The Iran Human Rights Documentation Center Seeks a Human Rights Lawyer
The Iran Human Rights Documentation Center (IHRDC) is an independent, non-profit and strictly non-partisan organization that promotes human rights and the rule of law by documenting and reporting on human rights abuses in Iran. IHRDC’s in-depth reports and legal analysis are published in Persian and English and disseminated world-wide. The IHRDC focuses on allegations of the most serious violations of human rights, such as murder, torture, unlawful imprisonment, enforced disappearance, sexual violence, and persecution on political, religious or gender grounds.
The IHRDC currently has an opening for a Human Rights Lawyer (HRL). The principal function of the HRL is to act as legal counsel and project manager on all aspects of international human rights and humanitarian law as they apply to thematic case studies of violations in Iran. The HRL will interview witnesses, prepare witness statements, and research and draft project reports. The HRL will also edit pieces in English for IHRDC’s “Inside Iran” feature – a running column of human rights reporting from inside Iran.
The position is available now. Salary offered will be between $48,000 and $52,000 per annum, based on experience and qualifications. The position offers excellent medical and retirement benefits.
Responsibilities:
• Researching, drafting, editing and reviewing project reports and thematic case studies.
• Editing pieces for IHRDC’s “Inside Iran” feature (in English).
• Conducting interviews of witnesses and victims telephonically and in person, and drafting witness statements. Ability to conduct investigations amongst traumatized populations and, on occasion, in politically sensitive environments.
• Researching relevant international treaty and customary law, in addition to case law of international and regional human rights courts and war crimes tribunals.
• Researching relevant civil and criminal laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran and other jurisdictions, where appropriate.
• Assisting in the maintenance of the Aadel collection (the IHRDC’s human rights database) and developing relationships with the custodians of private human rights document collections.
• Supervising and monitoring the progress of researchers, project assistants and interns.
• Representing the IHRDC in human rights conferences and workshops, and fostering relationships with local, national and international organizations dedicated to the advancement of human rights.
Job Qualifications:
Law degree (J.D. or L.L.B., L.L.M.) required. Excellent legal analysis and writing skills required. Ability to read, speak, and understand Farsi (Persian) and English is required. Farsi (Persian) writing ability is preferred. Knowledge particularly ofIran or of theMiddle East, especially with regard to human rights issues, is desirable. Knowledge of international human rights, humanitarian law and public international law is highly desirable. Experience interviewing witnesses and taking statements is an asset.
Candidates must be able to relocate to New Haven, Connecticut, and be able to travel domestically and internationally.
To Apply:
Applicants should email their resume, cover letter and an unedited writing sample by March 2, 2012.