Personal attributes:

• Demonstrated respect for diverse cultures and value systems; flexibility and ability to work independently and take initiative;
• Ability to engage with a wide range of personalities with tact, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivity;
• Proven ability to work effectively under time pressure in a dynamic and changing environment, including prioritizing and managing multiple tasks autonomously while contributing to a team;
• Energetic, resourceful, and innovative, with a willingness to take a hands-on approach;
• Genuine commitment to victims’ rights and sensitivity in working with victims of human rights abuses;
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally, including in challenging conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Director, the Legal Counsel is responsible for the following tasks:

• Investigation:
  • Assist in preparing and conducting investigations, including investigative planning, evidence collection, interviews, reporting, etc.;
  • Assist in field missions and logistics, as required; and
  • Assist in conducting open-source investigations.

• Legal:
  • Conduct legal and/or factual research and analysis related to the case assigned;
  • Assist in drafting and/or draft complaints, legal memoranda, judicial acts, and any other legal documents, as required;
  • Assist in liaising with prosecuting authorities and/or national lawyers;
  • Assist in project management; and
  • Assist in developing litigation strategies.

• Analysis:
  • Identify leads and advise on potential perpetrators, sources of evidence, witnesses (victims, insiders, experts or other), OSINT, documents, etc.; and
  • Draft analytical synthesis/reports.

• Other:
  • Assist in day-to-day liaising with a variety of stakeholders and/or partner organizations (e.g. NGOs, international organizations, community leaders, etc.) and in establishing new partnerships, as required;
  • Participate in drafting detailed preparation documents, agendas, minutes, follow-up communications, etc., as required;
  • Assist on case management and analysis platforms to systematize evidence (current and backlog) related to international crimes, as required;
  • Monitor various conflict developments and/or conduct ad-hoc research related to the main investigation and attend various events/conferences, as required;
  • Assist in supervising interns;
  • Assist in drafting SOPs, as required; and
  • Conduct any other tasks, as required, including possibly on other cases and/or with other Legal Counsel.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Law, with a specialization in International Criminal Law, Human Rights Law, or a related field;
  • Admission to the Belgian Bar is required.

• Work experience:
  • 5–7 years’ experience in International Criminal Law, International Humanitarian Law, and/or Human Rights Law, or relevant domestic practice in Belgium;
  • Experience in building and/or litigating international, domestic, and/or extraterritorial cases;
  • Experience in investigative work;
  • Proven litigation experience in Belgian courts is required, if possible also in trials for international crimes.

• Languages:
  • Fluency in Dutch, French, and English is required. Working knowledge of Spanish is an asset.

• Skills and Abilities:
  • Excellent analysis, research, and drafting skills;
  • Opensource investigations skills;
  • High motivation and demonstrated interest in international justice;
  • Case management and excellent organizational skills;
  • Good ability to work with computers and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.);
  • Mandatory: Authorization to work in Switzerland (Only EU national, Schengen Visa or Swiss Permit).

How to apply:

To apply, send an email by February 13, 2026 to jobs@civitas-maxima.org with:

• “Legal Counsel” in the title of the email;
• CV and Cover Letter;
• The names and contact details of two (2) references (these will only be contacted after shortlisting);
• Please no phone enquiries. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

CM is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to religion or belief, race, national origins, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.