American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative

Opening for Program Officer for Civil Society and Environmental Law Programs

July 2010

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA-ROLI) is a public service project that provides technical assistance in support of legal reforms and the rule of law in over 40 countries around the world.  ABA-ROLI’s Asia Division currently implements projects in China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Nepal, as well as a regional anti-corruption program.

ABA-ROLI seeks candidates to fill one (1) Program Officer position based in Beijing, China.  The Program Officer, working under the supervision of the Country Director and Deputy Country Director, will be responsible for managing and implementing cooperative training, policy, research, and networking projects primarily in the areas of civil society capacity building and environmental law.  The position entails legal research and analysis;  maintaining substantive expertise in program areas; working with local partners to conceptualize, design, and implement cooperative programs; managing communications with a range of local partners, including Chinese and U.S. government officials, bar association leaders, local and international NGOs, and academics; monitoring and reporting on project activities and project impact; management of financial and administrative aspects of cooperative projects and subgrants; proactively developing new program initiatives; and such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.  Travel within China is required as necessary for meetings and program activities.

Qualified candidates will possess: (1) both a Chinese law degree and a foreign J.D. or LL.M. degree; (2) fluency in both Chinese and English; (3) excellent communication and organizational skills; and (4) a strong commitment to public interest work.  A substantive background in Chinese environmental law and/or laws and policies related to the NGO sector, and prior experience implementing and/or managing international cooperative programs are strongly preferred.  This is a full-time position, with a competitive salary and benefits package.

Interested individuals should send a cover letter, resume, and references to Ms. Ding Xia (abadingxia@yahoo.com).  Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  ABA-ROLI will contact only those candidates whom it selects for interviews.

ABA is an equal opportunity employer.  Employment decisions will be made based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.