LEGAL PROGRAM ASSOCIATE

CENTER FOR GENDER & REFUGEE STUDIES

CLASSIFICATION: Level 2 / Class Code 2030 / Exempt / Full-Time / Benefited

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $55,000 - $65,000 (commensurate with qualifications)

ABOUT CENTER FOR GENDER & REFUGEE STUDIES (CGRS)

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 & RESPONSIBILITIES

CGRS 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, proofreading, 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 proofreading 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.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor'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 & ABILITIES

• A 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 BENEFITS

• Comprehensive 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 FUTURE

• Life 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 BALANCE

• Fourteen paid holidays per year
• Generous vacation and sick leave

THE HIRING PROCESS

FAILURE 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 EXPECT

Applicants 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.