Staff Attorney/Program Advisor

POSITION:  Staff Attorney/Program Advisor - Africa Initiatives, Human Rights Program 
DEPARTMENT:  Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice                   
POSITION REPORTS TO:  Director, Africa Initiatives, Human Rights Program  
LOCATION:  New York City (Hybrid work schedule)     
FLSA STATUS:  Exempt  

Established in 2004, the  Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice advances global justice by engaging lawyers across borders to support civil society and an ethically active legal profession. The Vance Center is a unique collaboration of in-house and private practice lawyers catalyzing public interest innovation to advance human rights and access to justice, protect the natural environment, promote the rule of law and institutional integrity, and support public interest reporting. A non-profit program of the New York City Bar Association, we bring together leading law firms and other partners worldwide to pioneer domestic and international justice initiatives and provide pro bono legal representation to social justice NGOs. In 2024, the Vance Center represented 174 clients in 235 matters, collaborating as co-counsel with 844 lawyers from 164 law firms across 69 countries.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Over two decades, the Vance Center has worked in sub-Saharan Africa to encourage and support lawyers to participate in public interest matters. It engages them in providing pro bono legal services to civil society organizations and in joining initiatives to advance fundamental rights and the rule of law. The Vance Center acts as a practitioner and convener, bringing together legal professionals from sub-Saharan Africa, as well as from the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, to collaborate in these efforts. It has developed active networks with lawyers, law firms, bar associations, and other legal organizations, as well as NGOs, to expand the legal community’s pro bono engagement.  

The Vance Center recruits private law firms from Africa and elsewhere in the world, including members of the Vance Center Committee , to co-counsel with our program staff who engage in substantive legal work, including legal research and analysis, advocacy, and litigation.


JOB FUNCTIONS include, but are not limited to:

The Staff Attorneyor Program Advisor (appropriate title will depend on the qualifications of the person hired) will play a key role in the Vance Center’s work in Africa. Under the supervision of the Director, Africa Initiatives, the main responsibilities of the Staff Attorney/Program Advisor will include, but not be limited to:

• Monitor legal developments in African countries relevant to the Vance Center's areas of practice and pro bono promotion. 

• Identify and contact new clients in the region and maintain strong communications with existing partners and pro bono law firms. 

• Conduct research and analysis focused on African regional bodies, domestic courts, and constitutional developments. 

• Assist in coordinating and managing pro bono projects in Africa, including collaboration with Vance Center colleagues in the four programmatic areas.  

• Draft reports to grant makers and materials for publication on the program’s activities, cases, or current events. 

• Plan, organize, and participate in virtual and in-person events in the United States, Africa, and other South-to-South engagements.   

• Undertake specific administrative duties related to achieving the program's objective. activities.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS 

• J.D. or LLM from a U.S. law school. Specialization in International Human Rights Law or Public International Law is a plus.  

• Degree from a non-U.S. law school required in the absence of a U.S. J.D. 

• Admission to practice law in a US state or in another jurisdiction.  

• Admission in a US state will qualify the person hired as Staff Attorney. 

• At least 2 years’ relevant experience, including legal work in or related to Africa.  

• Written and oral fluency in English.  Knowledge of French, Spanish, and/or Portuguese is a plus. 

• Knowledge of African legal systems, international and regional human rights mechanisms, and civil society ecosystems.  

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, public interest law, or related fields. 

• Excellent legal research, writing, communication, and analytical skills. 

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work quickly and well under pressure, to manage multiple tasks and stakeholders, and to meet tight deadlines.  

• Willingness and ability to travel to Africa and other locations. 

• Authorization to work in the United States
  
  

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. We are not able to sponsor visas for this position. 

Candidates for this position must be available for in-person work at our Midtown Manhattan office on a hybrid schedule. The schedule currently requires 3 days of scheduled in-office work per week, with the balance of time being work-from-home. The hybrid schedule is subject to review and revision based on program needs


The annualized starting salary for this role is in the $75,000 to $80,000 range, based on experience. We provide a competitive benefits package including generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick time, holidays including closing between Christmas and New Year’s day this year, day off for volunteer work, extra time off in summer), choice of medical plans, dental, vision, 401K, life insurance, commuter benefits program, Employee Assistance Program, short-term/long-term disability insurance, free New York City Bar Association membership and CLE programs, and employee discounts, among others.

To apply:  Please submit a resume and a cover letter to explain why you are interested in the position. Applications will be considered when received until a qualified candidate is hired. Three references will be required later on in the hiring process for candidates being given serious consideration.


The Vance Center is a proud equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates belonging to communities historically underrepresented in the legal profession. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. It is our policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, creed, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, arrest or conviction record, pregnancy, credit history, salary history, caregiver status, marital status, partnership status, or status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, religion, sex, genetic information, military status, unemployment status or any other characteristic as protected by law. With regard to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other related laws, we will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations for persons due to their religious beliefs; disability; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition; or because the individual was a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking.