Human Dignity Trust, London
Lawyer
Deadline for application: 15 April 2013

Working with local lawyers, the Human Dignity Trust, on the invitation of those directly affected, facilitates litigation in those jurisdictions that criminalise sexual orientation and gender identity. The Trust seeks to ensure that constitutional law gives full effect to binding international human rights standards and that the right to private, consensual sexual activity between adults of the same gender is guaranteed. Our aim is to uphold the rule of law.

The Human Dignity Trust is looking to appoint a Lawyer.

Reporting to the Legal Director, this permanent position will be an exciting and rewarding opportunity for a lawyer with proven and practical experience of protecting the rights of vulnerable and marginalised people. Evidence of a practical understanding of the application of criminal, public and constitutional law, as well as international human rights law, will be a distinct advantage. The lawyer will work at the cutting edge of international human rights law and bring about real change for people who are criminalised, and/or at risk of persecution, because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Role
Working under the direct supervision of the Legal Director, the Lawyer will assist in implementing the Trust’s litigation strategy. This will include, where appropriate, the legal defence of LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) people who are being prosecuted. However the main role for the Lawyer will be to facilitate litigation to bring laws criminalising consensual same-gender sexual conduct in line with constitutional and international human rights law.The Lawyer will work with local groups and individuals, as well as lawyers, in countries where legal challenges may be brought. 

Qualifications, skills and experience
• Qualified lawyer
• Admitted to legal practice (not necessarily in the United Kingdom)
• Proven experience working as a lawyer representing marginalised and vulnerable people
• A proven understanding of international human rights law and its application is essential
• A background in criminal law, equality law, public law and/or constitutional law is a distinct advantage
• An advanced degree in international human rights law
• Litigation experience using regional and international human rights instruments
• Experience of working in different legal systems would be an advantage
• Fluency in English with excellent writing, editorial and oral advocacy skills
• Good knowledge (spoken and written) of French or Arabic would be an advantage
• Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse multi-cultural environment
• Ability to work effectively on multiple cases and projects in a fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to work in a small team
• leasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management and colleagues at all levels, contacts, and the general public
• Ability to work both independently and with others
• Integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle confidential matters
• Familiarity with any of the geographic regions in which the HDT works is a plus
• Regrettably, as consequence of the nature of the work that the HDT carries out, the Lawyer will be subjected to deeply distressing critiques of LGBTI identities and the Lawyer will have to tolerate this.

Conditions
The lawyer will be based in Central London.
The position is full time.
The salary is up to £47,000 pa (depending upon experience) + pension + 25 days annual holiday.
To view full details and job description, please click here.

Application
To apply, please send by email to: administrator@humandignitytrust.org by 15 April 2013:
• A full curriculum vitae;
• The name, postal address, phone number and email address of three referees, at least one of which is your current or most recent employer and none of whom are related to you (references will not be taken up without prior consent);
• A covering letter setting out your reasons for applying and how you consider that you meet the criteria for this post as set out in the job description.

The first and second round interviews will take place in the week commencing 29 April 2013. Where necessary, interviews will be held by Skype or other video conferencing systems.

The Human Dignity Trust is a sponsoring organisation for the purposes of the UK Border Agency. Under UK immigration law we are required to know whether or not you have the right to live and work in the UK.

The Human Dignity Trust strives to be an equal opportunity employer. Our aim is to create a safe and secure working environment where a commitment to diversity, opportunity, quality and excellence are our guiding values.