Brussels, Belgium
ClientEarth is a non-profit environmental law, science and policy organisation with offices in London, Brussels, and Warsaw. We provide dedicated public-interest legal capacity, working with environmental NGOs, politicians and other stakeholders and acting as legal advocates for environmental objectives. We work at a policy and legislative level to lobby for strong laws and policies that protect the environment, and we pursue litigation that supports our strategic objectives. Our work is based on the development and execution of clear strategies and productive partnerships to ensure our actions to protect the human right to a clean and healthy environment have maximum impact.
We have an exciting and challenging opportunity for a mid-level lawyer (3 - 5 years PQE) to join our Biodiversity team in Brussels concentrating on fisheries and marine issues.
Project Description: Reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy
Earlier this year, the European Parliament voted on the Commission's proposal for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in its first reading. Now, the European Commission, Council and Parliament are in 'trilogue' negotiations and the reformed CFP is expected to be finally passed later in the year.
ClientEarth's Biodiversity team has been working intensively on the new CFP, aiming to secure drastic improvements to the legislation. We have developed clear and detailed recommendations on what the new legislation must contain. Once the new regulation passes into law, how it is implemented will crucially determine its success and effectiveness. We will be working on the implementation of the CFP reform in the European Parliament and other EU institutions from September.
This is a one year project with possibility for renewal.
ClientEarth's Biodiversity team has been working intensively on the new CFP, aiming to secure drastic improvements to the legislation. We have developed clear and detailed recommendations on what the new legislation must contain. Once the new regulation passes into law, how it is implemented will crucially determine its success and effectiveness. We will be working on the implementation of the CFP reform in the European Parliament and other EU institutions from September.
This is a one year project with possibility for renewal.
Job specification
The successful candidate will play a leading role within the biodiversity team in developing our work on the implementation of the CFP reform, including in particular legal and policy advice with regard to key aims of the reform (for example on regionalisation, discard ban and sustainable fishing).
The new team member will support the programme lead and the team in work on programme strategy, directing and producing analysis, research and legal drafting to underpin our advocacy and input into new subsidiary legislation. He or she will carry out high-level advocacy in all EU institutions and collaborate closely with other partners and stakeholders. The role provides considerable scope for initiative and developing ideas within a team to secure sustainable and ecosystems based fisheries in the EU in the long term. The candidate must be a good communicator to both internal and external audiences, a precise analyst and clear drafter, should have a strong eye for detail, the ability to get to grips quickly with new subjects, have sound legal and technical expertise and be a good team worker, ideally with some experience of directing team tasks.
The new team member will support the programme lead and the team in work on programme strategy, directing and producing analysis, research and legal drafting to underpin our advocacy and input into new subsidiary legislation. He or she will carry out high-level advocacy in all EU institutions and collaborate closely with other partners and stakeholders. The role provides considerable scope for initiative and developing ideas within a team to secure sustainable and ecosystems based fisheries in the EU in the long term. The candidate must be a good communicator to both internal and external audiences, a precise analyst and clear drafter, should have a strong eye for detail, the ability to get to grips quickly with new subjects, have sound legal and technical expertise and be a good team worker, ideally with some experience of directing team tasks.
Qualifications
The candidate should have the following qualifications:
- law degree;
- 3 - 5 years post qualification experience, with relevant experience in environmental, marine, and/or fisheries law;
- knowledge of EU law and institutions required;
- fluent in English – other languages desirable.
Skills:
The candidate should have the following skills:
- excellent written and oral communication skills, including proven ability to explain complex legal issues in lay language and ability to modify language, content, and style to address the needs of different audiences;
- excellent legal drafting skills;
- strong legal research, analytical, and advocacy skills and an interest in performing rigorous legal analysis in support of impactful work;
- ability to work with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds and experience in a fast-paced work environment;
- entrepreneurial spirit and ability to work confidently with limited supervision;
- strong team player and excellent interpersonal skills;
- ability to grasp quickly and accurately new and complex concepts and areas of law and policy;
- ability to identify and manage priorities, to supervise the work of and co-ordinate effectively with colleagues;
- energetic and dedicated to working for the environment and fishing communities.
Other characteristics:
- ability to travel, as necessary, within Europe;
- excellent judgment, flexibility, humour, diplomacy, and optimism.
Key responsibilities include
The candidate will have the following responsibilities:
- develop and supervise the development of legal briefings, legislative amendments, research notes, policy analysis, publications, press releases, presentations and other relevant materials;
- work closely with and providing support to the programme lead and other members of the biodiversity team, including in relation to other areas of the biodiversity programme;
- attend external meetings with politicians, government advisers and NGO and other partners;
- conduct policy advocacy under the supervision of the programme lead;
- organise and participate in team meetings and knowledge sharing;
- prepare funding proposals and reports to donors.
The position will be based in Brussels with travel to London and Europe generally. There may be an induction period of a few weeks in London.
Salary will be commensurate with the requirements of the role, the candidate’s experience, and the non profit sector. The current bracket is €45,000-52,000 gross per year. The position is available starting in July 2013 (to be confirmed).
Salary will be commensurate with the requirements of the role, the candidate’s experience, and the non profit sector. The current bracket is €45,000-52,000 gross per year. The position is available starting in July 2013 (to be confirmed).
To apply
Please send us a CV and a cover letter, explaining your interest in joining ClientEarth and the contribution you believe you could make to the organisation. Please address your application to Sandy Luk, Senior Lawyer, Biodiversity Programme Leader, ClientEarth, The Hothouse, 274 Richmond road, London E8 3QW and send it by mail to jobs@clientearth.org. Please include ‘Environmental Lawyer (marine and fisheries)’ in the email subject line, and identify the documents you are sending by including ‘[your name cover letter’ and ‘[your name] CV’ in the file name.
Recruitment is open now and you should send your application as soon as possible. Applications are scheduled to close on 17 May 2013. We will review applications as they are received and we may interview candidates before the closing date.
If you have any questions about the roles advertised or recruitment process, please contact Sandy Luk, (sluk@clientearth.org).
Recruitment is open now and you should send your application as soon as possible. Applications are scheduled to close on 17 May 2013. We will review applications as they are received and we may interview candidates before the closing date.
If you have any questions about the roles advertised or recruitment process, please contact Sandy Luk, (sluk@clientearth.org).
