Part-Time - WCRO Senior Legal Researcher

Job Details

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.

Department: Washington College of Law

Time Type: Part time

Job Type: Regular

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Summary: This position coordinates and supervises legal research and writing projects in the fields of international criminal law and procedure for War Crimes Research Office (WCRO) partner organizations. Together with the Executive Director, the position is responsible for producing the final product for WCRO partner organizations. In addition, this position assists the Executive Director with some administrative duties, including event-panning and fundraising activities.

Essential Functions:

1. Legal Research and Writing
   • Conducts in-depth legal research and drafting in areas of public international law, particularly international criminal law and procedure, for WCRO partner organizations.
   • Analyzes complex legal issues, interprets international legal standards, and produces memoranda, reports, and policy briefs to support litigation and advocacy efforts.
   • Ensures research is well-documented, accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with the strategic legal objectives of partner organizations.
2. Work-Product Development
   • Works closely with the WCRO Director to refine and finalize legal work products for partner organizations.
   • Conducts comprehensive reviews, edits, and revisions to ensure clarity, coherence, accuracy and adherence to international legal standards.
   • Integrates WCRO Director and partner feedback, strengthens key arguments, and delivers high-quality legal resources that support advocacy and litigation efforts.
3. Training and Technical Assistance
   • Assists in the provision of tailored training sessions and technical assistance to WCRO partner organizations.
   • Assists in the design of training materials on critical legal topics relevant to international criminal law.
   • Works closely with the WCRO Director to ensure that training programs are practical, interactive, and effectively address specific needs of legal practitioners and stakeholders.
4. Other Managerial Duties
   • Helps plan and coordinate the speaker series events focused on key topics in international criminal law.
   • Assists in developing discussion materials, moderating sessions, and facilitating meaningful conversations on pressing legal issues.
   • Helps identify grant opportunities to support WCRO’s research, training, and advocacy initiatives.
   • Works closely with leadership to develop funding strategies, strengthen donor relationships, and secure financial resources for long-term sustainability.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Part-time. 20 - 27 hours per week. Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.

Salary Range: $41.20 per hour.

Required Education and Experience: Juris Doctor or equivalent. 3 - 5 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: Outstanding research and writing skills. Minimum three years’ work experience, preferably in international legal research or international or criminal litigation, with specialized expertise in international criminal or humanitarian law. Outstanding English language skills. Good communication skills and ability to work with lawyers and students from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds.