Location: The Hague, the Netherlands

Job purpose: Research and management of projects in the Rule of Law program.

Reporting to: Head of Rule of Law Program

Organizational background:

The Hague Institute for Global Justice is an independent, nonpartisan institution established to undertake high-quality interdisciplinary policy relevant research, training and facilitation activities on issues at the intersection of peace, security and global justice. The Institute uses a combination of internal and external experts to conduct research, implement practical projects, and convene a range of topical workshops, conferences, and seminars that bring together practitioners and scholars. The institute’s research, analysis and programming are of use to the Dutch government, multilateral institutions, and NGOs. The program of The Hague Institute is divided along three thematic focus areas:

1) Conflict Prevention
2) Rule of Law
3) Global Governance.

The Rule of Law Program:

The rule of law is crucial for creating sustainable peace in societies making the difficult transition from war or conflict. Without it, insecurity, corruption, impunity, and criminality undermine stability and democracy and threaten a return to violence and chaos. The Rule of Law program aims to contribute to creating sustainable peace in such contexts by first, engaging in grounded, multidisciplinary, empirical research; and second, fostering dialogue between governments of conflict-affected countries, multilateral and bilateral donors, civil society organizations, academia, and private enterprises. The Hague Institute is well-situated in the international city of peace and justice to bring the expertise of The Hague to the field, while also ensuring that international legal institutions respond to local concerns. The multidirectional links and dynamics that run between local and larger-scale conflicts constitute the central theme for the program’s analysis. By adopting this perspective, the program seeks to effectively promote the rule of law in fragile states to help manage conflicts and mitigate the factors that drive them. The program looks at conflict management and mitigation through the lenses of transitional justice processes; the enforcement of national and international criminal law; enhanced access to justice and legal empowerment, especially for vulnerable groups; and engagement with customary justice systems.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Conducting policy relevant original research on topics falling within the Rule of Law program and the regional focus areas;
• Contribution to the development and implementation of the substantive long-term program on Rule of Law;
• Coordination and management of projects and project staff;
• Publishing in academic and policy orientated journals and other outlets;
• Representation of The Hague Institute in public debates and in (inter)national media;
• Development activities in cooperation with the development office;
• Setting up and maintaining relevant networks of national and international stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• A PhD or JD in public international law, international relations, political sciences, conflict studies or economics.
• At least 3 years of work experience in one or more of the following fields: rule of law, governance, peacebuilding, conflict prevention/resolution.
• Demonstrated affinity with the mission and objectives of The Hague Institute.
• An entrepreneurial attitude and a demonstrated experience in obtaining funds.
• The capacity to manage and embrace the opportunities and challenges of an innovative and growing institution in an international environment.
• Demonstrated experience and affinity with initiating and carrying out international academic/ policy research in the field of Rule of Law.
• Demonstrated experience in setting up, leading and coordinating interdisciplinary and international projects and research groups.
• Demonstrated managerial and interpersonal skills, including a track record of successful project management.
• A track record in building and developing relevant international networks.
• Knowledge of and experience with international organizations and the international courts and tribunals located in The Hague.
• Knowledge of the English language (fluent) and of at least one and preferably two other official languages of the UN.
• Excellent diplomatic and communications skills.

How to apply:

Please send a completed application package consisting of (1) a cover letter and (2) a CV to hrm@thehagueinstitute.org. Please include the words “Senior Researcher Rule of Law” in the subject of your email. Due to the high volume of applications, we will only contact candidates whose applications meet our requirements.

Terms and conditions of employment:

The appointment will be in accordance with Dutch law; The Senior Researcher will be appointed for a period of one year, which, after an evaluation of performance may be extended into a permanent contract. The duties and responsibilities will be laid down in performance agreements. Salary and Terms of Employment are comparable to the salaries and terms of employment of the Dutch universities (www.vsnu.nl).

The Hague Institute for Global Justice is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other protected class.