Fair Trials International, London
Head of Law Reform
Deadline for applications: 14 January 2013

Fair Trials International (FTI) is a dynamic human rights charity which campaigns for the better protection of fair trial rights. Over the past four years, Fair Trials has grown considerably and developed an effective and respected law reform function, influencing law and policy on cross‐border judicial cooperation and procedural rights, through a combination of public campaigns, political lobbying and strategic litigation.
We have exciting plans to develop these activities and are looking to recruit a Head of Law Reform to lead this work. This senior role will provide the opportunity to shape the charity’s overall strategic direction with responsibility for all law reform activities. It is a varied and challenging role and you will lead an excellent team of colleagues, including two full‐time Law Reform Officers, interns and volunteers.
Our vision: A world where every person’s right to a fair trial is respected, whatever their nationality, wherever they are accused.

The work of FTI: FTI’s work is strongly rooted in individual cases. Each year we assist hundreds of people facing trial in countries all over the world, providing advice, information and referrals. Our law reform work has, in particular, grown over the past four years. We have an established track-record in influencing law and policy (particularly at EU level) in the field of criminal justice and the charity is now a respected expert in international fair trial standards. Our work is informed by our networks of legal experts and we also provide legal training on fair trial rights.

The FTI office and team: FTI’s offices are based in central London. There are currently nine staff members. Under the Chief Executive there are three teams: Law Reform (consisting of the Head of Law Reform and two Law Reform Officers); Assistance (the Assistance Coordinator is supported by interns and volunteers); External Relations (consisting of a Head of External Relations and External Relations Officer) and finance and operations (Part‐time Finance Manager and Operations Manager). We are fortunate to have the support of a number of legal and non‐legal interns and volunteers.

Job description

Responsible to: Chief Executive
Responsible for: Law Reform Officers and Interns
Hours: Full time (35 hours per week).Evening and weekend work will be required from time to time. Regular overseas travel.
Salary: £35,000 to £45,000.
Purpose: To be a part of FTI’s management team with specific responsibility for FTI’s law
reform and networking activities, managing campaigns, policy work and strategic litigation.

Responsibilities
Law reform activities: Work with the management team to identify strategic priorities for consideration by the Board of Trustees and to design law reform projects and campaigns which further those priorities.

Keep abreast of legal and policy developments relevant to Fair Trials’ work and, in liaison
with the management team and FTI’s expert legal networks, identify opportunities for pursuing the charity’s vision.

Develop expertise in all of FTI’s key areas of law reform work and, in liaison with the management team, develop compelling and coherent positions.

Manage the delivery of all law reform activities (campaigns, policy and strategic litigation), ensuring all outputs are accurate, professional and further FTI’s good reputation.

Monitor the performance of all aspects of FTI’s law reform work and report on these to the management team and, as appropriate, Board of Trustees.

Networks and relationships: Developing and managing FTI’s expert legal networks across the EU and beyond.

To lead on developing and maintaining relationships with senior policy makers, politicians and other decision-makers and stakeholders, particularly at EU level.

Ensure the effective coordination of law reform activities with partner organisations.

Ensure clear relationships, boundaries and expectations are maintained with clients, counsel and others involved in law reform activities.

Management: Play a key role in the management team to develop the organisation’s overall strategy and to identify and manage risks and opportunities.

Recruit members of the law reform team (including staff and volunteers) and provide leadership, direction and expertise.

Produce clear implementation plans and targets, manage performance and maintain accurate and complete HR files.

With the Finance Manager, plan and manage the law reform team’s budget.

Deputise for the Chief Executive during their absences from the office.

Communication: Work with the external relations team to ensure the accurate and effective communication of FTI’s law reform work.

Contribute to the establishment of FTI as a respected expert on fair trial rights by producing expert reports, public-speaking and writing for specialist publications.

As appropriate, represent FTI in the media with respect to FTI’s law reform work.

Ensure FTI’s networks and other key stakeholders are informed about FTI’s law reform work and key developments on strategic priority areas.

Funding: Support the external relations team in developing project funding proposals and identifying partners for joint projects.

Support the external relations team in reporting to funders on law reform projects.

General: To ensure all law reform activities meet the Charity Commission, Data Protection Act requirements and Solicitors’ Regulation Authority guidance.

Carry out any other duties commensurate with the post.

Promote and implement FTI’s equal opportunities policy in all aspects of work.

Person specifications
Skills and experience:
• Qualified lawyer with litigation experience.
• Educated to at least degree level, ideally with a relevant post-graduate qualification.
• An excellent understanding of international human rights law.
• Specific criminal law and/or EU law expertise would be an advantage.
• Excellent legal analytical skills and sound judgment.
• The ability to win the trust and respect of a wide range of stakeholders including politicians, lawyers, colleagues, NGO representatives and academics.
• Self-confident and an ability to take the initiative, manage own time and workload.
• Experience of planning and delivering effective law reform activities involving public campaigns, strategic litigation and lobbying.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to convey complex legal arguments and principles clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• A proven track-record in effectively managing and motivating a team.
• A quick learner used to working well under pressure.
• A team-player and a willingness to be flexible according to the current demands of the organisation.
• Language skills would be an advantage.

To apply
Please send a CV and cover letter electronically. Please include your name and “Head of Law Reform” in the subject field of the e-mail.
Applications no later than 09:00, Monday, 14 January 2013.
Your CV and cover letter should include:
• Where you saw this job advertised;
• Your name and contact details;
• Your educational history;
• Your employment and work experience history, including all significant posts you have held with dates, the names of employers by travelling, self‐employment, etc.);
• An explanation of why you would like the role; the qualities you would bring to it; how you
would approach the task if you were awarded the post; and
• The names and contact details of two referees who know your work, who may be contacted if you are short‐listed.

The selection process
We will aim to notify all candidates that have been shortlisted for interview as soon as possible after the deadline. Please note we will unfortunately be unable to supply feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted.
Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held at the FTI offices in central London during the week beginning 21 January 2013. We are willing to consider interviews via Skype or telephone. Fair Trials International is conducting this appointment on equal opportunity principles and will welcome applications from candidates who can fulfil the requirements of the post irrespective of race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.
The personal data which you have provided, and which we may request, in connection with your application, will not be retained beyond 12 months should your application be unsuccessful. If you are appointed, your personal data will only be used for the purposes of human resources management.

The complete job description can be consulted here.