Legal Advisor (DPRK Project)

Global Rights Compliance (GRC) is an international law firm and legal foundation focused on bringing perpetrators to justice for atrocity crimes. We have a presence in the Hague, London, Washington, and Ukraine.

Since October 2021, GRC, supported by the US National Endowment for Democracy (NED), has been actively involved in promoting truth, justice, and accountability for crimes committed in North Korea (DPRK). Our efforts include enhancing the legal capacity of North Korean Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), facilitating accountability submissions, and supporting United Nations initiatives for addressing human rights violations in the DPRK. GRC’s work encompasses legal analysis of crimes such as arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances, with a specific focus on women’s rights.

DUTY STATION: Remote

CONTRACT DURATION: 12 months (full-time consultancy) with possible extension.

OBJECTIVES

The Consultancy will commence in February. GRC is seeking a lawyer with experience in the practical application of International Criminal Law (ICL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL), and/or good knowledge of ICL/ IHRL. A sound understanding of the legal mechanisms of the ICC/ICJ is highly desirable.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Legal and factual research
• Collection of information for investigative purposes
• Assistance in drafting project deliverables
• Project management and reporting with budgetary input
• Facilitation of meetings and other interactions with relevant stakeholders
• The provision of general assistance to GRC managing partner and collaborating with the DPRK Advisor.
• Leading and participating in business development opportunities.

ATTRIBUTES

Mandatory

• 5 or more years of relevant legal experience in the field of North Korean human rights;
• with general knowledge of international human rights mechanisms, especially in the UN system;
• with good knowledge and practical experience in human rights advocacy and engagement with a wide variety of institutional and individual stakeholders;
• who possesses a good understanding of the main issues relevant to the human rights situation in the DPRK, preferably with a good view of emerging trends and experience monitoring DPRK human rights-related policies internationally;
• who has an overall understanding of the DPRK human rights network of organizations in South Korea, Europe and/or the United States; previous work (or internship) experience in civil society organization focusing on DPRK work would be an asset
• ICL / IHRL experience (in a practical application – solely academic study/work will be ineligible)
• Flexibility and creativity; an ability to work in an unstructured, changeable & fast-moving environment, proactive, anticipating problems and solutions orientated
• Practical thinker, able to break down and pursue the elements required to operationalize a strategy.
• Creative legal thinking around accountability pathways.
• Administratively competent; able to manage competing urgent demands.
• Experience in managing a team.
• Practical experience in running a grant programme with reporting obligations and M&E oversight.
• Fluency in English
• Practical experience in working with highly sensitive material and an ability to demonstrate requisite skills in storing, sharing, and working with such material.

Desirable

• Korean proficiency
• Experience in ICC / ICJ / UJ legal mechanisms