Strategic litigation Internship
SOMO researches multinationals. Independent, factual, critical, and with a clear goal: a fair and sustainable world in which public interests outweigh the interests of companies.
We conduct action-oriented research to expose multinationals’ impact and unprecedented power and promote fundamental changes in our economic system to stop and reverse the harm done by multinationals. Cooperating with hundreds of organisations around the world, we ensure that our information arrives where it has the most impact: communities, courtrooms, civil society organisations, media and politicians and more.
About the internship
During this internship, you will work directly with the Strategic Litigation team, which is part of the Advocacy & Networks Team at SOMO. This team provides crucial (legal) research support for coordinated strategic litigation efforts in the context of corporate misconduct.
Key activities and responsibilities
- Assist in the (legal) research to map opportunities for strategic litigation (civil, criminal, administrative, non-judicial) in selected countries and on selected issues.
- Help to identify and analyze the political/societal context and developments relevant to initiating strategic litigation.
- Support the coordination of alliances of CSOs, lawyers and academics working on specific issues subject to (potential) strategic litigation.
- Assist in preparing internal briefings to guide decision-making on litigation and support in drafting external facing reports, blog posts, and social media content.
- Help to organize and plan workshops, meetings, and dialogues in collaboration with civil society actors, lawyers, and academics internationally.
- Engage in maintaining close contacts and regular dialogue with partner organizations and participate in dialogue forums.
What you will gain
- Hands-on experience in (legal) research related to corporate accountability and human rights.
- A deep understanding of the complexities and dynamics of strategic litigation in various jurisdictions.
- The opportunity to engage with a network of renowned human rights lawyers, activists, and organizations.
- Experience in organizing and participating in key events related to strategic litigation.
Requirements
- Enrolment during the internship in a relevant bachelor or master’s study related to law, human rights, or a similar field. Please note: SOMO cannot take on (recent) graduates who are no longer enrolled.
- Affinity with the mission of SOMO.
- Strong research and writing skills: the ability to conduct thorough and accurate research and articulate findings clearly and concisely in writing.
- Understanding of justice issues, including gender, racial, social, and economic justice issues, and how they intersect with corporate accountability and human rights.
- Familiarity with strategic litigation: some prior knowledge or familiarity with strategic litigation’s concepts, principles, and practices as a tool for social change.
- Language skills: excellent command of English; competency in another language is desirable.
- Team-working ability: must be able to work independently and proactively while being a strong team player.
- Permission to work in the Netherlands.
We offer
- An exciting internship of 24 hours (3 days/week), for a 3-6 months period.
- Flexible working hours in a fun and informal workspace.
- Work experience in the NGO sector at an organisation with a large national and international network.
- Critical but constructive supervision.
- A stipend of EUR 449.50 per month.
- 100% Public transport travel cost reimbursement.
Interested in this position?
Please apply before Monday, September 2, 2024 with your resumé and an application letter in English. Resumes with photos will not be taken into consideration. For questions, please visit our website.
Candidates should be prepared for interviews in the third week of September (16 to 20 September)
Our work is grounded in the values of anti-oppression, intersectionality, and justice, and we especially encourage candidates with lived experiences of systemic oppression or with international and/or cross-cultural backgrounds to apply.
