Legal Advisor

Location: Netherlands or United Kingdom (UK)

Hours: Full time (hours negotiable)

Deadline to apply: 30 April 2022

About ECNL

The European Center for Not-for-Profit Law Stichting (ECNL) works to create legal and policy environments that enable individuals, movements and organisations to exercise and protect their civic freedoms. The work of ECNL is focused on a number of strategic priorities to protect civic freedoms including in the area of technology and artificial intelligence. In all of these priorities, ECNL’s objective is to put into action transformational ideas that address pressing human rights challenges.

In our work on philanthropy and fundraising, ECNL seeks to unpack approaches and legal frameworks that facilitate or restrict philanthropic practices. As part of this we map out emerging trends (e.g. the use of AI, cryptocurrencies), facilitate expert discussions and formulate recommendations for a more conducive environment for private giving in the age of digital technologies. We aim to strengthen international standards and good practice, develop monitoring tools and build the capacity of the local partners to assess the environment for philanthropic giving. Learn more about our work at ECNL's thematic site.

About the position

ECNL is looking for a dedicated and experienced Legal Advisor to join our team and work with us to further develop our work around philanthropy and civic space and look at the intersection of philanthropy, technology, climate and movements.

As a Legal Advisor, together with other ECNL Stichting team members, you will play a crucial role in creating safeguards that protect freedom of association, assembly and other civic space freedoms globally, on European and national level.  You will provide legal and policy expertise through analysing laws and policies affecting civic freedoms; researching and monitoring new developments, contributing to developing guidance and delivering trainings. You will be working with the senior legal team to help develop new policies and responses on emerging issues and areas; and to plan for interventions to address challenges and opportunities. One of the key work areas will be around the legal environment for philanthropic giving, including digital fundraising.  In addition to managing your own work expeditiously and to consistently high standards, you demonstrate a willingness to learn and ability to lead, innovate, and further develop your specific area of responsibility.

You will be responsible for:

• Preparing comments and analysis of draft policies and legislation that affect philanthropic giving and the operation of CSOs;
• Conducting comparative research on topics related to philanthropy (e.g., co- and self-regulation in the area of digital fundraising) and the CSO environment;
• Developing national analyses, reports and briefing papers to assess the philanthropic giving and the operation of CSOs;
• Developing guidance to support national partners in mapping out the existing environment and identifying the gaps to support their advocacy efforts;
• Engaging with government officials, parliamentarians and other local decision-makers;
• Assisting local partners in developing advocacy strategies;
• Furthering ECNL Stichting work in countries of engagement and developing programs in new areas of work; supporting program director and the Executive Director on fundraising efforts;
• Designing and implementing project activities, including webinars, capacity-building and network building events with local partners on selected issues affecting digital fundraising and CSO environment;
• Supporting the international standard setting in the area of philanthropy and CSO environment;
• Representing ECNL Stichting at various meetings, workshops, seminars, and conferences;
• Executing and managing contracts and sub-awards with local partners; overseeing their work and ensuring compliance with donor rules, regulations, and policies;
• Writing and editing reports, briefing papers, and other program materials;
• Preparing and monitoring workplans, narrative and financial reports;
• Engaging with donors and assisting with program development activities, including proposal writing;
• Contributing to ECNL ‘s publications and media outputs, including working with the communications team in the development of communications outputs;
• Other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.

Working hours:

• Part or Full time (38 hours per week), depending on agreement  

Skills and experience required:

• An advanced university degree in law with emphasis on human rights or international law or another relevant field;
• Fluency in English required, another language is a plus;
• At least 5 years of experience in the field;
• Knowledge of philanthropic practices (ideally also in the aera of digital technologies for fundraising);
• Experience with initiatives to advocate for international norms relating to philanthropy and CSO environment;
• Experience in civic space issues or understanding and interest in exploring this further;
• Excellent research, advocacy, analytical, writing, and presentation skills;
• Practical experience of engaging constructively with policy makers, research community, civil society and/or technology companies;
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people and have a self-directed attitude with solid organizational and multitasking skills;
• Ability to be effective while working remotely and balance competing priorities while working with a diverse team;
• Willingness to travel.

Remuneration and details:

This is a full-time position located in either the Netherlands or the UK. The successful candidate must already possess the right to work in the location in which they will be based.

ECNL offers competitive compensation in line with the successful candidate’s skills, experience and location.  ECNL provides benefits such as holiday allowance, pension contribution, health insurance package (including life insurance, total disability and income protection schemes).

You will work at one of the most diverse, dedicated and enthusiastic teams in the field, in an open and appreciative work culture, including collaboration with a variety of civil society partners, researchers, activists and policy makers on global, European and national levels. You will enjoy a high level of autonomy and responsibility, family-friendly working hours and home office arrangements.

Contract type:

1 year with potential for longer term extension.  

How to apply:

Send an e-mail to [email protected] with the following documents:

• Résumé/CV with 3 references.
• Cover letter outlining your interest in the position.

Please add “Legal Advisor” in the subject line.

The deadline to apply is   30 April 2022  .

Application will be reviewed on rolling basis; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.