The Equal Rights Trust, London
Legal Research Intern
Deadline for application: As soon as possible
 

The Equal Rights Trust (ERT) is an independent international organisation whose purpose is to combat discrimination and promote equality as a fundamental human right and a basic principle of social justice. Established as an advocacy organisation, resource centre and a think tank, it focuses on the complex relationship between different types of discrimination, developing strategies for translating the principles of equality into practice.

 
ERT is currently seeking a highly motivated Legal Research Intern. This is an opportunity for law graduates and/or post-graduates, with an interest in human rights and combating discrimination, to contribute to the work of an international human rights NGO. Graduates from social and political sciences with a strong interest in human rights law are also welcome.

Main areas of work experience
• Legal research into national and international law and policy on equality and non-discrimination.
• Legal and policy based research into current and emerging developments in the field of equality and non-discrimination.
• Editorial support – including editing and proofreading -- to the Assistant Editor of the Equal Rights Review.
 
Whilst the majority of your role will comprise the above work, as part of a small team, from time to time you will be required to undertake a range of tasks including potentially work relating to our advocacy and communication. At the end of the internship period, you will have honed valuable research, drafting and editorial skills and gained knowledge of the legal and advocacy tools used by NGOs in upholding fundamental rights. These skills will be valuable for those looking to pursue a legal, academic or policy related career.
 
Essential skills and experience required
• An undergraduate degree in law or another discipline related to human rights and equality
• Basic knowledge of international human rights law and treaty bodies
• Experience of researching, reading and analysing international treaties, national legislation and case law
• Excellent research skills (in particular using free online resources)
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to analyse complex ideas and present them in a clear and precise manner
• Fluent written and spoken English
• Excellent IT skills, including strong working knowledge of MS Office
• Excellent time management skills and an ability to work efficiently 
 
Desirable skills and experience
• An advanced degree with a focus on human rights law or public international law
• Editorial experience, in particular in relation to an academic publication
• Knowledge of equality and non-discrimination law
• Fluency in major languages other than English

Applicants should be available to start as soon as possible, and by March at the latest. Applicants should be able to commit to 3-4 days per week for a 3 month period. This position is unpaid but ERT is able to pay a daily travel (within London zones 1- 6) and lunch allowance. The position is based in ERT’s office in London.

How to apply
Please apply by sending a covering letter, a curriculum vitae and contact details for two referees. Applications should be sent by email only, with subject 'Legal Internship' to recruitment@equalrightstrust.org.

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Short listed applicants will be invited to complete a short online exercise, and if further short listed, for an interview. Due the high number of applications we usually receive, only short listed applicants will be contacted.