and otherwise supporting the work of country consultants;
  • Developing project methodology for field research and carrying out field research in at least one country;
  • Reviewing/editing the work of consultants, and drafting final report; and
  • Work in the framework of other ERT projects.

 The legal researcher is expected to be able to work independently, use her/his initiative, manage her/his own workload and handle some of the administrative work generated by the research projects.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Graduate degree in law or human rights;
  • At least three years relevant legal/human rights experience;
  • A good knowledge of international and regional human rights instruments regarding refugees, migrants and stateless persons; knowledge of human rights standards relating to detention;
  • Experience of field research and demonstrated analytical skills;
  • Ability to manage projects including through long-distance collaboration;
  • Fluent written and spoken English;
  • Ability to produce written material in a clear and coherent manner;
  • Interest in non-discrimination law;
  • Excellent inter-personal and communication skills;
  • Desirable skills and experience
  • Good IT skills, including strong working knowledge of MS Office and internet packages;
  • Administrative competence, including manual and electronic filing;
  • Ability to multi-task and work independently;
  • Ability to speak French, Spanish or other languages.

Salary £24,000 per annum

Equal opportunities policy
The Equal Rights Trust is committed to a comprehensive policy of cultural diversity and equal opportunities.

Applying for this vacancy:
To apply please send a covering letter, a curriculum vitae indicating two referees and a recent writing sample of no more than two thousand words (unedited by others) on a human rights topic. Only short listed applicants will be contacted and interviewed. Applications should be sent to Donatella Fregonese, Programme Assistant, by email to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ; or by mail to: Legal Researcher Competition, The Equal Rights Trust, 1 Hammersmith Grove, London W6 0NB. The closing date for applications is 1700 GMT, 12 May 2008. Interviews will be conducted in the week beginning 26 May 2008.