Civitas Maxima (CM) coordinates a network of national and international lawyers and investigators who work for the interest of victims of international crimes. It operates in situations where no legal action to bring the perpetrators to justice has been successful and works in close partnership with the Global Justice and Research Project (GJRP) based in Monrovia. CM represents victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast.

CM was registered in September 2012 as an association in Geneva, Switzerland, and is recognized by the Swiss authorities as a not-for-profit organization. CM is an equal opportunity employer.

For more information: www.civitas-maxima.org

• Position:  Senior Legal Counsel
• Contract: Fixed-term contract (1 year) with a possibility to extend to an indeterminate contract under Swiss law, full time, 40h per week
• Location: Geneva (Switzerland)
• Deadline for application: 1^st September 2023
• Envisioned starting date:  As soon as possible.
• Work permit: Authorization to work in Switzerland (EU national, Schengen Visa or Swiss Permit)

Under the responsibility of CM Geneva’s Director, and in close collaboration with CM Legal Team (The Hague and Geneva), the Senior Legal Counsel is responsible for the following tasks, including but not limited to:

Coordination:

• Assist in the strategic planning of CM legal work;
• Coordinate regular meetings with CM Legal Team;
• Participate in CM staff meetings;
• Liaise with CM other departments;
• Participate in the development of strategy and work plans to ensure the efficient implementation of CM Legal Department portfolio and projects; and

• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies and other regulatory instruments in connection to CM Legal Team work, and participate in the development of other SOPs as required.

Legal research, investigation and analysis:

• Conduct investigations (investigative planning, evidence collection, conducting interviews, etc.);
• Identify leads and advise on potential perpetrators, sources of evidence, witnesses (victims, insiders, experts or other), OSINT, etc.;
• Produce analytical products;
• Conduct legal research and analysis related to the cases assigned;
• Draft complaints, legal memoranda, judicial acts, and other legal documents;
• Liaise with national authorities, national lawyers, and other stakeholders.
• Proceed to the disclosure of evidence, and preparation of/participation in hearings; and
• Develop litigation strategies.

Other:

• Maintain and update regular case management and analysis platforms to systematize evidence (current and backload) related to international crimes;
• Participate in networking events, meetings and other fora, if required;
• Supervise Legal Interns; and
• Perform other related duties as required.

Education requirement:

• Master’s degree or equivalent advanced university degree in law with a specialization in International Criminal Law, Human Rights Law, or similar; and
• Admission to the bar is an asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant and progressively responsible professional experience in the legal field, in the practice of International Criminal Law, and/or International Humanitarian Law, and/or Human Rights Law, or equivalent domestic practice;
• Experience building international, domestic, and/or extraterritorial cases;
• Experience with investigative work; field experience is an asset;
• Experience representing and working with victims is an asset;
• Experience working on Sexual and Gender Based Violence and Sexual and Gender Based Crimes is an asset;
• Working experience in international criminal tribunals is an asset; and
• Knowledge of and experience related to corporate accountability is an asset.

Skills and Abilities:

• Availability to travel internationally;
• Proven knowledge of legal research skills and techniques;
• Case management and excellent organizational skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Strong initiative and problem solving abilities;
• Demonstrated interest in international justice and in the Non-Governmental Organization sector;
• Computer literate, proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• Knowledge of Case Map is an asset; and
• Fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of either French and/or Spanish is an asset.

How to apply:

To apply, send an email by September 1^st, 2023 to jobs@civitas-maxima.org with:

• The specific position for which you apply in the title of the email;
• CV and Cover Letter;
• The names and contact details of three (3) references (these will only be contacted after shortlisting); including two (2) supervisors and one (1) colleague;
• Please no phone enquiries.