Vacancy: Legal Advisor

The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA is seeking a Legal Advisor for its Europe location. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Legal Advisor will contribute to all aspects of the Institute’s development, with a focus on legal research and drafting as well as project management. As a key member of a small team in a fast-developing Institute, the Legal Advisor must be able to work independently and to take a leadership role on relevant initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented human rights lawyer to contribute their skills and expertise to empowering the next generation of human rights lawyers, scholars and leaders, and transforming the promise of human rights into a reality for more people around the world.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Legal Advisor’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

A.    Legal Research and Drafting

·        Conduct legal research in the Institute’s areas of focus (broadly international human rights law, international criminal law and international humanitarian law) and contribute to the development of legal strategies

·        Draft and contribute to reports, briefs, articles and position papers on human rights issues

B.    Project Management and Development

·        Develop and manage relevant and timely projects, involving UCLA Law students and faculty, in the Institute’s areas of focus

·        Curate and organize conferences, convenings and other events in the Institute’s

areas of focus

·        Draft funding applications to support the Institute’s programs and operations, as

well as reports to funders

C.    Coordination of student internship, fellowship and pro bono program

·        Coordinate the recruitment of well-qualified students for internship, summer fellowship and pro bono positions

·        Supervise interns, fellows and pro bono projects to ensure a high-quality experience and legal product

D.    Supporting the further establishment and development of The Promise Institute (Europe) as required

·        All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

·        Advanced degree in law, including studies in international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international criminal law required

·        Excellent academic record required

·        Outstanding research and writing skills required

·        High level of English language proficiency required

·        Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills required

·        5+ years of relevant professional experience since completing advanced degree (5+ for LLM; 4+ for JD) required

·        Highly motivated, reliable and able to work independently required

·        Collaborative, friendly attitude required

·        Familiarity with UCLA Schol of Law preferred

The position is based in Amsterdam with at least 3 days per week in the office at the Amsterdam Law Hub. Occasional travel within Europe and further afield will be required.

The position will run for an initial period of two years, with renewal dependent on performance and funding.

The salary will be in the range 65,000-75,000 euros p.a., based on qualifications and experience. The position is governed by Dutch law and standard benefits apply.

Application Procedure

Qualified candidates should send a CV and letter of motivation (max 500 words) by email to uclapromiseeurope@law.ucla.edu with the heading “LEGAL ADVISOR APPLICATION”.

Applications will be accepted until midnight Amsterdam time on August 28, 2025.