Closing date: 13 March 2024 at 23:59
Salary: £33,990. Full-time
Location: Remote
Contract: 12-month contract with possibility of renewal
Job description:
Rights & Security International (RSI) is seeking a Legal Officer to support our freedom of information requests and legal research – especially in the areas of free expression, privacy and data protection. We are a London-based international human rights organisation that promotes respect for human rights and works to end discriminatory national security practices.
This role will include a focus on supporting RSI’s work in addressing racial and religious discrimination arising from the UK government’s ‘Prevent’ counter-extremism strategy, including the impact on free expression and the government’s handling of sensitive data about people’s identities and beliefs.
The initial contract will be for 12 months. Depending on funding and other factors, an extension may be offered. However, this is not guaranteed.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing, welcoming team of highly dedicated staff who embrace human rights for all people.
This position reports to the UK Accountability Team Leader.
Person specification
RSI is looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented candidate who has:
- A qualification to practise as a solicitor in the UK. While we are not yet authorised by the SRA, we aim to complete the process in the near future.
- At least 2 years of post-qualification experience.
- Experience in freedom of information law, public law, human rights law or a similar field.
- Strong research and writing skills, including the ability to convey complex legal ideas to non-lawyers.
- Effective time management skills, with the ability to juggle competing deadlines and complex long-term projects.
- A strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Experience working directly with people from communities that have historically faced bias in the UK.
Responsibilities:
- Submitting and pursuing freedom of information requests.
- Identifying UK legislation that may violate human rights and carrying out analyses under the European Convention on Human Rights.
- Aiding the drafting of investigative reports on human rights issues.
- Supporting RSI in the process of gaining SRA authorisation.
- Other tasks as designated by the Executive Director and the UK Accountability Team Leader.
RSI strives to be diverse, equitable and inclusive. We treat all staff and interns as 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. Should you require reasonable assistance for the completion of your application, please contact us via the email address listed on our website.
We offer flexible working hours.
Please apply via Charity Jobs.
Please note that we are only able to respond with feedback to shortlisted candidates.
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.
