Brief description of the organization

Yazda Iraq is a local organization registered in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It operates as a subsidiary of the global Yazda organization and adheres to the same mission: supporting vulnerable communities, particularly those affected by genocide and mass atrocities. In Iraq/KRI, Yazda implements programs focused on advocacy, legal assistance, humanitarian aid, and community and survivor empowerment initiatives. The Country Director leads these efforts, ensuring they align with organizational goals and respond effectively to local needs.

Project Background:

The Documentation Program was launched in October 2015 to document the genocide committed against the Yazidis. Since then, the Documentation team has been collecting evidence in the form of witness and survivor interviews and documenting crime scenes in and around Sinjar, Nineveh Province, where the genocide took place. The mandate of the project is to build an accurate historical record and evidence base to support prosecutions, transition justice mechanisms, advocacy, and accountability for the crimes committed by ISIL against Yazidis.

Job Purpose

Deliver high-quality legal research, analysis, and advocacy support for Yazda’s justice work; monitor trials (primarily in France) by observing proceedings and reporting findings; liaise with lawyers and judicial authorities; and carry out additional tasks as needed to advance the project’s objectives.

Main Responsibilities

The Legal Advocacy Officer will play a key role in advancing Yazda’s Documentation Project by providing expert legal support across research, analysis, and judicial engagement. The officer will monitor and report on trials (primarily in France) by observing proceedings, preparing detailed notes, and delivering timely updates to Yazda’s justice team. They will liaise closely with Yazda’s team in Iraq, national lawyers, prosecutors, and other stakeholders, ensuring effective coordination across jurisdictions. In addition, the officer will contribute to the development and implementation of advocacy strategies informed by documentation findings and survivor needs. The role is dynamic and may include additional responsibilities in line with the evolving priorities of the project.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Research & Analysis

• Conduct detailed legal research and analysis relevant to cases documented by the project.
• Translate complex legal findings into actionable recommendations for the project team.

Trial Monitoring & Court Engagement

• Monitor and participate in trial proceedings, primarily in France, ensuring accurate observation and documentation.
• Record and report critical updates from proceedings to internal and external stakeholders.

Liaison & Communication

• Maintain effective communication with French legal teams, prosecutors, and external counsel.
• Represent the organization in legal and advocacy forums as required.

Survivor Engagement & Support

• Develop and disseminate outreach materials for survivors to ensure they are informed about legal processes and proceedings.
• Accompany Yazda staff and survivors during French legal proceedings, providing legal guidance and support as needed.
• Ensure survivor voices are integrated respectfully into advocacy and legal strategies.

Reporting & Advisory

• Provide timely legal updates, analysis, and strategic recommendations to the Project Manager and Executive Director.
• Contribute to drafting legal briefings, reports, and advocacy materials.

Strategy & Advocacy

• Assist in the development and refinement of legal advocacy strategies informed by documentation findings and survivor needs.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, legal standards, and confidentiality requirements.

Capacity Building & Mentorship

• Support training or mentoring of legal staff on legal documentation, trial monitoring, survivor accompaniment, and advocacy processes.

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks as required to meet the evolving needs of the project.

 Location:

Home-based in France, Paris, or the surrounding areas, with the possibility of travel. 

• Advanced degree in law, preferably with specialization in international criminal law, human rights law, or related field.
• At least 3–5 years of relevant professional legal experience, including trial monitoring or litigation.
• Strong knowledge of French legal system and procedures; familiarity with international criminal justice mechanisms is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience liaising with prosecutors, legal teams, and judicial authorities.
• Excellent drafting and analytical skills in both French and English.
• Ability to work independently, handle sensitive information with confidentiality, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in cross-cultural and multi-stakeholder settings.
• Fluency in English and French is required for this role. Knowledge of Arabic and/or Kurdish is an asset.