Join ECNL’S Team! Be part of an international network of CSO lawyers!

ECNL is the leading European research and policy center promoting the strengthening of a supportive legal environment for civil society. It develops expertise and builds capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) and public authorities on policy and legal issues affecting CSOs and their participation in public life. Over the past 10 years, ECNL has demonstrated deep commitment to empower local partners to lead reforms, and has contributed to the development of over 50 laws and policies affecting civil society. ECNL is the European affiliate of the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (www.icnl.org).

ECNL is based in Budapest, but the location of this post is negotiable. Please note that ECNL applies a strict conflict of interest policy.

Main duties and responsibilities:

By joining ECNL, the legal advisor will become part of an international network of CSO lawyers who are engaged in and addressing issues including: framework laws for CSOs; policies and laws for CSO sustainability; models for CSO-Government partnerships; participation and policy dialogue; and counter-terrorism initiatives affecting CSOs. The legal advisor will have a particular focus on legislative processes affecting CSOs in the Western Balkans and Turkey, but will also contribute to other areas and countries of ECNL engagement. S/he will help build capacity of local partners, will research frameworks and practices that support or impede CSO work, help develop advocacy strategies for CSO, and provide other support as needed. The legal advisor will also participate in ECNL’s work to promote CSO development effectiveness and will engage in initiatives at the EU and UN level affecting freedom of association and assembly.

Main tasks will include:

1. Preparing comments and analyses of draft legislation;
2. Conducting comparative research, national analysis, briefing paper and similar legal and programmatic materials;
3. Engaging with government officials, parliamentarians and other key local decision-makers;
4. Assisting local partners in developing advocacy strategies;
5. Designing and implementing project activities, including capacity-building and network building events with local partners;
6. Representing ECNL at various meetings, workshops, seminars, and conferences;
7. Executing and managing contracts and sub-awards with local partners; overseeing their work and ensuring compliance with donor rules, regulations, and policies;
8. Preparing and monitoring workplans, narrative and financial reports;
9. Engaging with donors and assisting with program development activities, including proposal writing;
10. Other duties as assigned by the staff member’s supervisor.

Required qualifications:

1. Law degree from an accredited school;
2. More than 3 full years of professional experience;
3. Fluency in English;
4. Excellent research, analytical, writing, and presentation skills;
5. Willingness to travel extensively.

Desirable:

• At least 2 years of comparable work experience in areas and responsibilities described above;
• Understanding of the needs of CSOs concerning an enabling environment in countries of CEE and/or the Western Balkans;
• Familiarity with EU policies relating to CSOs and funding requirements.
• Language of one of the countries in CEE, particularly the Western Balkans.

Compensation:

Salary based on experience and qualifications.

How to Apply:

Please submit, in English, a curriculum vitae, a cover letter and two writing samples to Andrea Judit Toth to [email protected].