Amnesty International's International Secretariat has a fixed-term position available immediately until 30 September 2027 (35 hours per week). The Legal/Policy Adviser will join the International Law and International Justice Team. The team leads Amnesty's work on international justice and accountability. It focuses on standard-setting for crimes under international law and on strengthening domestic and international accountability frameworks and mechanisms. The post focuses mainly on international humanitarian law and reports to the Law and Policy Deputy Programme Director. London is the preferred location. Johannesburg, Nairobi and Mexico City will also be considered. Salary is GBP 65,610 per annum for London and depends on location.
Main responsibilities:
- Provide legal and policy advice and analysis to the International Secretariat, its Regional Offices and the wider movement. Key areas are international humanitarian law, international and non-international armed conflict, international criminal justice and accountability, the International Criminal Court, and UN rules on the use of force.
- Lead, develop and/or support research, drafting, advocacy, policy, training and standard-setting on international justice, international criminal law and international humanitarian law.
- Track developments at inter-governmental organisations and other international and national forums. Identify opportunities for proactive advocacy and lead or support it with Amnesty Programmes, Regional Offices and Sections.
- Support strategic litigation, including identifying forums, drafting third-party interventions and liaising with external counsel.
- Help maintain reference materials on human rights issues and the application of Amnesty policy.
Skills and experience:
- Substantial expertise in international humanitarian law, international criminal law and international justice mechanisms is essential.
- Substantial knowledge of international human rights law is important.
- Good knowledge of extraterritorial jurisdiction and of the human rights obligations of non-state actors is desirable.
- Demonstrated research and advocacy experience on human rights issues.
- Experience in or working with the legal profession, inter-governmental organisations, human rights NGOs or social movements.
- Strong advisory, advocacy and communication skills.
Benefits include 37 days annual leave, a pension scheme, an employee assistance programme and life assurance.
* Application Deadline, 23.59 pm UK time on:11 October 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the Amnesty International careers portal by 23:59 UK time on 11 October 2026. Amnesty reserves the right to close the vacancy before the closing date.
https://careers.amnesty.org/jobs/vacancy/legal-policy-adviser-4277/4305/description/action/apply/