Project Expedite Justice (PEJ), founded in 2016, is a United States-based NGO with a 501(c)(3) charitable organization designation.
PEJ's mission is to use all available legal options to seek justice for individuals inadequately protected under the law, who cannot access legal resources, and who are exploited by governments, corporations, or others.
PEJ applies a novel, victim-centered approach to addressing mass atrocities. PEJ's 3-step model includes training, mentoring, and providing independent legal consulting. We partner with and train local lawyers and investigators to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence in accordance with international legal standards. Without evidence, there can be no accountability. We further build local capabilities and advance the justice process through case-specific mentoring and strategic guidance to local legal practitioners and investigators. Finally, we partner with local NGOs, pro bono law firms, and legal clinics to represent victims of international crimes and serious human rights abuses in court or alternative judicial mechanisms.
PEJ has projects in several countries. Our inclusive team includes people working remotely from Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the US.
The Opportunity: Legal Officer
The Legal Officer, reporting directly to the Legal Adviser, supports frontline case-building by helping justice actors from four frontline oblasts operationalize best practices in drafting and case file development. Based in Ukraine (preferably), the Legal Officer supports the preparation and organization of prosecutorial and investigative documentation, drafting assistance (including procedural documents such as notices of suspicion, indictments, and other file components), procedural checklisting, and evidence index organization.
The Legal Officer works in a multi-disciplinary team with the Investigator, OSINT Investigator, and Analyst to ensure that evidence is translated into coherent legal narratives and complete, usable case files. The role contributes to in-person mentorship missions and helps capture lessons learned to strengthen standardized tools, templates, and instructional materials.
About the Project
The four oblasts covered by the Justice Bootcamps project have experienced the greatest amount of attacks and occurrences of war crimes. The project is structured around two mutually reinforcing goals: (1) strengthening frontline police, prosecutorial, and judicial capacity through intensive, practical Bootcamps and ongoing expert support; and (2) institutionalizing knowledge and skills within Ukrainian justice institutions to promote long-term sustainability, professional development, and interagency cooperation. Recognizing that needs vary across oblasts, the project tailors its activities to address priority challenges in each participating region. Through a practical "learn-by-doing" methodology, Justice Bootcamps supports justice actors to strengthen their ability to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate war crimes and crimes against humanity, helping ensure meaningful access to justice for survivors in Ukraine.
Key Deliverables:
* Drafting and case-file development support provided to justice actors across four oblasts.
* Organized prosecutorial and investigative documentation packages supporting case progression.
* Procedural checklists, evidence indexes, and file management tools are maintained and updated.
* Technical support provided during mentorship missions and day-to-day case assistance.
* Standardized templates, tools, and guidance materials refined based on practical casework experience.
* Contributions to project reporting, lessons learned, and knowledge management processes.
Key Responsibilities:
Legal Drafting and Case Support
* Support justice actors in preparing investigative and prosecutorial documentation related to war crimes and crimes against humanity cases.
* Assist in drafting procedural documents, including notices of suspicion, indictments, requests, motions, and other case file components as appropriate.
* Support the organization and review of case files to promote completeness, consistency, and usability.
* Assist in identifying procedural and documentation gaps affecting case progression.
* Support implementation of legal best practices and standardized case development methodologies.
Case File Management and Documentation
* Maintain organized evidence indexes, procedural checklists, and case documentation tools.
* Support tracking of case development activities and file completeness.
* Assist in organizing documentary, testimonial, and digital evidence within case files.
* Ensure documentation is maintained in accordance with applicable procedures and project standards
Mentorship and Technical Assistance
* Participate in mentorship missions and provide practical support to justice actors.
* Work closely with investigators, analysts, and OSINT specialists to integrate evidence into coherent legal case files.
* Support the development and delivery of practical case-based assistance activities.
* Contribute examples and lessons learned to strengthen mentoring approaches.
Justice Bootcamp Support
* Support development and refinement of templates, exercises, and instructional materials.
* Identify recurring procedural and drafting challenges encountered during case assistance activities.
* Contribute practical examples and tools for Bootcamp sessions and Digital Justice Hub resources.
* Support integration of lessons learned into future training and mentoring activities.
Organizational Engagement and Reporting
* Participate in relevant team meetings and reporting coordination calls.
* Contribute to proposal development, concept notes, and fundraising materials as needed.
* Support other project-related activities and responsibilities as assigned.
Profile: Qualifications and Attributes
* Law degree (LL.B., J.D., or equivalent) in law, criminal law, international law, or a related field.
* Minimum 3 years of relevant legal experience supporting criminal investigations, prosecutions, or justice sector programming.
* Familiarity with Ukrainian criminal procedure and prosecutorial documentation processes.
* Experience in working with Ukrainian justice actors strongly preferred.
* Experience drafting legal documents, case summaries, legal memoranda, or prosecutorial materials.
* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
* Excellent legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
* Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Ukrainian strongly preferred.
* Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or donor-funded projects is an asset.
* Preferably based in Ukraine and able to travel frequently, including to frontline oblasts.
* Commitment to PEJ's mission, values, confidentiality requirements, and professional standards.
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
https://www.projectexpeditejustice.org/work-with-us/legalofficerjb
HOW TO APPLY:
Email recruitment@projectexpeditejustice.org (mailto:recruitment@projectexpeditejustice.org) with "Application: Legal Officer (Justice Bootcamps)" in the subject line, and attach:
* CV/resume (maximum of two pages);
* Cover letter.
* Written samples (can be redacted).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
By submitting your application, you consent to a reference check, where we will contact up to three professional references you provide.