The Week That Will Be
Lawfare's weekly round-up of event announcements and employment opportunities.
Published by The Lawfare Institute
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Event Announcements (More details on the Events Calendar)
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2:00 p.m.: The Brookings Institution, the American Political Science Association, and the R Street Institute will be hosting an expert panel debating the role of Congress and the changes that need to be made for Congress to meet the current challenges facing American political institutions. More details for the event can be found here.
Tuesday, Jan. 7, 9:00 a.m.: The Center for Strategic International Studies will be hosting the second annual Ocean Security Forum, which will discuss how human rights violations in the seafood supply chain can be addressed and the implications of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative port investments on sovereignty and security in developing coastal states. More details for the event can be found here.
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 10:30 a.m.: The American Enterprise Institute will be hosting an event for the release of Michael Rubin and Brian Kaulis’ new edited volume, “Seven Pillars: What Really Causes Instability in the Middle East?” which examines U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. More details for the event can be found here.
Tuesday, Jan. 7, 3:00 p.m.: New America will be hosting a panel to discuss the consequences of the assassination of Qasem Soleimani. More details for the event can be found here.
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2:00 p.m.: The Atlantic Council will be hosting a conversation on the United States’ relations with Iraq and Iran following recent developments in the region. More details for the event can be found here.
Tuesday, Jan. 7, 1:45 p.m.: The Hudson Institute will be holding a conversation on the U.S.-Japan defense relationship in light of China’s power on the global stage. More details for the event can be found here.
Thursday, Jan. 9, 10:00 a.m.: The House Committee on Homeland Security will convene a hearing entitled “Understanding the Importance of DHS Preparedness Grants: Perspectives From the Field.” More details for the event can be found here.
Employment Announcements (More details on the Job Board)
The following are announcements of potential interest to Lawfare readers. If you have an announcement to add to the page, email us.
The Department of Political Science, in collaboration with the Faculty of Law, at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a position as Professor MSO or Senior Researcher in international law and security at the Centre for Military Studies, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Copenhagen.
The position is a part of the implementation of Denmark’s 2018-2023 Defence Agreement, which includes a grant to the Centre for Military Studies (‘the international law grant’) focusing specifically on the international legal challenges associated with participation in international military operations as well as questions concerning cyber operations and new military technologies. The project involves close collaboration with researchers at the Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen.
The position is available from 1 June 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Applications are sought from eminent candidates, who have extensive experience with research and teaching within the field of international law and international security. We welcome applications from researchers with backgrounds in international law. Applicants with experience within applied research regarding international legal challenges associated with participation in international military operations and/or questions concerning cyber operations and new military technologies, are especially welcome. The successful candidate must have a strong commitment to both excellence and relevance.
Job descriptionThe duties attached to this position as Professor MSO/Senior Researcher at the Centre for Military Studies are:
- Research within the field of international law and international security including the international legal challenges associated with participation in international military operations as well as questions concerning cyber operations and new military technologies
- Specific studies and analyses for the Danish Ministry of Defence and the political parties behind the 2018-23 Defence Agreement
- Teaching, supervision and examination of undergraduate and post-graduate students at the Department of Political Science and/or the Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen
- Knowledge sharing with the rest of society, including media appearances
- Research and teaching management, including administrative tasks related to the position, e.g. the development and management of projects under the international law grant as a whole within the framework provided by the CMS management.
The weighting of the different assignments may vary periodically, but the successful candidate can expect to spend most of his/her time doing strategic research and working with specific studies for the Danish Ministry of Defence and the political parties behind the 2018-23 Defence Agreement. A certain amount of teaching is also to be expected.
Appointment as Professor MSO is a five-year position after which the Professor MSO will be offered a fixed position at the level of Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science.
Appointment as Senior Researcher is a fixed position.
QualificationsProfessor with special responsibilities (Professor MSO)
To be qualified for the position as professor MSO the applicant must have a PhD in International Law or equivalent academic qualifications as well as:
- An aspiration to increase our understanding of the world and its problems based on a proven record of outstanding research, as evidenced by a recognized international reputation in International Law or a relevant subfield and demonstrated by a considerable number of high-quality publications, which constitute a significant contribution to the field and complements the existing research strengths of the Department of Political Science and/or the Faculty of Law. Publications should be published on a continuous basis in top-ranked journals and/or a highly influential publication record with leading book publishers.
- A commitment to contribute to the delivery and further development of an excellent student experience based on a significant track record of excellence in teaching in one or more of the main areas covered by the Department of Political Science and/or the Faculty of Law.
- An engagement in knowledge exchange and policy-impact in Denmark as well as in an international context. We encourage proactive engagement with government, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students.
- Proven ability to provide leadership of research groups as well as an ability to operate in leadership roles at the Departmental, Faculty and University levels.
- The ability and willingness to attract external funding on a larger scale and to lead research projects.
- Robust interpersonal skills which enables the candidate to be a constructive and empathic colleague in a diverse and vibrant working environment.
Senior Researcher
To be qualified for the position as Senior Researcher the applicant must have a PhD in International Law or equivalent academic qualifications as well as:
- An aspiration to increase our understanding of the world and its problems based on a proven record of outstanding research, as evidenced in a growing and ambitious publication profile that complements the existing research strengths of the Department of Political Science and/or the Faculty of Law and evidence of, or clear plans for attracting, external research funding
- A commitment to contribute to the delivery of an excellent student experience based on a sizable track record of excellence in teaching in one or more of the main areas covered by the two Departments.
- An engagement in knowledge exchange and policy-impact in Denmark as well as in an international context. We encourage proactive engagement with government, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students.
- Robust interpersonal skills, which enables the candidate to be a constructive and empathic colleague in a diverse and vibrant working environment.
Further qualifications as Professor with special responsibilities (Professor MSO) and Senior Researcher:
Besides these essential qualifications, emphasis will be put on the applicant’s:
- Ability to engage in policy-innovation and policy formulation
- Research experience with – and knowledge of – the international legal challenges associated with participation in international military operations and/or new military technologies as well as issues of national security law, including cyber
- Ability to work on specific projects in teams and with cross-disciplinary approaches
- Ability to communicate complicated issues to the wider public
Danish language qualifications can be an advantage but is not a requirement for the right candidate.
About the Centre for Military Studies
Based in the Department of Political Science, the Centre for Military Studies is a university research centre focusing on policy-relevant research and research-based innovation and information that identifies options for Denmark’s defence and security policy in a time of increased uncertainty. Research at the Centre is thus a means to identify policy options in a complex, interconnected security environment. The Centre works closely with the Danish Ministry of Defence, the Danish Armed Forces and other national and international stakeholders to investigate issues and develop ideas and options. As a fully integrated part of the Department of Political Science the Centre takes part in teaching and research activities at the Department. For more information, please consult our webpage: https://cms.polsci.ku.dk/
Conditions of employment
Professor with special responsibilities (Professor MSO)
Terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). The annual salary as Professor MSO is DKK 626,000 (EUR 84,000 app.). In addition to the salary paid directly, the University will also pay a monthly contribution to the pension fund corresponding to 17.1 % of the salary. Negotiation for additional supplements will be possible.
Senior ResearcherTerms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). The annual salary as Senior Researcher is DKK 477,700 (EUR 63.900 app.) In addition to the salary paid directly to you, the University will also pay a monthly contribution to the pension fund corresponding to 17.1 % of your salary. Negotiation for additional supplements will be possible.
ApplicationsPlease write in the cover letter which position you are applying for, or both. Applications must be in English and include the following information and documentation:
- A cover letter with a motivation for your application and a full CV, including name, address, telephone number, e-mail, previous and present employment and academic background including a record of research and international research cooperation.
- A complete numbered list of publications. The publications enclosed in the application – maximum 10 if applying for the Professor MSO position, 6 if applying for the position as Senior Researcher - that you wish the Evaluation Committee to consider should be marked with an asterisk (*).
- Documentation of any ability to and/or experience with applied policy studies
- Documentation of experience with managing research and/or teaching. More information about teaching portfolio can be found at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/job-application-portfolio/
- Documentation of the ability to disseminate information to and share knowledge with society at large.
If the applicant submits publications marked by an asterisk (*) that are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of the applicant’s contribution to each individual work must be clarified in the application, and if possible, a declaration from the co-authors or the head of the institution or office at which the work was completed should be enclosed as well.
Application procedureAfter the expiry of the deadline for applications, applicants are selected for assessment on the advice of the Appointment Committee. All applicants are notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/. The Faculty of Law and the Department of Political Science jointly appoint the committees.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to encourage everyone interested in the positions to apply, regardless of personal background.
Additional information can be obtained from Director at the Centre for Military Studies, Henrik Ø. Breitenbauch (phone: +45 60870608, email: hob@ifs.ku.dk), or Deputy Director Kristian Søby Kristensen (phone: +45 28729017, email: ksk@ifs.ku.dk)
Further information about the application procedure is available from HR, academic officer Rikke Dall, e-mail: hrsc@hrsc.ku.dk, please refer to ID number 211-0008/19-2J.
The deadline for applications, including enclosures is 1 February 2020 (at Midnight 23.59 Danish Time)
2020 Lawyers Trip to Israel Application, Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)
FDD’s Lawyers Trip to Israel will take place June 16-25, 2020.
This trip is part of FDD’s National Security Trip to Israel, launched in 2011, which has brought nearly 300 US national security practitioners to Israel for a week of high-level meetings and experiential visits.
Throughout the week, trip participants will travel around Israel to explore a wide range of international law and national security related issues, such as Israel’s perspective on the Laws of War, the expanding role of lawyers in combat decision-making and the concept of lawfare. These off-the-record conversations will be supplemented with experiential exercises, including visits to elite military installations such as the Iron Dome and replicas of Hamas tunnels. Trip participants will be accompanied by FDD experts throughout the trip. Participants will leave the trip with a nuanced understanding of regional challenges and security threats facing both Israel and the West, as well as the legal implications associated with those threats and the practical skills to counter 21st century security threats.
The application deadline is Tuesday, January 14, 2020. Learn more and apply at http://lawyerstriptoisrael.
org/ Trip Eligibility:
- This trip is open to lawyers working in the executive branch, the military and private sector.
- Participants must have a J.D. and are practicing national security law.
- Participants must be between the ages of 30-40 and based in the Washington, DC area.
- Participants must attend three evening sessions in Washington DC (Tentative dates are May 13, May 28, and July 14, 2020).
FDD will cover the cost of round trip airfare between New York and Tel Aviv, double hotel room accommodations, at least two meals per day, and transportation on the ground in Israel. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to/from New York’s JFK airport. FDD is a 501c3 non-profit organization which runs a number of educational trips every year. We comply with all federal ethics rules and travel restrictions.
Upon completion of the trip, participants will become members of FDD’s National Security Alumni Network, a mid-career professionals alumni group comprised of over 400 alumni of FDD’s National Security Trips to Israel and/or National Security Fellows Program. Throughout the year, alumni are provided with opportunities for professional development, networking, and mentorship to advance their careers in national security.
Feel free to contact Samantha@fdd.org with any questions.
Position Location: Miami Immigration Court, Miami, Florida.
Position Dates: Summer 2020.
Description: The Miami Immigration Court is part of the United States Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. This prestigious position offers an excellent opportunity to develop research, writing, and analytical skills. Students will work under the direct supervision of Judicial Law Clerks and Attorney Advisors, and perform research and writing assignments for Immigration Judges. The internship is an unpaid, volunteer position with a time commitment of 40 hours per week for at least ten weeks. Students may be eligible for academic credit or educational grants, and are encouraged to contact the appropriate person at their law schools to determine eligibility.
Qualifications: Applicants must be United States citizens and enrolled in law school at the time of the internship. Interns cannot concurrently participate in immigration or criminal clinics, or work for immigration law firms or other immigration organizations. Strong research and writing skills are necessary. Prior knowledge of immigration law is preferred, but not required. Selected applicants will be required to submit to a security background check, which takes 9 to 12 weeks to complete.
Duties: Drafting decisions and bench memoranda, conducting research on immigration statutes, case law, regulations, and relevant criminal law, and attending intern program activities.
Application: Please email as one PDF file a cover letter, résumé, list of three references, writing sample (no longer than 10 pages double-spaced), and unofficial transcripts to Pedro P. Diaz at pedro.diaz@usdoj.gov. Please also CC Joshua H. Wildes at joshua.h.wildes@usdoj.gov. Inquiries may be directed to Pedro P. Diaz or Joshua H. Wildes at the emails listed above.
Deadline: The deadline to apply is Monday, February 24, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.
Interviews: Interviews will be conducted by telephone.
National Security Institute Technologist Fellowship
This year-long fellowship is geared at taking technologists from across the country and giving the them the core tools they need to effectively engage policymakers in both the legislative and executive branches on cyber issues. NSI Technologist fellows have the opportunity to engage with cyber experts and leading technology and national security policymakers. Past speakers include former House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Rogers; Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Chris Krebs; former Deputy Director of the National Security Agency Rick Ledgett; National Geo-spatial Intelligence Agency Deputy Director Dr. Stacey Dixon; and entrepreneur Ron Gula, co-founder of Tenable Network Security.
The goal of the NSI Technologist Fellowship is to enhance technologists’ ability to influence the larger policy community and thereby inject more direct technology-related expertise into the national security and cyber policy processes.
The application for the 2020 class is now open. Applications are due Tuesday, December 17, 2019.
More Fellowship Information can be found here.
Application Information can be found here.
Call for Papers, Institute for Digital Law Trier
Thomas Burri (University of St. Gallen) and Antje von Ungern-Sternberg (University of Trier) announce an international conference to be held at the University of Trier 14-15 May 2020.
Background: Democracy is increasingly under strain. Disinformation, manipulation, and leaks are chipping away at the political process and thus eroding its very foundations. Liberal democratic regimes face informational pressure from abroad. As but one example, in the 2016 US presidential elections, bots, fake news, leaks, and trolls, affected its very outcome. Many of these undertakings had been steered by Russia. The picture is yet expected to darken in times to come.
Propaganda is not new. Radio and loudspeakers shaped the Cold War. Neither would this be the first time that the prohibition to interfere in domestic affairs clashes with reality. However, what we witness today is different. The granularity is higher: Artificial intelligence fueled by big data predicts individual voters’ behaviour, opening the door to targeted manipulation. Unlike before, the conduits for information to flow are private. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, though publicly accessible and transnational, are in private hands – hands not bound by public standards of fundamental rights, impartiality, fairness, and due process. Though self-commitment may be plentiful, scrutiny is sparse; ‘ethics’ is the talk of the town, not law. In this new private and microscopic universe, influence is wielded in the twilight. Detection and attribution are all but straightforward. Hackers leave no traces, algorithms are secret, the origins of ads obscure.
Conference: The informational influence on democracy has so far only been the subject of a domestic discourse. An international conference, to be convened at the University of Trier in Germany, from May 14 through 15, 2020, aims to broaden the discussion and bring international law into the picture. The conference focuses on informational pressure and its influence on democratic processes.
The following speakers have already committed to speak at the conference:
▪ Eyal Benvenisti, University of Cambridge
▪ Heike Krieger, Freie Universität Berlin
▪ Silja Vöneky, University of Freiburg
Call for papers: We now call upon scholars to consider contributing a paper to the conference. We aim to attract established scholars as well as researchers whose work on the topic is not yet out in print. Scholars may contribute a full paper or a talk. Limited travel grants are available. We are aiming for a journal special issue for the best contributions. In answer to this call, you may wish to treat one of the following topics or any other suitably related topic:
▪ The principle of non-intervention and the protection of democratic opinion making
▪ Protection of confidential information in public international law
▪ Free-speech rights, disinformation, and manipulation
▪ Attribution of private informational influence and coercion to state actors
▪ Regulation of information platforms and artificial intelligence in public international law
▪ White and black hat hacking through the lens of public international law
▪ Informational warfare and the laws of conventional warfare
▪ Countermeasures in reaction to informational pressure.
Schedule:
30 January 2020: Abstracts due.
15 February 2020: Acceptance communicated.
1 May 2020: Final papers due. Final papers will be circulated among participants only.
14-15 May 2020: Conference in Trier.
Information required from authors: one-page abstract, one-page CV, including affiliations and main publications, indication whether full paper or talk is intended; indication of need for travel support.
Costs: no conference fees. The conference is financed by public funds. We cover accommodation and board for all participants.
Contact: Please answer the call by way of e-mail to the organizers stating the subject “Call for papers”, c/o Prof. Dr. Antje von Ungern-Sternberg, lsvonungern@unitrier.de. Please do not hesitate to contact us in case you have questions. The call is also available at http://www.digital-law-institute.de.
Chief Technologist, Center for Democracy & Technology
The Center for Democracy & Technology is seeking a Chief Technologist to work in support of CDT’s mission. CDT’s Chief Technologist role is a unique and exciting opportunity to help shape public policy, technical standards, and decision-making on important issues of the digital age. The Chief Technologist reports to the Vice President for Policy, is the Director of CDT’s Internet Architecture project, and works collaboratively with CDT’s other project teams and staff, in addition to managing the work of CDT’s technologists. This position will be located in CDT’s Washington, DC office .
CDT offers substantial autonomy as well as the opportunity to work collaboratively across a wide variety of tech policy issues.
ABOUT CDT
CDT is a leading nonprofit public interest organization, working at the cutting edge of digital rights policy. With expertise in law, technology, and policy, CDT engages in a variety of strategies to enhance free expression and privacy, including advocacy, public education, and research. CDT works on legislation, participates in agency rule-makings, engages in litigation, and fosters consensus-building among public interest and private sector stakeholders. CDT in headquartered in Washington, DC. For more information, please visit our About page.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include:
- Leading the technical and policy work of of the Internet Architecture team as well as assisting the work of other CDT’s teams as needed;
- Communicating technology and technology policy issues with the public, press, policymakers, and other key stakeholders in an accessible and technically accurate manner;
- Strategic planning and vision for the future of technology and tech policy to forward CDT’s mission;
- Fundraising from philanthropic and corporate supporters to advance the work of the Internet Architecture team as well as CDT’s other staff; and
- Managing a dynamic and growing team of technologists to accomplish a strategic plan of work involving research, analysis, and advocacy.
The Chief Technologist is a director-level position with significant management, strategic, and fundraising responsibilities in addition to individual contributions to CDT’s work. The Internet Architecture team supports CDT’s work on issues that include consumer privacy, net neutrality, internet openness, government surveillance, cybersecurity and internet architecture, and must have an in-depth understanding of the connection between technology design and policy.
Given the importance of diverse perspectives in representing the public interest in technology policy, we encourage candidates to apply who explicitly seek to increase underrepresented groups in technology through their work.
Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Have deep technical background and capability;
- Be skilled in communicating technical topics to nontechnical audiences;
- Have working familiarity with technology policy and law;
- Posses strong networks in academia, industry, government, and civil society; and
- Demonstrate understanding of academic and industrial research, research design, and research methods
Additional qualifications may include:
- A degree in computer science, information science, or a similar field or equivalent work experience;
- Experience in managing, hiring, and growing a team of technologists
- Experience in the domain of internet-related engineering, from the physical configuration of networks and systems to low-layer Internet connectivity protocols to applications, services and software delivered via the web and in desktop and mobile environments;
- Specific knowledge around election technology, administration, security & privacy; and
- Experience working in or with Congress or federal agencies and analyzing policy and legislation.
COMPENSATION
Salary is commensurate with experience and is competitive with public interest and government pay scales. CDT provides a generous benefits package that includes health care and dental coverage, a retirement plan, paid vacation, sick days, and parental leave.
TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and a resume to hr@cdt.org.
Policy Counsel, Privacy & Data Project, Center for Democracy & Technology
The Policy Counsel will be part of CDT’s Privacy & Data Project, reporting to the project’s director. The Privacy & Data Project team works to enhance individual privacy in the digital world by engaging with regulators and government agencies, empowering users, shaping corporate practices, and providing exemplary thought leadership in a variety of settings.
ABOUT CDT
CDT is a leading nonprofit public interest organization, working at the cutting edge of digital rights policy. With expertise in law, technology, and policy, CDT engages in a variety of strategies to enhance free expression and privacy, including advocacy, public education, and research. CDT works on legislation, participates in agency rule-makings, engages in litigation, and fosters consensus-building among public interest and private sector stakeholders. CDT in headquartered in Washington, DC. For more information, please visit our About page.
Responsibilities
This position reports to the Director of Privacy & Data. Responsibilities may include:
- Conducting in-depth legal, policy and legislative research and analysis and developing privacy policy recommendations;
- Drafting legal and advocacy documents such as policy papers, blog posts, press releases, testimony, agency comments, and legal briefs and memoranda;
- Advocating before executive branch and legislative policymakers;
- Collaborating with industry and foundations to advance best practices in privacy, with an emphasis on the collection, sharing and use of unregulated health data for the first year;
- Representing CDT in the media and at public events; and
- Developing and maintaining productive relationships with other advocates, academics, technologists, companies and communities.
Qualifications
This position is designed for a lawyer with demonstrated knowledge of privacy policy.
Required qualifications:
- A law degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience in law and public policy;
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills and demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills;
- Knowledge of and experience with laws relating to US privacy policy is a must; experience with GDPR preferred;
- Experience working with a variety of diverse stakeholders and an understanding of how to productively bring those disparate positions together;
- Flexibility and the ability to respond to the issues of the day; and
- Commitment to CDT’s mission to put democracy and individual rights at the center of the digital revolution.
Additional qualifications may include:
- Familiarity with relevant policy institutions, including experience working in or with federal agencies or Congress;
- Demonstrated experience with public speaking and communicating with the media;
- Existing relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, the press, advocates, and tech companies, and experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders and organizations;
- Knowledge of emerging trends in technology and implications for users and society, including the influence of technology on human rights and civil liberties;
- An understanding of how law, policy and technology may have a disparate impact on underserved or disadvantaged individuals and communities.
COMPENSATION
Salary is commensurate with experience and is competitive with public interest and government pay scales. CDT provides a generous benefits package that includes health care and dental coverage, a retirement plan, paid vacation, sick days, and parental leave.
TO APPLY
Please send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to hr@cdt.org.
Policy Program Coordinator, National Security Institute
The George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School seeks a Policy Program Coordinator for the National Security Institute (NSI) on the Arlington, VA., campus. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.
Responsibilities:
The NSI Policy Program Coordinator will be responsible for the successful planning and coordination of NSI policy program efforts and events. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Managing administrative activities related to fiscal management, procurement, and other administrative and support services;
- Assisting with research, writing, and publishing NSI research and advocacy papers and other written materials;
- Interacting with NSI leadership and staff, as well as media, general public, and government officials to plan and coordinate activities;
- Planning and coordinating NSI events and other programmatic activities;
- Managing event registration;
- Preparation of event materials;
- On-site event management;
- Managing activities related to NSI’s website and social media accounts;
- Supporting NSI team in all aspects of NSI’s work; and
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required, as well as experience in event management;
- Must have excellent organizational skills, with the proven ability to independently juggle multiple tasks and priorities effectively;
- Self-starter, highly motivated and detail-oriented;
- Ability to interact with persons at all levels, including high-level legal officials and academics, in a professional manner and in different settings is critical;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Superior skills with Microsoft Office suite, as well as strong database experience is necessary;
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends; and
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally is necessary.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Public policy experience is desirable.
This is not a supervisory position.
For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number 10522z at http://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.
Deputy Executive Director (International Refugee Assistance Project)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) works through a robust network of staff, pro bono attorneys and law students to fill a major gap in access to legal aid for refugees, asylum seekers, and other displaced people. IRAP has become the first advocacy organization to provide comprehensive legal representation to refugees throughout the registration, protection and resettlement processes. As fear, division, hatred, and economic uncertainty persist in the global consciousness and manifest in discriminatory policies, speech, and actions, individuals across the world must respond by demanding and upholding commitments to justice. IRAP is leveraging its volunteers and resources to fight back and ensure that we continue to uphold the humanitarian tradition of welcoming those who need refuge.
IRAP is now seeking nominations and applications for the position of Deputy Executive Director.
Since its founding in 2008, IRAP has used legal aid, litigation and advocacy to protect and advance the rights of refugees, both domestically and internationally; the organization has also remained committed to developing the next generation of human rights attorneys through its work with law students. The global turn against refugee resettlement coupled with IRAP’s highly effective model has led to a period of rapid expansion to meet new levels of demand. In the past two years, IRAP’s annual budget has increased from $2 million to $9 million, and over the past six years, its staff has grown from ten to seventy-five.
As it builds capacity through this period of tremendous growth, IRAP seeks a Deputy Executive Director (DED) to provide strategic vision and leadership, lead infrastructure development and programmatic oversight, manage IRAP’s dedicated and talented team, and steward the organization’s continued development to maximize impact. Reporting directly to Becca Heller, IRAP’s founder and Executive Director, the DED will work closely with staff across the organization and at all levels to foster IRAP’s culture of collaboration and identify opportunities for increased support and development.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep connection to IRAP’s mission to use legal advocacy to find safe places to live and safe passage for the world’s most persecuted individuals. S/he/they will be an inclusive, passionate leader committed to combatting inequitable policies impacting refugees and other displaced people and to delivering the highest quality legal and advocacy services. S/he/they will bring at least eight years of progressive leadership experience in a legal and/or nonprofit setting, with demonstrable success in change implementation. The new Deputy Executive Director will be an experienced manager who excels at supporting, mentoring, and motivating staff; developing structures and processes that facilitate efficient and effective communication across leadership and teams within an organization; and supporting teams that work closely with individuals who have experienced trauma.
TO APPLY
More information about IRAP may be found at: https://refugeerights.org/.
This search is being conducted with assistance from Callie Carroll, Allison Kupfer Poteet, Hallie Dietsch and Javier Garcia of NPAG. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications including a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume (in Word format), and where you learned of the position should be sent to: IRAP-DED@nonprofitprofessionals.com. In order to expedite the internal sorting and reviewing process, please type your name (Last, First) as the only contents in the subject line of your e-mail.
IRAP believes that diversity is critical to fostering a strong workplace and serving our clients well. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences in the communities that we serve, members of other marginalized communities, and individuals whose identities are underrepresented in the legal profession.
Legal Service Director / U.S. Legal Director, International Refugee Assistance Project
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) works through a robust network of staff, pro bono attorneys and law students to fill a major gap in access to legal aid for refugees, asylum seekers, and other displaced people. IRAP has become the first advocacy organization to provide comprehensive legal representation to refugees throughout the registration, protection and resettlement processes. As fear, division, hatred, and economic uncertainty persist in the global consciousness and manifest in discriminatory policies, speech, and actions, individuals across the world must respond by demanding and upholding commitments to justice. IRAP is leveraging its volunteers and resources to fight back and ensure that we continue to uphold the humanitarian tradition of welcoming those who need refuge.
IRAP’s Legal Services Department is growing in response to the increased demand to protect those whose rights are being threatened and is now seeking nominations and applications for the positions of Legal Service Director and U.S. Legal Director, both within its Legal Services Department.
Since its founding in 2008, IRAP has used legal aid, litigation and advocacy to protect and advance the rights of refugees, both domestically and internationally; the organization has also remained committed to developing the next generation of human rights attorneys through its work with law students. The global turn against refugee resettlement coupled with IRAP’s highly effective model has led to a period of rapid expansion to meet new levels of demand. In the past two years, IRAP’s annual budget has increased from $2 million to $9 million, and over the past six years, its staff has grown from ten to seventy-five.
Reporting to IRAP’s Executive Director, Becca Heller, the Legal Services Director will lead a team of five talented program directors who oversee the work of over 40 staff. The Legal Services Department focuses on protecting the rights of refugees, and the Director will provide critical strategic partnership to the Executive Director as IRAP navigates this new phase of growth. The Legal Services Director will provide direct supervision to the U.S. Legal Services Director, Middle East Director, Director of Pro Bono, the Director of Complementary Pathways and the Intake and Legal Information Director. S/he/they will oversee staff based in New York City, Jordan, Lebanon, and remotely around the world.
IRAP’s US Legal Services team assists individuals navigating the refugee recognition, resettlement, and visa application processes through their mentorship of pro bono teams, in-house representation, and legal information and pro se materials. Reporting to IRAP’s Legal Services Director, the U.S. Legal Services Director will lead a team of talented attorneys, intake caseworkers, and legal assistants who provide individual legal assistance to refugees and other displaced people around the world. Once hires are completed, the Director will supervise 14 IRAP staff and support a national pro bono network of over 1,000 attorneys and law students.
The ideal candidates will demonstrate a deep connection to IRAP’s mission to use legal advocacy to find safe places to live and safe passage for the world’s most persecuted individuals. They will be an inclusive, passionate leaders committed to combatting inequitable policies impacting refugees and other displaced people and to delivering the highest quality legal and advocacy services. They will be a experienced managers who excel at supporting, mentoring, and motivating legal staff; developing processes that facilitate the efficient and effective delivery of direct legal services by staff and volunteer lawyers; and leading teams that work closely with individuals who have experienced trauma. The Directors be decisive, keenly analytical leaders and thinkers who will build and support healthy culture around prioritization, team communication and decision making. Both the Legal Services Director and U.S. Legal Services Director must have law degrees and be admitted to practice law in the United States.
These searches are being conducted by Meredith Horton, Allison Kupfer Poteet, Hallie Dietsch, and Javier Garcia of the national search firm NPAG. For more information, full position descriptions and instructions on how to apply, please visit the links below.
https://nonprofitprofessionals.com/current-searches-all/irap-ld
https://nonprofitprofessionals.com/current-searches-all/irap-usld
Professional Staff Member/Security Officer, The House Committee on the Judiciary
Job Description:
The House Committee on the Judiciary seeks a Professional Staff Member/Security Officer. Responsibilities include participating in a wide range of oversight projects, assisting in preparation for Committee hearings and markups, providing research assistance, and managing access to the Committee’s secure facility. Ideal candidates should be highly detailed oriented, experience handling large volumes of information, and demonstrated ability to meet precise deadlines. An active security clearance is a plus. The Committee strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the country’s population; candidates from minority backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. The Committee does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including marital or parental status, sexual orientation, and gender identity), disability, age, or national origin. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Job.JDEM@mail.house.gov. Please include in the subject line: PSM/Security Officer.
Clara Barton International Humanitarian Law Fellowship, American Red Cross
Job Description:
As one of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in need throughout the United States and, in association with other Red Cross networks, throughout the world. We depend on the many generous contributions of time, blood, and money from the American public to support our lifesaving services and programs. If you share our passion for helping people, join us in this excellent career opportunity.
Based Washington, DC, with the potential to work remotely, the Clara Barton Legal Fellow is an opportunity to gain real world IHL experience in unpaid year-long position with the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Team at National Headquarters (NHQ) of the American Red Cross. The fellow supports the mission of the Red Cross by working with the IHL Team in promoting humanitarian values through its legal education program.
Responsibilities:
- Create and update course materials to be used by volunteer instructors to teach the public about IHL
- Drafts guidance, procedures and tools to support regions and divisions in the delivery of local IHL programs
- Serve as liaison for volunteer instructor coordination between NHQ, Divisions, and Regions
- Conduct IHL CLE/professional training courses
- Research and maintain CLE accreditation for courses
- Create promotional materials for use by regions and partners
- Organize law school workshops in key regional cities/hubs with law school partners.
- Assist with NHQ hosting of trainings, conferences, meetings, webinars, as required.
- Conduct research on IHL and policy-related areas and draft memoranda on relevant issues of IHL as needed for program development.
- Assist with drafting talking points, backgrounders, and potential presentation material to support our IHL networks.
- Attend briefings/conferences on IHL-related issues and provide updates of key points to IHL team.
- Assist with content and messaging for social media tools.
- Train volunteer instructors to deliver IHL course and instruction
- Assist in researching and creating topic-specific IHL short courses
Qualifications:
- Recent law school graduate, or lawyer transitioning career field with demonstrated interest in international law and policy
- Prior knowledge of international humanitarian law or international criminal law
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, impeccable legal research skills
- Ability to work independently, attention to detail, highly organized
- Ability to travel up to 20% of the time
Apply now! Joining our team will provide you with the opportunity to make a difference every day. The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for the position without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The American Red Cross is a diverse nonprofit organization offering professional development and a collaborative team spirit environment. To be considered for this position send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to IHLaw@redcross.org.
American Red Cross National Headquarters
430 17th St NW,
Washington, DC 20006
Advocacy Counsel, Human Rights First
JOB TITLE: Advocacy Counsel
DEPARTMENT: Advocacy
LOCATION: Washington, DC
REPORTS TO: Director, National Security Advocacy
JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time; Exempt; Non-Union
PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The Advocacy Counsel is responsible for implementing and contributing to the development of strategies to achieve objectives at the intersection of human rights and national security and other organizational priorities, as needed. The Advocacy Counsel reports to and acts under the direction and guidance of the Director for National Security Advocacy.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conduct research and prepare original analyses, briefs, recommendations, legislation, executive branch documents, advocacy and press materials, talking points, blogs, social media content, amicus briefs, and other materials to advance the organization’s advocacy objectives.
Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with colleagues in civil society, the military and other national security-related agencies and departments, issue coalitions and working groups, Hill staff, current and former policymakers, legal and policy experts, journalists, and other stakeholders, in furtherance of organizational objectives.
Serve as an expert and spokesperson on Human Rights First’s priority issues, including but not limited to Guantanamo and other aspects of indefinite detention and military trials; policies related to drone strikes and other uses of force; torture and detainee treatment; and wartime counterterrorism frameworks such as the 9/11 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF).
Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, workshops, and other external events.
Support and assist the Director for National Security Advocacy on critical tasks, including:
Setting program objectives and priorities where Human Rights First can make a unique and measurable impact
Developing and implementing strategies to achieve national security advocacy objectives
Collaborating with the Development Team and Board of Directors to ensure the long-term sustainability of the national security program
Drafting funder proposals and grant reports
Developing and managing the annual program budget
Supervising interns and volunteers
As needed, work across issue areas and function as part of campaign teams, special projects, or working groups to advance the organization’s objectives.
Other duties as requested based on organizational need.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
J.D. or other advanced degree in public policy, international affairs, human rights, national security, or another relevant field.
Experience working in the executive or legislative branches or conducting policy advocacy preferred.
Familiarity with U.S. governmental institutions and U.S. and international law related to national security and human rights.
Strong legal and policy research skills, including the ability to monitor and analyze relevant national and international legal and political developments.
Strong organizational and analytical skills, excellent political judgment, and ability to think strategically.
A high degree of initiative; and the ability to thrive and multi-task in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure and deliver high quality results; to work successfully across organization lines and with a diverse team of colleagues; to work in a variety of U.S. and international settings (including governmental, legal, advocacy and the media).
Excellent written and spoken communication skills; demonstrated ability to translate the human rights impacts of issues to a variety of audiences (including policymakers and the media) and effectively edit the written work of others.
Demonstrated ability to quickly comprehend, internalize, and demonstrate expertise in complex policy issues.
Ability to develop and implement strategies to achieve concrete and measurable outcomes in a politically challenging legislative environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively and persuasively interact with the press. Communications experience preferred.
Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with advocacy partners such as senior-level former government officials, retired military leaders, diplomats, or intelligence officials. Outreach and engagement experience preferred.
Fluency in English.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Open until filled.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Interested candidates should submit a Resume, Cover Letter, Transcripts, List of references and Writing Sample. All in PDF format.
Only selected applicants will be contacted for phone or in-person interviews. No phone calls, please.
Human Rights First is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing staff from a diversity of backgrounds, including members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBT people, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, people of all nationalities, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We believe that a diverse staff and an inclusive work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives help make our advocacy work stronger and more effective.
Attorney-Advisor, Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB)
Job Title: Attorney-Advisor
Agency: Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board
Salary Range: $99,172 – $156,000/ Per Year
Series/Grade: The agency uses the Administratively Determined system in which rank is attached to the individual. The salary range for this position is statutorily capped at $156,000.
Position Information: This is an opportunity for permanent employment in the excepted service. You will be required to serve a two-year trial period.
Duty Location: Washington, DC
Who May Apply: Open to the public. U.S. citizenship required.
Security Clearance: Must have or be able to obtain a TOP SECRET – Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS-SCI) Security clearance. If you already have a TS/SCI clearance, please highlight your last investigation date in your application.
Agency Mission
The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board’s responsibilities comprise two basic functions: oversight and advice. In its oversight role, the Board is authorized to continually review the implementation of executive branch policies, procedures, regulations, and information sharing practices relating to efforts to protect the nation from terrorism, in order to ensure that privacy and civil liberties are protected. The Board is also authorized to continually review any other actions of the executive branch relating to efforts to protect the nation from terrorism, in order to determine whether such actions appropriately protect privacy and civil liberties and whether they are consistent with governing laws, regulations, and policies regarding privacy and civil liberties. In its advice role, the Board is authorized to review proposed legislation, regulations, and policies related to efforts to protect the nation from terrorism (as well as the implementation of new and existing policies and legal authorities), in order to advise the President and executive branch agencies on ensuring that privacy and civil liberties are appropriately considered in their development and implementation.The primary purpose of this position is to perform duties as an Attorney-Advisor, working under general supervision in the form of broad policy and program guidance. Attorney-Advisors are expected to accomplish assigned functions on their own initiative, independently formulate requirements, responsibly allocate available resources, and develop, recommend, and monitor implementation of agency policies and procedures. Prior experience related to legal and policy issues implicating privacy, civil liberties, and/or counterterrorism or national security matters is strongly preferred.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as an attorney with limited supervision while gathering factual information, conducting legal and policy analysis, and providing legal expertise to the Board in complex investigations and/or reviews.
Prepare memoranda and make appropriate recommendations to the Board.
Respond in writing and orally to inquiries from Members of the Board regarding the status of investigations and/or reviews, research and analysis, and policy implications of existing and proposed programs and making recommendations to the Board.
Summarize reports received from the intelligence community and other agencies and extract essential information.
Assist the Board in reviewing and analyzing federal counterterrorism programs pursuant to its mission to ensure that both existing and proposed programs adequately safeguard privacy and civil liberties.
Advise and assist in the identification of issues and recommendations by providing policy advice, conducting research, and carrying out investigations, as required.
Analyze privacy and civil liberties-related issues, national security and counterterrorism programs and assist the Board in understanding how programs operate.
Assist in drafting Board reports evaluating efforts to protect the nation from terrorism and other Board reports to the President, Congress and the public, as well as drafting congressional testimony, letters, and other documents to carry out the Board’s responsibilities.
Represent the Board in interactions with officials from other departments and agencies of the Federal government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations, as required.
Utilize superior oral and written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, logical, and concise products that are targeted to and meet the needs of diverse audiences with different perspectives and objectives, while demonstrating analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to identify issues and to develop process improvements, and working effectively and collaboratively with team members and other agency employees.
Educational Requirements
Must possess a J.D. or LL.B. and be a member in good standing of a state bar or the District of Columbia bar.Application Process
Please send the following required documents to jobs@pclob.gov with the title “Attorney-Advisor”: Cover letter, resume, and writing sample (10 pages or less). If you are less than 3 years out of college or law school, please also include a transcript. All submitted materials must be at the UNCLASSIFIED level. If all the materials above are not received, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Candidates selected for an interview may be asked to provide references and undergo a writing assessment.A candidate’s application may be considered for other eligible vacant positions at the agency. The candidate will be contacted if considered for another eligible vacant position.
Closing Date
A panel will convene to evaluate applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. A review of your application will be made to determine whether you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be evaluated. Candidates will be placed into categories of “best qualified”, “qualified”, and “not qualified”. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may be placed in a different category. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your categorization.No Travel Expenses for Interview
Candidates from outside the Washington, D.C., area may be selected for a telephone or in-person interview. If selected for an in-person interview, any travel or lodging will be at the applicant’s personal expense.Telework, Travel and Benefits
Telework may be made available per agency policy.If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. Our budget office can provide additional information on how this program is run.
A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
Attorney, Central Intelligence Agency
The Central Intelligence Agency is seeking highly qualified candidates to join CIA’s Office of General Counsel. We are actively recruiting exceptional attorneys with a wide variety of backgrounds and experience levels. We seek attorneys with experience in areas including government contracts, technology and cyber-related law, national security law, employment, ethics, privacy, litigation, and federal appropriations law, among others. Prior national security experience is welcome but not required. If this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please visit our website for additional information and application instructions.