Description
The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) is an independent, non-profit
legal and educational organization dedicated to enforcing civil and human rights worldwide. We
initiate, develop and support legal interventions to hold state and non-state actors accountable for
human rights abuses.
Within ECCHR, the Business and Human Rights program seeks to support individuals or groups
affected by corporate harm with transnational legal interventions before national, regional or
international courts. Our strategic legal interventions aim at advancing the legal and policy debates on
the obligations of businesses towards human rights and the meaningful implementation of the
corresponding rights by those affected.
We are looking for a legal advisor with at least two years of relevant work experience to support the
work of the Business and Human Rights Program. Specifically, we are seeking support for our work
on accountability in global value chains through the German Supply Chain Act (Lieferkettengesetz) as
well as in the field of climate justice, for which the BHR team has developed a strategic approach that
can be consulted here. A good understanding of the Business and Human Rights field and the political
and legal debates around corporate accountability is essential.
Who we seek
You will be integrated into the
Business and Human Rights Program team, one of the four programs of the organisation. Next to your
particular project work on supply chain accountability and climate justice, you will take part in the
strategic and operational work of the various strands of the BHR program in team meetings and
beyond.
What the job includes
- Contribute to ECCHR’s Business and Human Rights program, in particular in the implementation of
legal intervention projects focusing on the German Supply Chain Act (Lieferkettengesetz) and climate
justice - Research facts and write background reports, legal and political analyses, expert opinions, and legal
briefs related to the project work - Manage transnational litigation projects including working with several partner organizations and
partner lawyers in and outside Europe as well as managing budgets and supporting the fundraising
team - Communicate with partner organizations, government authorities, lawyers, people affected by and
seeking justice for human rights abuses - Participate in and organize events including workshops, conferences and panel discussions
- Advocacy activities related to legislative proposals regarding Business and Human Rights topics in
Germany and at the European level and related public outreach and communication tasks - Supervise Legal Trainees
- Take part in occasional travel in and outside Europe
A law degree or equivalent university degree, for example in economics or political science, with a
business and human rights background
At least two years of professional experience in tackling the corporate accountability gap in the field
of supply chains and /or climate justice
A good understanding of Business and Human Rights discussions, especially possible interventions
and legal mechanisms under human rights due diligence and related laws
Project management skills
Excellent written and spoken German and English; a working level of Spanish or French are a plus
Experience in managing (transnational) projects involving various stakeholders, experience in the
Global South is a plus
Prior experience or knowledge on corporate and/or financial research is a plus
Experience and comfort using standard computer software
A team-player with high social skills
Willingness and ability to grasp new topics, work with new partners and in diverse teams
Willingness to travel occasionally in and outside of Europe
High sensitivity when working in an intercultural environment
What we have to offer You will start an exciting and challenging work in an internationally active human rights organization
with a global network and an appreciative working environment.
The position is ideally to be filled by June 2024 and is limited to two years with the possibility of
renewal
Our work is strengthened by the diversity of colleagues at ECCHR. We expressly welcome
applications from candidates of all cultures, backgrounds and experiences, can provide support with
visa applications and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to foster the employment of
colleagues with disabilities.
The remuneration for this position will be between 4200 and 4620 Euros, depending on the candidate’s
relevant prior experience.
The position is full-time, with the possibility of part-time employment at 80% of the standard working
hours.
The position is based in Berlin. We do not offer fully remote work.
Additional benefits
- Flexible working time models, including the possibility of up to 40% home office,
- Consideration for the (time) needs of parents and other people with care responsibilities
- 30 days of vacation per year with a 5-day week
- Monthly payment of the 49 Euro ticket (for public transportation) and payment of the Bahncard if
required - Capacitation and training policy that encourages you to pursue your professional development
- Full continued payment of salary if the child falls ill
- Work laptop
- Support for further training measures
- Company cell phone if required
- Ergonomic office furniture
- Dog-friendly
- We also offer numerous other benefits – from central offices to team activities and free yoga classes.