The selected candidate will assist in establishing, institutionalizing, expanding and maintaining the Global International Humanitarian Law Clinic (IHL Clinic) Network. The research-led teaching method of clinical legal education enables students to learn through experience by applying legal theory of international humanitarian law (IHL) to real-world situations. This is achieved by enabling students to work on cases for real-life cooperation partners like the International Committee of the Red Cross or Human Rights NGOs. The Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum has played a pivotal role in the worldwide emergence of IHL Clinics and envisions to serve as a focal point in establishing a Global IHL Clinic Network, which connects academics, humanitarian actors and young lawyers studying and applying IHL around the world.

Key responsibilities

• The Teaching and Research Associate will assist in the establishing, institutionalizing, expanding and maintaining of the Global IHL Clinic Network of the Grotius Centre’s Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law (“KGF” or the “Forum”).
• More specifically, the Teaching/Research Associate will:
• Assist in the administration of the emerging Global IHL Clinic Network, including developing further institutionalization strategies for the Network and establishing adequate communication channels with the Network’s members;
• Liaise with academic institutions and researchers globally in order to expand the Global IHL Clinic Network;
• Maintain and/or establish partnerships with humanitarian organizations, governments, regional and international organisations, international and domestic courts and tribunals, as well as other relevant actors acting as cooperating partners for the Global IHL Clinic Network and its members;
• Manage and maintain databases of the Global IHL Clinic Network’s members, activities and partners;
• Design and implement a public relations strategy for the Global IHL Clinic Network, as well as assist with public relations and social media maintenance of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum;
• Assist in the dissemination of the teaching method of IHL Clinics, as well as dissemination of research outcomes by members of the Global IHL Clinic Network;
• Assist in the procurement of funding for the Global IHL Clinic Network in order to guarantee its sustained operation;
• Assist in the organisation of ad hoc events, including online workshops and roundtables in connection with the Global IHL Clinic Network.
• Report on the progress of the establishment and expansion of the Global IHL Clinic Network to the Director of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum.
• Provide support for colleagues in the areas of responsibility.

• LL.M. degree in International Law, preferably with a specialisation in International Humanitarian Law;
• Experience with the research-led educational method of (IHL) Legal Clinics, either as a student, supervisor or cooperating partner (experience in more than one of these roles is seen an asset);
• Experience in liaising with humanitarian actors, government representatives and regional or international institutions working in the humanitarian field;
• Experience in procuring funds for academic or humanitarian institutions for the implementation of projects based on the principles of humanitarianism and respect for the rule of law;
• Experience in designing and implementing projects for the further dissemination of International Humanitarian Law;
• A high sense of commitment and dedication and willingness to assist in on-going dissemination and organizational matters of the Forum;
• Strong dedication and commitment to the goals and objectives of the Forum;
• Experience in database and stakeholder management is seen as an asset;
• Experience in public relations management, maintenance of online appearance and social media channels of a medium-sized organization working in the humanitarian field is seen as an asset;
• Excellent command of English;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as an ability and willingness to work collaboratively and collegially in a team.

We offer a fixed-term position from October 1st 2020 until October 1st, 2021. Salary range from € 2.656,- to € 3.548,- gross per month on a full-time basis (pay scale 8, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Leiden University

With over 5,000 students and 450 members of staff, Leiden Law School is one of the largest faculties in the Netherlands. Yet, in all its diversity, it is still known for its ability to provide education on a small scale. The Faculty focuses on multi-faceted high-level teaching and research, both nationally and internationally. It does so by working with talented people and stimulating and supporting them in their professional and personal ambitions. The Faculty is housed in the beautifully restored Kamerlingh Onnes Building on the Steenschuur in Leiden. Working for the Leiden Law School means working in an inspiring scientific environment.  

The Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies is a leading academic institution in the field of international law, which is focused on high-level research, education and training in public international law and global justice. The Centre is part of the Faculty of Law of Leiden University, the oldest University in The Netherlands. It hosts several international research projects, leading scientific journals (e.g., Leiden Journal of International Law), and unique LL.M. programmes in Public International Law, the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law, the Telders International Law Moot Court Competition, as well as high-quality training courses, Summer Schools, lectures series, seminars and conferences. Research within the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies is part of the Research Programme ‘Exploring the Frontiers of International Law’.

The Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law (“KGF”/the “Forum”) provides a platform within the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies for innovative research, teaching and further dissemination of international humanitarian law. The Forum was established in 2011 and named after the late Frits Kalshoven, former Professor Emeritus of Public International Law and International Humanitarian Law at Leiden Law School, and the Gieskes-Strijbis Fund. The Forum is directed by Associate Professor Dr. Robert Heinsch. Since 2012, the Forum offers select students of Leiden University the opportunity to participate in its International Humanitarian Law Clinic (IHL Clinic) to work on research projects of partner institutions in the field such as the ICRC, national Red Cross societies and NGOs that work in the humanitarian field. Since 2018, the Forum also offers a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on ‘International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice’, which reached over 25.000 enrolled learners over the past 1.5 years. Information about the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum, its IHL Clinic, and the emerging Global IHL Clinic Network can be found at the website.