Thailand: Myanmar Bertha Justice Legal Fellow

Aug 7, 2022 | EarthRights International
View Original

EarthRights is now seeking applications for the position of 2022-2024 Myanmar Bertha Justice Fellow. This fellowship is supported by the generosity of the Bertha Foundation, whose “Be Just” initiative is intended to “train the next generation of social justice and movement lawyers by funding two-year Fellowships at the best public interest law centers around the world, where emerging lawyers receive practical training from renowned professionals.” The fellowship is geared toward attorneys with less than two years’ experience in public interest law.

The Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for an individual with a legal background to research, develop, and implement legal strategies with legal experts and communities to protect human and environmental rights in the region. 

Under the supervision of the Myanmar Legal and Policy Advisor (an environmental lawyer), the Bertha Fellow will support the work of the Myanmar Program to develop and implement legal strategies to protect human rights and the environment. The Fellow will participate in the formulation of national, regional and international legal strategies, community training programs, legal support for community leaders and civil society partners. The Fellow will conduct legal research, writing, develop legal memorandums, policy proposals and will support workshops in collaboration with EarthRights staff and partners. 

This is a full-time two-year fellowship, beginning in September 2022. Full-time employment with EarthRights should not be expected at the end of the fellowship. The position is based in Chiang Mai and does not require travel to Myanmar, a public profile or advocacy. 

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Work with communities, local partners and staff in the Chiang Mai office to develop and implement legal strategies to protect human rights and the environment.
  • Support civil society partners investigating cases in Myanmar that fit into the objectives of the organization and which could result in litigation.
  • Engage with domestic and international human rights pathways, such as National Human Rights Commissions, and in the formulation of regional and international legal strategies.
  • Carry out legal research and advocacy.
  • Design and implement strategies to increase the knowledge and capacity of civil society groups, environmental lawyers and affected communities.
  • Participate in networking and other events organized by the Bertha Foundation as part of the Bertha Global Legal Fellows Program.

Qualifications and Experience

  • University degree in Law
  • 2-3 years’ work experience in legal capacity
  • Qualified to practice in Myanmar as a higher-grade pleader
  • Experience representing clients in criminal and / or civil litigation
  • Experience with community organizing and engagement
  • Commitment to human rights and environmental justice and legal professionalism
  • Experience in the provision of training and workshops to communities
  • Strong legal research and writing skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team and under strict deadlines.
  • Excellent analytical skills, good judgment, initiative.
  • Effective task management.
  • Fluent in Burmese, proficiency or fluency in spoken English and proficiency in English reading and writing. Other Myanmar ethnic languages are preferable. 
  • Proficient IT skills (email, Microsoft office). 


How to Apply

Please submit the following required documents

  • Cover letter describing your interest in the position
  • CV or resume
  • At least 2 references with contact information
  • 3-5 pages of writing sample or extract of legal writing or writing on a relevant topic or issue without editing in Burmese and, if possible, also in English.