Legal Program Associate

Legal Program Associate

Center for Gender & Refugee StudiesClassification: Level 2 / Class Code 2030 / Exempt / Full-Time / BenefitedHiring Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000 (commensurate with qualifications)ABOUT CENTER FOR GENDER & REFUGEE STUDIES (CRGS)A pioneering advocate for some of the world's most vulnerable and persecuted asylum seekers, including women, families, and LGBT individuals, the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (“CGRS” or “the Center”) works to protect fundamental human rights in all asylum cases. We are the trusted partner and proven resource for legal teams and human rights organizations, and bring invaluable data and compelling personal stories to shape the public narrative. We use strategic litigation to advance sound asylum laws and protect due process rights. Through policy advocacy and education, we provide critical expertise to policymakers at all levels of government, leading the movement to honor our commitments to refugees and asylum seekers under U.S. and international law. Through technical assistance and training, we empower advocates to take on complex asylum cases, providing them with the tools they need to craft winning arguments and secure protections for their clients.THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIESCGRS is seeking a highly motivated individual passionate about refugee rights and ready to participate in all CGRS program areas, including in our Technical Assistance and Training, Impact Litigation, and Policy and Advocacy. The Legal Program Associate will work under the supervision of a particular CGRS program director, but will provide support in various capacities to all CGRS programs.Typical duties and responsibilities consist of, but are not limited to, the following: Provide front line consultation to attorneys through our technical assistance program, including providing relevant litigation resources.

Coordinate country conditions research in collaboration with a CGRS attorney supervisors, including supervision of non-attorney interns and volunteers.

Coordinate tracking of outcomes and creating case summaries, including supervision of non-attorney interns and volunteers.

Develop technical assistance and training materials, including research, prooing, and design of presentations, advisories, and other materials, in collaboration with and under the supervision of CGRS attorneys and other staff.

Participate in public outreach, including trainings, webinars, and other events, in collaboration with CGRS attorneys.

Work with expert witnesses, in collaboration with and under the supervision of CGRS attorneys, to prepare and aid in the preparation of general declarations to support asylum cases.

Provide support to CGRS attorneys for impact litigation, including paralegal duties.

Participate in all aspects of policy advocacy, under supervision of CGRS attorneys, including drafting and prooing public statements, organizing and participating in meetings with key stakeholders, and providing research support.

Assist CGRS attorneys in international human rights research and advocacy.

Liaise between legal program staff and development, communications and administrative staff, including providing information to comply with grant reporting.

Provide other legal program support on an as-needed basis.

REQUIREMENTSEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEBachelor's degree required

Prior professional work experience in asylum, refugee, human rights, and/or immigration related fields in the U.S. strongly desired

Additional education or related coursework a plus (e.g. BIA accreditation)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESA strong commitment to CGRS's mission and interest in women's and refugee rights

Demonstrated ability to write in a clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive manner

Excellent oral communication and inter-personal skills

Ability to set goals and meet them, while working under pressure with ease

Proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs

Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational and administrative skills

Ability to take initiative, prioritize with minimal supervision and work independently, (a self-starter), as well as being able to function as a member of a team

Enthusiasm to learn and grow in both demanding and close-knit staff environment

Willingness to travel

Experience with CMS programs, such as Drupal, a plus

Fluency in Spanish strongly desired

BENEFITS HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITSComprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts for transportation-related, healthcare and dependent care expenses

Employee Assistance Program

Commuter Benefits Program

FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURELife Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Legal Insurance

University of California Retirement Plan (a defined benefit plan)

Deferred Compensation Plans/Pre-tax Retirement Savings Programs

FOR YOUR WORK/LIFE BALANCEFourteen paid holidays per year

Generous vacation and sick leave

THE HIRING PROCESSFailure to provide the information as required on the application and/or instructions to apply shall immediately disqualify an applicant from employment consideration. This position has been designated as “sensitive” and requires a pre-employment background check.Appointment contracts are on the academic calendar. Annual renewal is subject to grant funding and performance. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact Human Resources if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. WHAT TO EXPECTApplicants who meet the position requirements will be competitively evaluated to identify the individuals whose breadth and depth of experience and education most closely relate to the stated requirements and the needs of the College. Depending on the quality and number of the applications received, only the better qualified applicants may be contacted for an interview. The position is open until filled. The skills listed above are comprehensive, and we understand there are great candidates who possess only a subset of those skills, or who have other important skills. If you match some of these skills, please do not hesitate to apply.UC Hastings College of the Law is an equal opportunity employer. UC Hastings strives to provide a diverse and inclusive educational environment that fosters cultural awareness, mutual understanding and respect. UC Hastings College of the Law is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their teaching. Qualified women and members of underrepresented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.