Staff Attorney/Program Advisor, Environment Program

Staff Attorney/Program Advisor, Environment Program Department: The Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice / City Bar Fund Position reports to: Associate Executive Director Location: New York City (Hybrid) FLSA Status: Exempt The Vance Center is a non‑profit program of the New York City Bar Association that brings together leading law firms and partners worldwide to pioneer international justice initiatives and provide pro bono legal representation to social justice NGOs. Program Function The Environment Program promotes and protects environmental and other human rights, including the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. It focuses on biodiversity loss and conservation, toxic pollution, water and river sources, environmental and land defenders, and climate justice. Responsibilities The Staff Attorney/Program Advisor (title will depend on the qualifications of the candidate hired) will play a key role in the Vance Center’s Environment Program. Under the supervision of the Associate Executive Director, the main responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Assist in developing, leading, and managing pro bono projects in the Environment Program, including collaborating with Vance Center colleagues in the four programmatic areas. Conduct research and written analysis, including preparation of legal briefs, on international environmental law, human rights law, and domestic environmental law, including regional tribunals and constitutional developments related to the environment. Monitor legal and other social and political developments relevant to the work of the Environment Program and to pro‑bono promotion. Identify and cultivate new clients for the Environment Program and maintain strong communication with existing partners and pro‑bono law firms. Collaborate with the fundraising and communications teams to prepare grant applications and reports, and communications messaging. Draft reports to grant makers and materials for publication on the program’s activities, cases, or current events. Plan, organize, and participate in virtual and in‑person events in the United States, Latin America, and other engagements. Undertake specific administrative duties related to achieving the program's mission and objectives. Qualifications J.D. or L.L.M. from a U.S. law school. Specialization in International Environmental Law, Environmental Law, or Public International Law is a plus. Admission to practice law in a U.S. state or in another jurisdiction. Admission in a U.S. state will qualify the person hired as Staff Attorney. At least two years’ relevant experience, including legal work in, or related to, international environmental law or environmental law. Written and oral fluency in English. Written and oral fluency in Spanish is required; knowledge of French is a plus. Knowledge of international and regional legal systems, human rights mechanisms, and civil society ecosystems. Demonstrated commitment to social justice, public interest law, or related fields. Excellent legal research, writing, communication, and analytical skills. Strong organizational skills and ability to work quickly and well under pressure, manage multiple tasks and stakeholders, and meet tight deadlines. Willingness and ability to travel to Latin America and Africa to implement program activities; travel will be limited to a few times a year. Authorization to work in the United States. Compensation & Benefits Starting salary: $75,000 to $90,000 based on experience. The position includes a competitive benefits package: generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick time, holidays, day off for volunteer work, extra time off in summer), choice of medical plans (medical, dental, vision), eligible for 401(k) when employment begins (with discretionary employer match up to 3% after one year), life insurance, commuter benefits program, Employee Assistance Program, short- and long-term disability insurance, free New York City Bar Association membership and CLE programs, employee discounts, and more. Work Schedule The candidate must be available for in-person work at the Midtown Manhattan office on a hybrid schedule requiring at least three days of scheduled in-office work per week, with the balance completed remotely. The schedule is subject to review and revision. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor visas. Equal Opportunity Employment We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and unique experiences to apply. The City Bar guarantees equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, creed, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, arrest or conviction record, pregnancy, credit history, salary history, caregiver status, marital status, partnership status, or status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, religion, sex, genetic information, military status, unemployment status or any other characteristic as protected by law. The organization will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations for persons due to their religious beliefs, disability, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition or because the individual was a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking. #J-18808-Ljbffr New-York-City-Bar-Association