- ClientEarth
- Brussels, Belgium (Remote)
- Full-time
Lawyer/Law and Policy Advisor, Environmental Democracy
- ClientEarth
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
- ClientEarth
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
JOB PURPOSE:
This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer or legal professional to join ClientEarth’s Environmental Democracy team on a fixed-term contract (6 months), with a focus on Europe.
The Environmental Democracy team works for the correct implementation and enforcement of the ‘Aarhus Convention’, that is, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters – the most progressive international agreement for citizens’ rights to information and access to justice in Europe. The team aims to advance the principles of accountability, transparency and responsiveness for the good governance of EU institutions and national public authorities.
The post holder will support the varied, strategic interventions of the team, with a particular focus on strengthening implementation and enforcement of the EU legal framework on access to environmental information at EU level. This will include advocacy actions for transparency of EU decision-making procedures that intend to protect or otherwise impact on the environment.
The post holder will also have the opportunity to learn about and engage in other work areas of the team. Depending on the specific needs at the time, this could include contributions to:
The successful candidate’s final title will be agreed prior to a formal offer, and will depend on their professional qualifications and the applicable regulated titled allowed to be used in the relevant jurisdiction.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
The successful applicant will work under the supervision of the Environmental Democracy Lead (based in Brussels). The team consists of three other lawyers and is assisted by a Programme Officer and a Communications Officer.
The Environmental Democracy team works closely with many other teams in the organisation and so will the post holder. This will also be an opportunity to learn about many areas of environmental law and policy, while keeping a clear focus on advancing Environmental Democracy in Europe.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Below is a non-exhaustive list of the types of tasks that the successful candidate will be expected to complete:
LOCATION:
YOUR PROFILE:
Education and Training
Experience & knowledge
KEY COMPETENCIES:
This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer or legal professional to join ClientEarth’s Environmental Democracy team on a fixed-term contract (6 months), with a focus on Europe.
The Environmental Democracy team works for the correct implementation and enforcement of the ‘Aarhus Convention’, that is, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters – the most progressive international agreement for citizens’ rights to information and access to justice in Europe. The team aims to advance the principles of accountability, transparency and responsiveness for the good governance of EU institutions and national public authorities.
The post holder will support the varied, strategic interventions of the team, with a particular focus on strengthening implementation and enforcement of the EU legal framework on access to environmental information at EU level. This will include advocacy actions for transparency of EU decision-making procedures that intend to protect or otherwise impact on the environment.
The post holder will also have the opportunity to learn about and engage in other work areas of the team. Depending on the specific needs at the time, this could include contributions to:
- The preparation of access to environmental information requests and submissions in associated appeals and litigation, both before the EU and national courts;
- Advising both internally and externally on how to overcome barriers to access to justice in various Parties to the Aarhus Convention;
- Advocacy materials and legal submissions in relation to planning acceleration efforts that risk to undermine nature protection and public participation standards, both on EU and national level;
- Legal submissions before the Court of Justice of the EU in relation to alleged environmental law violations by EU institutions and bodies;
- Capacity-building activities for environmental NGOs and activists to improve their awareness and expertise in using legal tools to protect the environment.
The successful candidate’s final title will be agreed prior to a formal offer, and will depend on their professional qualifications and the applicable regulated titled allowed to be used in the relevant jurisdiction.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
The successful applicant will work under the supervision of the Environmental Democracy Lead (based in Brussels). The team consists of three other lawyers and is assisted by a Programme Officer and a Communications Officer.
The Environmental Democracy team works closely with many other teams in the organisation and so will the post holder. This will also be an opportunity to learn about many areas of environmental law and policy, while keeping a clear focus on advancing Environmental Democracy in Europe.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Below is a non-exhaustive list of the types of tasks that the successful candidate will be expected to complete:
- Conduct legal research in relation to Environmental Democracy issues to inform the work of members of the team as well as other ClientEarth teams;
- Draft advocacy materials and contribute to meetings with EU decision-makers;
- Prepare concise and targeted memos to advise other ClientEarth lawyers on Environmental Democracy topics;
- Support the team in raising public awareness about the access rights provided by the Aarhus Convention through the organisation of events, trainings and printed materials;
- Actively contribute to internal evaluation and learning processes;
- Draft parts of reports to funders and applications for new funding, as relevant.
LOCATION:
- The position will be based in Brussels and may involve occasional travel within Europe.
YOUR PROFILE:
Education and Training
- A degree in law;
- Specialisation in EU law.
Experience & knowledge
- Professional experience working on EU law and policy;
- Good knowledge of EU law and institutions;
- Professional experience working for environmental protection;
- Work experience in an NGO and/or law firm, government, EU or international institution;
- Experience with advocacy directed at EU institutions;
- Knowledge of the Aarhus Convention and environmental law (national, EU, international).
KEY COMPETENCIES:
- Fluent (CEFR level C2) in English;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills to give authoritative advice to and to influence external stakeholders;
- Dedicated to working for the environment and in the public interest;
- Demonstrated ability to explain complex legal issues in lay language and ability to modify language, content and style to address the needs of different audiences;
- Good legal research and analytical skills and ability in performing rigorous and creative legal analysis in support of impactful work;
- Demonstrated ability to:
- Grasp quickly and accurately new and complex concepts as well as scientific, technical and policy issues, and new areas of law;
- Balance priorities and work effectively with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds and experience;
- Take effective decisions in developing, planning and implementing work within an agreed strategy.
- Independently keep up-to-date with relevant policy and law developments impacting area of work:
- Take initiative and proactively identifying and making suggestions for activities for area of work;
- Work collaboratively and resolving conflicts cooperatively;
- Find creative solutions to challenges within work area;
- Effectively prioritise and take effective decisions in relation to a number of simultaneous tasks and challenges, consulting the line manager where relevant;
- Present ideas to external audiences in a persuasive and convincing manner and to adapt communication to different audiences.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a small team;
- Comfortable working in a global organisation;
- Strong alignment with ClientEarth’s values and commitment to our vision, and mission and equity, diversity and inclusion strategy objectives.
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