Do you want to work in a human rights organization that makes a concrete and positive difference for people at risk of torture around the world? And do you have a master’s degree in law and hands-on experience in preventing torture and other ill-treatment?

DIGNITY is seeking a Senior Legal Advisor to shape and advance its international work on justice and accountability for torture, other human rights violations, and international crimes.

We are a human rights and development organisation fighting for a world without torture. For more than 40 years, DIGNITY has been a driving civil society force in the global struggle against torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

We are engaged in more than 20 countries worldwide in close partnership with human rights organisations and, where possible, with local and national authorities. Our international programmes focus on three core objectives: preventing torture and other forms of violence, pursuing justice for survivors of torture and accountability for perpetrators, and strengthening access to rehabilitation to survivors.

About the position

As Senior Legal Advisor your core responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with DIGNITY’s partner organisations on the investigation and documentation of torture and related violations of international human rights law, international criminal law and international humanitarian law.
• Building capacity and advising DIGNITY and its partners on investigation and documentation, including collection, recording, preservation and storage of relevant information and evidence with a view to informing submissions to accountability bodies.

• Assessing the quality and sufficiency of the evidentiary materials collected through DIGNITY and partners’ accountability projects.
• Supporting case-building for national prosecutions, as well as for proceedings before international accountability mechanisms and human rights bodies.
• Drafting and reviewing submissions to national, regional and international human rights and accountability bodies.
• Drafting advocacy reports and undertaking advocacy in relation to United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms.

We offer you

• A job in a dynamic organisation with a global outlook and a strong professional focus, where all activities are driven by the desire to make a positive difference for survivors of human rights violations and international crimes.
• An opportunity to become part of an international team of committed and highly skilled colleagues working across different professional disciplines and with a focus on setting the best framework for collaboration and joint learning.
• Flexible working hours and an emphasis on a good work-life balance.

Skills

Master’s degree in law, with a specialisation in international criminal law. A specialisation in international human rights law is highly desirable.

We also expect that you have:

• A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated practical legal experience in investigating and documenting torture and related international crimes, including collection, recording, preservation and analysis of relevant information.
• Demonstrated knowledge of international criminal law, substantial and procedural. Knowledge of international human rights law is highly desirable.
• A track record of conducting survivor-centred and trauma-informed interviews with victims and witnesses of international crimes and human rights violations. Familiarity with collection and analysis of open-source information is an advantage.
• Proven experience in capacity building and overseeing investigation and documentation of torture and related violations of international criminal and human rights law.
• Proficiency in drafting submissions to national, regional, and international accountability and human rights bodies, including international criminal tribunals and courts.
• Experience in drafting advocacy reports and undertaking international advocacy before UN human rights bodies and regional organisations.
• Fluency in English with proven writing skills. Knowledge of additional languages, especially Arabic, is considered an asset.
• Working experience from international accountability mechanisms, national prosecution authorities, or NGOs working on international criminal justice is a distinct asset.

It is also important that you have:

• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking, with strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in an inter-disciplinary environment and across different cultures.
• Excellent oral communication and writing skills, and ability to communicate effectively with different target audiences.
• Ability to work across a broad portfolio, manage a complex workload and be responsive to evolving demands.
• Cultural and context sensitivity, high ethical standards and diplomatic skills.
• Resourceful, creative, collegial, empathic and respectful.

Terms of employment

The position is placed in DIGNITY's Prevention and Accountability Department with reference to the department director.

Your place of employment is Copenhagen at our HQ at Bryggervangen 55, 2100 Copenhagen Ø.

We expect you to have a civil registry address in Denmark during the full employment. We do not offer the possibility to work from home from abroad. Please note, that the position will not be filled on a consultancy basis.

Expected entry is 1 March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Your working hours are 37 hours per week, with the expectation that additional work may take place. It will be possible to take time off after having additional working hours within our flexible work schedule.

You are expected to have up to 45 days of travel activity per year.

The employment is based on the Danish collective agreement for academics in the Danish State. The salary level is based on skills and relevant experience and within a range of DKK 50-52.500 (gross, monthly) + pension (18,07%).

For non-Danish candidates, we provide support in applying for a Danish residence and work permit. Upon arrival in Denmark, we offer assistance through external consultant with Danish taxation, opening a bank account and other basic requirements for residence in Denmark. However, we do not offer coverage for any costs associated with your move to Denmark.

More info

Further information regarding the position can be obtained by contacting our department director, Therese Rytter at TR@dignity.dk, 60 10 88 10.

Applications with CV, diplomas and any other relevant documents should be submitted via the link no later than 25 January 2025 at 23.59 (CET).

We expect to hold the first round of interviews online on 4 February 2026, and the second round of interviews on 12 February 2026, which will take place in Copenhagen. Shortlisted candidates will also be invited to respond to a written test.

You can read about DIGNITY's processing of your personal data in our privacy policy, which you can find here: Privacy policy - DIGNITY - Danish Institute Against Torture.

DIGNITY is an international human rights and development organisation that has worked for a world free of torture and violence since 1982. We prevent torture and violence, treat traumatized victims and document serious human rights violations so that those responsible can be prosecuted. You can read more about our organisation and work at www.dignity.dk. DIGNITY regards diversity as a strength and therefore encourages all qualified persons to apply for the position regardless of ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or age.