ClientEarth is establishing an office in Madrid primarily to enable it to sensitively tailor practical solutions to the fisheries issues in the Mediterranean region, particularly with regard to our work on the reform of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and our CFP reform proposal , the Fishing Credits System.
The senior lawyer in Madrid will play a key role in helping to manage our new Oceans team in this office and to develop our work on the CFP reform and the Fishing Credits System, with particular reference to the specific conditions in the Mediterranean. The role provides considerable scope for initiative and developing strategies and ideas within a team to secure sustainable and ecosystems based fisheries in the EU in the long term. The candidate should be an excellent networker, able to establish good relationships with the key stakeholders in the Mediterranean region. He or she should also be a good communicator to both internal and external audiences, be able to influence, convince and collaborate, be able to identify issues and opportunities, to develop creative strategies in a rapidly shifting political and legislative landscape, and support all work with sound legal and technical expertise and analysis.
Qualifications:
• Law degree, ideally with experience in private practice/commercial settings and relevant experience in advocacy or campaign work (8+ years PQE);
• Strong knowledge base in one or more of the following areas: EU law and institutions, fisheries/marine law, EU/international environmental law;
• Fluent in English and Spanish, other EU languages desirable, particularly French;
• Ability to travel, as necessary, within Europe;
• Confidence and ability to work at a high level with legislators, policy makers, NGO partners and industry and retailers;
• Excellent judgment, flexibility, humour, diplomacy, and optimism.
Skills:
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to give authoritative advice and influence external stakeholders, including proven ability to explain complex legal issues in lay language and ability to modify language, content, and style to address the needs of different audiences;
• Strong legal research, analytical, and advocacy skills and an interest in performing rigorous legal analysis in support of impactful work;
• Ability to manage a team, managing work streams and developing the expertise of junior staff in the Mediterranean office;
• Ability to work in an international team across offices in a number of countries;
• Ability to balance priorities and work effectively with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds and experience in a fast-paced work environment;
• Ability to take initiative and to develop strategies and relationships;
• Entrepreneurial spirit, flexibility, solutions-oriented and creative approach;
• Team player and strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to grasp quickly and accurately new and complex concepts and areas of law;
• Energetic and dedicated to working for the environment and fishing communities.
Key responsibilities include:
• Interfacing with Mediterranean governments and NGO partners as well as other stakeholders on CFP reform and the FCS, including also EU institutions;
• Managing and supervising the Oceans team in the Mediterranean office;
• Developing CFP reform and FCS strategy and relationships with partners and stakeholders, particularly in Spain and neighbouring Mediterranean states;
• Developing and supervising development of legal briefings, policy analysis, campaign materials, publications, press releases, and other relevant materials;
• Engaging with the media and journalists;
• Monitoring and reporting on the progress of campaign activities;
• Engaging in policy advocacy;
• Preparing and supervising the preparation of reports to donors; and
• Supporting the activities of the Biodiversity Programme leader.
The position will be based in Madrid, with travel to London and Europe generally.
This is a two-year term with the potential for extension. Salary will be commensurate with the requirements of the role, the candidate’s experience, and the non profit sector. The position is available starting June 2011.
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