Rights & Security International (RSI) is seeking a UK Director to lead and oversee our projects on promoting the UK government’s respect for human rights in the counter-terrorism context, both at home and abroad. Our work includes research, advocacy, trainings and litigation.
The successful candidate will be a qualified solicitor or barrister in at least one UK jurisdiction (England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland). They will also bring expertise in human rights law, management experience and exceptionally strong writing abilities. Ideally, they will also have experience interacting with decision-makers in Westminster or one of the devolved governments. They will be committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
**The successful candidate must have a right to work in the UK and plan to be based here.**
Person Specification:
- RSI is looking for a passionate and experienced legal professional who has:
- Current authorisation to practise as a solicitor or barrister in the UK. This is essential.
- Expertise in international human rights law, especially the European Convention on Human Rights and other human rights treaties that apply to the UK.
- Knowledge of UK public law and, ideally, the parliamentary process in Westminster or one of the devolved governments.
- Significant experience managing personnel in a positive, equitable and inclusive manner.
- An ability to write clearly and persuasively for a variety of audiences and purposes, and edit the work of other team members to a publication-ready standard.
- Experience giving trainings or presentations to a variety of audiences (or teaching experience).
- A strong commitment to ensuring that the UK government respects human rights when it acts in the name of countering terrorism or protecting national security.
- A strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Other desirable qualifications:
Please tell us if you also have any of the following:
- An advanced degree in law, human rights, peace and conflict studies, or another relevant field.
- Expertise in migration, asylum or citizenship laws.
- Expertise in human rights or conflict-related justice – including devolution arrangements – in Northern Ireland.
- Experience addressing technology-related human rights issues.
- Expertise in UK counter-terrorism or counter-extremism laws or programmes.
- A background in outreach to communities or individuals directly impacted by human rights harms.
- Experience interacting with potential or current funders.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee and expand RSI’s litigation in UK courts and tribunals.
- Draft and submit freedom of information requests.
- Supervise RSI team members’ project work on the UK, including human rights in Northern Ireland, the rights of migrants and their families in the UK, the protection of civil society from rights-harming national security laws, and other aspects of human rights.
- Provide guidance on strategies for promoting law and policy changes in the UK.
- Write and edit draft human rights reports, briefings and other documents to a publication-ready standard.
- Represent RSI externally at a high level, including in coalitions as well as advocacy meetings with decision-makers.
- Pro-actively identify and lead new projects that fall within RSI’s mission.
- Assist the Executive Director in developing project and organisation-wide strategies, and in liaising with current and potential funders.
Application Details: If you are interested in this position, please submit your CV and a detailed cover letter (no more than two pages) explaining how you fulfil the person specification. You must include a cover letter to be considered for the role.
RSI strives to be diverse, equitable and inclusive. We treat all staff and interns like team members and encourage everyone to bring their full selves to work. We welcome applications from candidates from groups that have historically been underrepresented in the human rights, legal or policy fields, and/or who are from communities that have been directly impacted by the issues we address in our work. We also welcome applications from people who are re-entering the workforce after time away. All applications are considered on an equal-opportunity basis.
We offer flexible working hours.
About Us
Rights & Security International stops human rights abuses committed in the name of national security. We challenge religious, racial and gender bias in national security policies and programmes, promote justice and transparency and ensure that voices of communities facing discrimination are heard.
By submitting your application, you consent to our processing and retention of your personal data to the extent, and for the time period, necessary to consider the application. We will keep your application on file for no more than six months.
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