Legal and Policy Advisor – Business & Human Rights

AVOCATS SANS FRONTIERES

IS LOOKING FOR (M/F/X)

Legal and Policy Advisor – Business and

Human Rights

Based in : Brussels

Contract:Permanent contract

Application deadline: 19th of September

Start: September

Our organisation

Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF) is an international non-

governmental organisation created in Belgium in 1992. ASF

specialises in the development of projects to promote and support

access to justice, the realisation of human rights and the rule of

law in post-conflict and/or development countries.

ASF has permanent offices in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Tunisia, Morocco,

Indonesia and the Central African Republic.

Context and mission

ASF develops B&HR projects in several countries, often with a similar structure, adapted to the

country contexts, and derived from the ASF strategic framework. They all have in common that

they focus on the extractive sector.

ASF therefore has the potential to position itself as a real actor in the sector, but still needs to

strengthen itself in a number of aspects: both in the implementation of projects and in

international positioning. B&HR is essentially aimed at identifying the responsibility of

multinational companies for their activities in the South. The consolidation of the project portfolio

in the South cannot therefore be sufficient in itself if ASF wants to position itself within

international networks. This presupposes participation, even indirectly, in international litigation,

and potentially in networks and coalitions aimed at advancing normative frameworks on

corporate responsibility.

In view of these various options, it appeared necessary to develop a genuine "ASF approach" in

this area.

Position

The legal and policy advisor is member of the Knowledge and Learning pole at ASF and

collaborate with his or colleagues from every country office.

Within the framework of the development and animation of learning and expertise, he/she is

the technical referent of and maintains a functional link with the relevant functions at regional

and national level, more specifically with the MEAL and Knowledge Managers.

Missions

In collaboration with other thematic experts and ASF country teams, the LPA in BHR’s mission

is to develop ASF’s expertise in Business & Human Rights in order to achieve ASF’s mandate

and, in particular, to strengthen the relevance of field interventions for the protection of natural

resources, empowerment and collaboration of communities affected by corporate predation that

violate the fundamental rights of populations.

The LPA in BHR also has the mission of strengthening the development, relevance and

effectiveness of strategic cases (judicial and extra-judicial) in relation to the reference theme,

but also in other ASF themes where such strategic actions are carried out.

Tasks and responsibilities

In close collaboration with the Knowledge Unit and the country teams, the LPA in BHR :

Leads the expertise of ASF and its partners in Business & Human Rights, as well as the

communities of practice related to its theme, in particular through the Justice

exPEERience digital platform. He/she contributes to the production of content (analyses,

campaigns, policy briefs).

Develops and maintains networks, keeps abreast of developments in the sector and

participates in international forums in order to represent ASF and make its work visible

Leads the strategic development and deployment of this theme and is responsible for the

strategic coherence of the institution and ensures the integration of knowledge and

learning into country/regional strategies and programmes.

Identifies strategic priorities and advocacy targets.

Is the legal adviser and analyst for strategic activities and files (litigation, research,

advocacy campaign) in the field of Business & Human Rights, but also, on an ad hoc

basis, for other issues (detention, international criminal justice, security & liberties,...)

that require his/her expertise.

Carries out institutional monitoring at European and international level and identifies

relevant areas of intervention for ASF, as well as funding opportunities for these

interventions.

Collaborates on a regular basis with the general management, other experts, regional

hubs, knowledge managers and project coordinators.

Skills

Master’s degree in law; specialisation in human rights is an asset;

5 years of legal practice in judicial and extra-judicial human rights litigation, including

before international and regional courts/authorities;

Proven expertise in international human rights law (including the UN Guiding Principles

on Business and Human Rights, ILO Declaration, OECD Guidelines, etc.) is essential;

Experience working in a country in a fragile situation is an asset;

Experience in project development/management and monitoring/evaluation is an asset;

A strong interest in communication and collaboration through digital tools;

A strong capacity for teamwork; a high degree of autonomy; the ability to identify

opportunities and take initiatives;

Excellent communication and writing skills;

Bilingual (FR/EN)

We offer

A permanent contract

A gross monthly salary according to the salary scale of the organisation, taking into

account relevant previous experience.

Numerous extra-legal benefits (meal vouchers, group insurance, hospital insurance, ...)

The opportunity to play a role in major and inspiring changes. You will be part of a

motivated and passionate team that is committed to its mission.

A challenging and exciting work environment in an organisation that pays great

attention to work-life balance.

How to apply

Please send your cover letter, CV and availabilities at job@asf.be, with « Legal and Policy

Advisor – Business and Human Rights » in the subject, before the 19st of September

2021.

ASF attaches great importance to the transparent, secure and confidential collection and

processing of personal data. In the collection and processing of this data, we comply with Belgian

legislation as well as the General Data Protection Regulation, since its entry into force on the

25th of May 2018.

Applications will be processed as they are received. Because of limited human

resources, only pre-selected candidates will be contacted by ASF. Thank you for your

understanding.