Job Title: Senior Lawyer (Public International Law)

Location: Remote or Hybrid (UK-based)
Contract Type: Full-time, 12-month contract (with potential for renewal)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

About the Net Zero Lawyers Alliance (NZLA)

The Net Zero Lawyers Alliance (NZLA) was established ahead of COP26 to mobilise commercial law firms, lawyers and the law to accelerate the transition to net zero. With a membership that spans over 40 jurisdictions, the NZLA is committed to building climate change capability within the legal profession, supporting firms (and their clients) to reduce emissions and navigate climate-related risks and opportunities and – crucially – use the law to enable climate action.  

The NZLA’s work is delivered through a series of accelerator groups and thematic initiatives that address systemic legal barriers to the net zero transition. In addition to developing practical legal tools, guidance and publications, the NZLA supports implementation by convening events and expert forums.

Role overview

The NZLA is seeking a Senior Lawyer to lead its Public International Law (PIL) Accelerator Group, which focuses on the intersection of climate change and ISDS.

The PIL Accelerator Group convenes experts from across member firms, academia and international institutions to co-develop practical resources to support the management of climate risks and uptake of the opportunities presented by the transition.  

The role involves leading cross-jurisdictional projects, engaging diverse stakeholders and ensuring that the Group’s outputs are actionable, credible and internationally relevant.

Key responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Lead the NZLA’s Public International Law Accelerator Group, developing and delivering a strategic work programme.

• Provide strategic direction to ensure alignment with the NZLA’s broader mission and theory of change.

• Support the NZLA’s broader work programme.  

Legal research and collaborative development

• Collaborate with member firms and external experts to produce legal tools and resources.

• Support the integration of emerging jurisprudence, including from advisory opinions such as those of the International Court of Justice and Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

Stakeholder engagement

• Convene and collaborate with member firms, international experts, and institutional partners.

• Represent the NZLA at expert conferences, panels, and high-level meetings where relevant.

Programme management and delivery

• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, and milestones for all activities within the PIL Accelerator Group.

• Coordinate consultation and review processes for draft outputs, ensuring stakeholder perspectives are integrated effectively.

• Work with the NZLA Secretariat to ensure visibility and impact of outputs.

Key skills and experience

• Background in public international law, investment arbitration, treaty law, or a related field.

• Experience working with or engaging governments and international organisations.

• Legal/policy research and drafting skills.

• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects across multiple jurisdictions and institutions.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly and diplomatically with senior practitioners, academics and policymakers.

• Demonstrated interest or experience in climate change, sustainability and/or international legal reform.

Why join the NZLA?

This is a unique opportunity to be part of an influential global initiative that works at the intersection of climate change and law. As a Senior Manager, you will work on cutting edge projects, collaborating with leading experts and contributing to internationally significant developments that reimagine the law’s role in the global transition to net zero.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please email your CV and a short cover note outlining your interest in the position to: fazilat.damani@netzerolawyers.com

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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