Research And Collaboration Coordinator

Role and Responsibilities

We are looking to recruit a law graduate (1-3 years post-graduation) with experience in environmental law, economic justice and/or international development to join our small but dynamic team. Depending on experience, the role will support our programmes challenging economic injustice caused by environmental damage, biodiversity loss, deforestation, illegal resource trafficking, climate change and conflicts over natural resources; promoting transparency and accountability in public and private institutions to encourage responsibility and minimise the impacts of corruption; and promoting fairer and more effective economic and fiscal policy tools to help states meet development goals and enhance the rule of law. A more detailed explanation of our work is set out in our 2024-2026 Strategy.

Working as part of a small, busy team, you will have the opportunity to learn at very close hand what it means to work for an international NGO focusing on achieving environmental and economic justice. You will develop projects with a range of partners, including international agencies, NGOs and CSOs, and governments and government bodies. You will collaborate with a range of volunteer lawyers (law firms and barristers chambers) who are leading experts in their field. The role will also involve project management, assistance with fundraising, fulfilling compliance obligations, and evaluating and learning from projects.

Key Competencies:
• Relevant experience and knowledge (either from previous work experience or study) relating to environmental law and policy and/or economic justice in an international development context;
• A law graduate with a good understanding of how law is useful to achieving reform on the above;
• Demonstrable understanding (either from previous work experience or study) of key issues in sustainable international development, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals;
• Experience in developing countries and transitional economies;
• Ability to develop and manage relationships with a range of stakeholders, including donors, NGOs, civil society organisations and government representatives, on an international basis;
• Familiarity with, or understanding and enthusiasm for the concept and practice of, pro bono legal assistance;
• Demonstrable project management skills and experience, including administration and coordination;
• Ability to work on a wide range of tasks simultaneously;
• Excellent research skills to effectively convey research findings;
• Comfortable working independently and proactively and as part of a small team with a busy caseload;
• Strong interpersonal and team working skills;
• Some experience or demonstrable ability in donor management, including managing existing relationships, meeting donor reporting requirements and in raising funds for future projects and activities (desirable);
• Working knowledge of another language used in Sub-Saharan Africa or Latin America such as French, Portuguese, Kiswahili or Spanish (desirable).
Key Responsibilities:
1. Work closely with the Senior Legal Managers and/or Legal Manager to deliver and implement the programme strategy, in conjunction with the Executive Director, partners, staff and Board;
2. Assist in developing an understanding of the most effective policy tools and legal interventions to deliver the programme objectives, through engagement with volunteer lawyers, ILP partners, staff, Board and others;
3. Support the building and maintenance of ILP’s programme(s). This includes:
• Liaising with partners to identify legal/policy needs and offer potential legal and/or policy reform solutions, including through conducting legal analysis;
• Assisting the programme lead(s) to build a pipeline of relevant projects and cases, including through engaging in outreach to potential pro bono partners;
• Supporting programme staff to network and build relationships with volunteer lawyers who have relevant technical expertise;
• Mapping and developing relationships with regional and international development entities and other technical assistance providers to identify potential partners, needs and focus countries;
• Representing the programme(s) in external fora and events;
4. Assist with ensuring effective project delivery and evaluation of impact including:
• Coordinating project implementation through the full project cycle;
• Supporting the preparation of financial and narrative reports for donors;
• Maintaining strong programme management and knowledge management systems and processes;
5. Support fundraising activities to support both the programme(s) and organisational overheads, including exploring opportunities for potential funding and assisting with funding applications;
6. Share in the necessary operational activities of the organisation. This includes some administration and contributions to website and social media communications.

Key details about the position:
• Location:  Flexible for the right candidate including those outside the UK. Office premises are located in central London, with hybrid working (approx. 2 days per week in the office) if London-based.
• Visa sponsorship: we are open to sponsoring a UK visa application for an exceptional candidate.
• Travel: candidates must be willing and able to travel internationally, including fulfilling vaccination and other requirements.
• Our genuine support for diversity and disabilities is illustrated by our current team.