Project Officer – Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Services

Advocates for International Development; London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in international development seeks a Project Officer to manage pro bono legal services for civil society organizations. The role involves coordinating projects, engaging with global partners, and delivering impactful legal support. Join a collaborative team dedicated to social justice and sustainable development.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Leave on your birthday

Twice a year team’s day out

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience working with international CSOs.
• 2 years of experience supporting project delivery in international development.

Responsibilities

• Lead management of international pro bono legal opportunities.
• Coordinate with CSOs globally for legal assistance.
• Manage larger strategic projects with multiple stakeholders.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Project Management

IT Skills

Diplomacy

Education

Undergraduate degree in international development

Tools

MS Office 365

Salesforce

Asana

Job description

• Project Officer – Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Services

Project Officer – Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Services

Title: Project Officer – CSO Services

Reports to: Pro Bono Legal Services Lead (PBLSL)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time – Hybrid working with a minimum of 1 day a week in the London Office

Location: London

Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 depending on qualification and experience

Work Permit: Required to have the right to work in the UK

About A4ID

Advocates for International Development (A4ID) is a CSO with a vision to see the law and lawyers play their full part in the global eradication of poverty and advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A4ID seeks to be an authoritative voice of the legal community, to inspire and enable lawyers to join the global fight against poverty, and to ensure that legal support is available for those engaged in that fight. A4ID achieves this vision and mission through its innovative pro bono broker service and larger strategic pro bono projects, in addition to its education and training programmes, thought leadership and policy work, and international Rule Of Law Expertise programmes and projects.

Job Purpose

The role of the Project Officer – CSO Services will lead on the coordination and management of international pro bono legal opportunities. A key focus of this role is to engage with CSOs globally, to scope potential partners and areas which require, or would benefit from, pro bono legal assistance. This will support A4ID’s weekly pro bono projects and larger strategic projects.

The Project Officer – CSO Services will also manage larger strategic projects, which will include maintaining records, gathering feedback, reporting on progress internally, collaborating with other teams in need of relevant expertise, drafting external comms, and implementing other internal administrative tasks as necessary (e.g. updating software and implementing process changes).

Larger strategic projects involve working with multiple stakeholders (including large international CSOs, smaller local CSOs, large international law firms, smaller local law firms, and other delivery partners and legal experts) to effectively and efficiently deploy pro bono legal services to support the missions of respective CSOs. The Project Officer – CSO Services will work as part of the wider PBLS team on such projects.

On smaller brokerage projects, the Project Officer – CSO Services will establish connections with CSOs, identify potential areas for support and provide an initial scope of potential projects.

Key Responsibilities

Broker Service And Operational Responsibilities

The Project Officer – CSO Services is responsible, alongside the rest of the team, for the delivery of the pro bono brokerage services, including:

• Leading the management and expansion of A4ID’s network of International Development CSO partners.
• Identifying potential weekly projects in which the pro bono legal assistance of our legal partners could benefit these CSO partners.
• Delivering learning and thought leadership outputs and activities, including briefings, publications, training and learning events.
• Assisting in facilitating and leading workshops, and participating in workshops by third parties, to improve the impact of pro bono international work.
• Contributing to new training programmes for lawyers and development organisations, both in the UK and overseas.
• Carrying out other tasks as required by the PBLSL.

Strategic Project Management

The Project Officer – CSO Services is responsible, alongside the rest of the team, for the delivery of larger strategic pro bono projects, including:

• Identifying and scoping potential high impact portfolio projects to support the mission of A4ID’s international development CSO partners who require legal support/expertise.
• Together with PBLS team, broker support for CSO projects from our legal partners..
• Managing stakeholders and processes to deliver these projects efficiently and against established timelines.
• Gathering feedback and progress reviews from project stakeholders.
• Quality assuring projects and deliverables to ensure stakeholder needs are met. This includes: maintaining and fulfilling data collection processes; establishing and delivering on reporting protocols; ensuring quality of data, and drafting reports,
• narrative and documentation for any identified operational metrics or strategic KPIs. These may be for client, internal and/or external audiences.

Marketing And Events

The Project Officer – CSO Services will support relevant marketing activities related to the services and work implemented by the team. This includes:

• Raising the visibility of PBLS’s work and representing A4ID at meetings/events held by UK, regional and international pro bono and legal groups, and raise the profile of past or current projects.
• Providing relevant publicity materials for website and newsletters.
• Drafting case studies and delivering external communications through presentations, website articles and social media posts.
• Developing roundtables and other events for our CSO Partners.

The Project Officer – CSO Services will support relevant business development activities related to the portfolio including:

• Drafting and scoping relevant applications and proposals (identified trusts, foundation or institutions) for projects which are suitable for, and require, external funding.
• Identifying opportunities to generate income through pro bono products, services, projects and opportunities.
• Maintaining and developing existing relationships with partners, including participating in regular account management meetings to plan and develop the relationships.
• Contributing to relevant parts of the organisation’s fundraising and organisational strategy and applications for external funding.

Person Specification

• Undergraduate degree in, or related to, international development, international relations, or human geography.
• 3 years of experience working with international CSOs, remotely or in-country.
• 2 years of experience supporting or overseeing project delivery related to thematic areas in international development.
• Excellent IT skills including working knowledge of cloud-based systems (such as MS Office 365, Salesforce, Asana).
• Confident and self-motivated, ability to work independently with little supervision and work as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience communicating internally and externally, verbally and written, to varying audiences. Ability to exercise high level of diplomacy, and also being approachable, engaging and positive in all engagements.
• Experience representing an organisation internally and externally.
• Demonstrable experience in managing a varied workload; ability to work flexibly.
• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines and within agreed frameworks.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and quality of work.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise work accordingly.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Proficiency or knowledge of other languages, is a plus, but not required.
• Willingness to take on both high level and administrative tasks, ensuring the standard of delivery and out is consistently high.
• Commitment to international development and appreciation and understanding of global efforts to progress the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Why Join A4ID?

• Impactful Mission: A4ID is at the forefront of integrating legal expertise into the global effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By joining A4ID, you will contribute to meaningful initiatives that directly impact communities in need and help create a more equitable world.
• Empowerment Through Law: As a charity focused on leveraging the power of the legal profession, A4ID empowers lawyers to make a real difference. Working here allows you to be part of a transformative approach that sees law as a tool for social change, promoting justice and access to essential services.
• Collaborative Environment: A4ID fosters a collaborative culture that encourages teamwork and innovation. You will have the opportunity to work alongside dedicated professionals, legal experts, and development practitioners who share a commitment to social justice and sustainable development.
• Professional Development: Working with A4ID offers unique opportunities for professional growth. You will enhance your legal skills, gain valuable experience in international development, and learn about the intersection of law and human rights, equipping you for a fulfilling career in the non-profit sector.
• Global Perspective: A4ID operates in various countries, providing a diverse and international work environment. You’ll gain insights into global legal frameworks and development challenges, enriching your understanding of international law and its role in public policy and advocacy.

Benefits Package

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Leave on your birthday
• Twice a year team’s day out

To Apply

Interested candidates are requested to send a CV and cover letter to [e-mail]. The cover letter must include why you are interested in this job, how you match the person specification and provide specific examples from your professional experience, skills and knowledge.

Last date to apply is 01 June 2025

If you have any queries about the role, please contact the Chief Operating Officer at [e-mail]