Associate Legal Adviser

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide organization of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights. Its strategic goals for 2021-2025 are: (1) to develop, defend, and strengthen international institutions, instruments, and standards on rule of law and human rights; (2) to improve domestic implementation of, and compliance with, international law and standards; (3) to bolster the effectiveness and independence of judges and lawyers; and (4) to improve access to justice for all and accountability. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, ICJ has a presence in Africa, Latin America, Asia & the Pacific, Europe & Central Asia, and the Middle East.

The Associate Legal Adviser for the Africa Programme supports the broader objectives
of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) in promoting human rights, justice systems, the rule of law, and access to justice across the region. Operating under direct supervision of the Senior Legal Adviser this position assists in implementing the ICJ's strategic initiatives, contributing to research, advocacy, and project management. The ALA's particular focus will be on implementing ICJ projects in Lesotho relating to:
* accountability for corruption, and in particular the protection of whistleblowers;
* the promotion of gender equality, women's economic empowerment, and gender-based violence; and
* the promotion of SOGIE-SC rights.

The ALA supports implementation of Africa's programme using a range of innovative advocacy strategies to support ICJ legal interventions, including: field research into human rights issues related to law and justice; writing, contributing to
and editing human rights reports, legal memos and briefing papers; engaging with partners and advocacy targets including civil society, local and international media, government, diplomats, UN agencies and mechanisms.

• Employer: International Commission of Jurists
• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Maseru, Lesotho
• Category: Legal
• Closing Date: 2026-10-26

• Lead the ICJ's work in Lesotho and assist in the development and execution of the Africa Programme, using ICJ's range of legal, research, advocacy and capacity building tools to advance the Programme's goals.
• Draft various research items, including reports, briefing papers, opinion pieces and webstories relating to the ICJ projects in Lesotho and Africa.
• Take the lead in the planning and organization of workshops, seminars, and training sessions to build the capacity of lawyers, judges and other stakeholders in the region.
• In particular to support the implementation of the ICJ's work in Lesotho relating to gender equality, women's economic empowerment, gender based violence, the promotion of SOGIE-SC rights and the protection of whistleblowers.
• Strong research skills and ability are absolutely necessary for this position. The Candidate will need to responsible for contributing substantially to legal research and the preparation of reports, briefing papers and other documents on human rights issues relevant to the Africa region.
• Monitor and analyse legal and political developments, human rights and the rule of law developments internationally, including monitoring law reform initiatives and access to justice.
• Engaging in advocacy efforts in various forums, contributing to the creation of engaging and informative content across multiple platforms (social media, newsletters, the ICJ website) to raise awareness and support advocacy initiatives of the Programme.
• Develop and implement communication strategies, manage press relations, and produce press releases and public statements to amplify the ICJ's visibility and advocacy impact.
• Experience in media and communications will be advantageous.
• Provide assistance to the Regional Director and Senior Legal Adviser in preparation of legal interventions, including drafting briefs and conducting background research for cases before national and regional courts and treaty monitoring bodies. The candidate will need to identify cases for strategic litigation and assist in the legal research required to draft the pleadings.
• Under the guidance of the Regional Director and Senior Legal Adviser, assist in designing and delivering training sessions and capacity building exercises on ICJ Africa priority issues, including the development of materials and modules: developing advocacy initiatives, trial observations and assisting partners in developing litigation strategies and drafting court submissions.
• Help maintain and develop relationships with the legal, political and academic communities…