Amnesty International Jobs 2026: Legal/Policy Adviser Position in Johannesburg and Other Locations
Amnesty International is inviting applications for a Legal/Policy Adviser (4277) to join its International Law and International Justice Team. This fixed-term opportunity is available in Johannesburg, South Africa; London, United Kingdom; Nairobi, Kenya; and Mexico City, Mexico.
The position focuses on international humanitarian law, international criminal justice, human rights, and accountability. It offers an opportunity for an experienced legal professional to contribute to research, policy development, advocacy, and efforts to strengthen international justice mechanisms.
Job Overview
- Organisation: Amnesty International
- Job Title: Legal/Policy Adviser
- Reference Number: 4277
- Programme: Law and Policy
- Locations: Johannesburg, London, Mexico City, and Nairobi
- Contract Type: Fixed-term contract
- Contract Duration: Until 30 September 2027
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Application Deadline: 11 October 2026, at 23:59 UK time
- Salary: £65,610 per annum for London; salary varies by location
About Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a global human rights movement with more than 10 million people campaigning for a world in which human rights are enjoyed by everyone. The organisation conducts research, advocates for justice, engages with decision-makers, and campaigns against human rights abuses.
Its work seeks to promote freedom, equality, fairness, and accountability through research, public campaigning, legal action, and engagement with national and international institutions.
About the Legal/Policy Adviser Role
The successful candidate will join the International Law and International Justice Team within Amnesty International’s International Secretariat. The team works on international justice and accountability, including the development of standards concerning crimes under international law and the strengthening of domestic and international accountability frameworks.
The Legal/Policy Adviser will focus primarily on international humanitarian law and will report to the Deputy Programme Director responsible for the International Law and International Justice Team.
The role involves providing specialist legal advice, supporting advocacy initiatives, conducting research, and contributing to policy positions on international law and justice.
Key Responsibilities
The Legal/Policy Adviser will be responsible for:
- Providing legal and policy analysis on international humanitarian law, international human rights law, armed conflict, and international criminal justice.
- Advising Amnesty International’s International Secretariat, regional offices, and the wider movement on relevant legal and policy issues.
- Supporting research, drafting, advocacy, training, and standard-setting activities.
- Monitoring developments within intergovernmental organisations and relevant international and national forums.
- Identifying opportunities for strategic advocacy in collaboration with regional offices and other Amnesty International teams.
- Supporting strategic litigation, including identifying potential cases and forums, drafting third-party interventions, and liaising with external legal counsel.
- Developing and maintaining reference materials to support the consistent application of the organisation’s legal and policy positions.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Applicants should have substantial expertise and experience in international humanitarian law, international criminal law, and international justice mechanisms. Knowledge and practical experience in applying international human rights law are also important.
The organisation is looking for candidates with:
- Demonstrated experience in human rights research and advocacy.
- Strong legal research, analytical, and advisory skills.
- Knowledge of international legal frameworks and accountability mechanisms.
- Experience working in the legal profession, intergovernmental organisations, human rights NGOs, or social movements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively on complex international legal and policy issues.
Knowledge of extraterritorial jurisdiction and the application of international human rights obligations, including those relating to non-state actors, is desirable.
Applicants should consult the official vacancy description for the complete requirements and responsibilities.
Salary and Employee Benefits
For the London-based position, the advertised salary is £65,610 per annum. Compensation for positions in Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Mexico City will depend on the successful candidate’s location.
Amnesty International offers a range of employee benefits, including:
- 37 days of annual leave, inclusive of public holidays and grace days.
- A pension scheme.
- An employee assistance programme.
- Life assurance.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- A professional and inclusive working environment.
Additional information about benefits is available on the organisation’s official careers benefits page.
How to Apply for the Amnesty International Legal/Policy Adviser Job
Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications through Amnesty International’s official recruitment portal.
Before applying, review the full job description carefully and ensure that your application demonstrates your experience in international law, human rights research, legal analysis, and advocacy.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Application deadline: 11 October 2026 at 23:59 UK time. Amnesty International notes that vacancies may close earlier if there is a high volume of applications or a change in recruitment priorities, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.
For more international development careers, legal jobs, human rights vacancies, fellowships, and research opportunities, visit ResearchJobsHub.com regularly.
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