Associate Legal Officer

VERTIC’s National Implementation Measures Programme is looking for a new team member to join us in working across our exciting range of activities and projects. Depending on the experience and expertise of the applicant(s), we will offer the position at the level of Associate Legal Officer, Legal Officer or Senior Legal Officer.

VERTIC is a non-profit making charitable organisation established in 1986 in the UK. VERTIC supports the development, implementation, verification and compliance measures of international agreements and law. The organisation’s areas of focus include peace and security treaties, resolutions and agreements on nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, international health regulations, conventional forces, new technologies, and sustainability.

VERTIC provides support through research and analysis, assistance and training, information resources, and engagement with the governmental, diplomatic, technical, scientific and non-governmental communities. We carry out our activities across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. The organisation’s staff comprises legal experts, scientists, and policy analysts from a range of nationalities and disciplines based in the UK and around the world. The organisation’s funding comes from governments, regional and international organisations and charitable foundations.

The National Implementation Measures Programme established in 2008, provides tailored assistance to interested states for adherence to and implementation of international instruments addressing non-proliferation of chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological weapons, the security of related materials, and international health regulations. The Programme is also interested in other areas such as outer space and the environment. The NIM Programme provides legal analysis, legislative drafting assistance, and awareness raising to interested states. The Programme also provides digital resources and tools as well as analysis and insights.

Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide legislative assistance to states for national implementation of agreements relevant to VERTIC, including the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, the Chemical Weapons Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 1540:
  • collecting legal and other data on the status of national implementation;
  • preparing legal analyses of implementing legislation;
  • contributing to the development of legislative drafting tools;
  • providing drafting assistance in-person and remotely;
  • presenting at awareness-raising and legislation/regulation drafting workshops.
• Liaise with government officials regarding our legislative assistance;
• Co-ordinate assistance with other legislative assistance providers, related international governmental organisations such as UNODA, BWC Implementation Support Unit, and other non-governmental organisations;
• Represent VERTIC and its NIM programme at international conferences and treaty meetings;
• Produce reports, chapters and articles to be published by VERTIC and other organisations; and conduct other research tasks as agreed with the Co- Programme Directors or senior staff;
• Communicate findings resulting from our work to stakeholders and the public through the publishing of reports, articles in newspapers and journals, interviews with print and broadcast media and lectures and seminars;
• Update online content and social media on the Programme’s activities.

Furthermore, depending on the level of the position:

• Implement programme coordination and delivery strategies under the direction of the Co-Programme Directors;
• Implement financial management policies under the guidance of the Co-Programme Directors;
• Provide assistance to the Co-Programme Directors and senior staff / help to lead in raising funds for the programme;
• Assist with / lead in project management.

Requirements

• Education: post-graduate level qualification with undergraduate, or post-graduate degree, or professional qualification in law.
• Experience:
  • ALO level: At least one year of experience working on international legal issues in a nongovernmental, intergovernmental or governmental organisation, or in a university;
  • Legal research, analysis and writing experience;
• Excellent understanding of and experience in public international law.
• Language: fluency in English.

Preferred

• Good understanding of the legal obligations for national implementation of international instruments in domestic regulatory systems;
• Good understanding of international legal instruments concerning chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological (CBRN) weapons and the security of CBRN materials;
• Legislative drafting experience;
• Excellent cross-cultural and diplomatic communication skills, including some experience in presenting at international conferences, symposia or workshops;
• Understanding of sensitivities related to international peace and security instruments and to national implementation practices
• Good command of French, Spanish, Russian or Arabic.

Desired

• Ability to build and maintain networks of experts and other stakeholders;
• Experience in organising and running events and workshops;
• Experience in project management and fundraising;
• Experience in writing and editing publications;
• Additional language skills.

Applications from underrepresented communities in the field, including women, gender minorities, and people of colour, are strongly encouraged.

Role Location: Hybrid (Home, VERTIC’s London office), Flexible working.

At present, the organisation operates a hybrid working policy for staff based in and around London. VERTIC may also consider candidates working remotely from other locations in the UK or from abroad, subject to agreement on the modalities of such an arrangement. Please note that UK-based candidates would need to have the right to work in the UK to apply for this post.

In return, we offer:

• A competitive salary commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience;
• 25 days annual leave allowance;
• Flexible working practices (including working from home);
• Relocation support;
• Pension scheme;
• Life insurance;
• Opportunities for education and training support.

Salary range:

• ALO £ 26,969.64 - £ 37,949.20
• How to apply