The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) is seeking a Legal Advocacy Director to co-lead the Waging Justice for Women initiative (WJW)! Flexible role open to remote working
The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) is an international non-governmental organization
(NGO) that wages justice through accountability for human rights abuses around the world.
We are seeking a Legal Advocacy Director to co-lead the Waging Justice for Women initiative (WJW).
WJW aims to fight injustice against women through strategic litigation to reform discriminatory laws and increase accountability for gender-based abuse. We identify laws and policies that are holding women back and support women’s ability to claim their rights through the courts. Using data that we gather and working hand in hand with women-led local organizations, our team uses strategic litigation and advocacy to overturn unfair laws, help victims get redress, and bring perpetrators to justice.
As CFJ’s newest initiative, WJW is piloting in Africa. In 2025, we plan to begin scoping WJW’s expansion to other regions, starting with Asia. Current focus areas include child marriage, sexual and gender-based violence, and economic discrimination against women (amongst others). Reporting to the Co-Chief Executive Officer (Programs) and co-directing WJW with the Legal
Director, the Legal Advocacy Director will sit on the CFJ Leadership team.
Responsibilities
- Work with the WJW Legal Director and CFJ’s Executive Leadership Team to develop and execute WJW’s advocacy plan.
- Lead data-driven research projects to determine gaps and inform strategic priorities.
- Draft submissions to national, regional, and international human rights mechanisms.
- Represent WJW in engagement with diverse stakeholders at local, regional, and international levels.
- Represent WJW at multilateral fora, events, and conferences.
- Plan and support high-level trips, events, and engagements organized in collaboration with key partners.
- Manage and develop partner and donor relationships, including drafting and oversight of grant proposals and reports, collaboration with partners on fundraising, and coordination with other CFJ initiatives.
- Oversee the WJW Fellowship Program working closely with the WJW Fellowships Director.
- Oversee the development, launch, and operation of new WJW initiatives, including the WJW Visiting Professionals Program.
- Collaborate with CFJ’s TrialWatch and The Docket initiatives on cross-cutting focus areas and joint projects.
- Facilitate and manage pro bono partnerships with law firms to support WJW initiatives and programmatic work.
- Co-manage public advocacy and communications for WJW, including media engagement.
- Co-manage team, budget, and overall strategy for WJW.
- Other duties as assigned by CFJ’s Executive Leadership Team.
Required Skills/Experience
- A law degree with a minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience.
- Excellent legal writing skills.
- Legal advocacy experience, including with regional or international human rights mechanisms.
- Experience advocating for the rights of women and girls, including in the Global South.
- Adept team player with good interpersonal and diplomatic skills.
- A strong track record of successful leadership in roles requiring innovation, entrepreneurialism, problem-solving, and creativity.
- Ability to manage legal and non-legal staff, providing mentorship and support.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with an agile, international, and multicultural team.
- Commitment to an intersectional understanding of feminist principles and leadership.
- Commitment to CFJ’s mission and goals.
- Preferred Skills/Qualifications
- Fluency in a language other than English.
- Experience working with governments, multilateral institutions, or international organizations.
- Experience building and managing worldwide operations.
Location
Flexible – the applicant must possess authorization to work in the country from which they will
be working.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience and competitive with other non-profit organizations.
Start Date
As soon as possible.
How To Apply
Submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of at least three references to [email protected]
with the subject line WJW Legal Advocacy Director no later than June 24 2024 CFJ is committed to diversity in its workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religious beliefs, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability