How to apply for Advocacy Counsel (Mid-Level or Senior-Level)

About International Corporate Accountability Roundtable

ICAR is a coalition of over 40 civil society organizations fighting to end corporate abuse of people and the planet, with a focus on legal accountability and access to remedy. Working at ICAR means being part of a dynamic, values-driven team that challenges governments and corporations to uphold human rights, all while being supported by the Tides Center. The remote-first culture and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion make it an attractive place for advocates who want to make a tangible impact.

About the role

As Advocacy Counsel, you will lead ICAR's efforts to build and implement frameworks preventing and remediating business-related human rights violations. You'll manage project budgets, shape strategy, and represent ICAR publicly, working closely with the Executive Director. This role is pivotal in advancing corporate accountability and protecting communities affected by corporate wrongdoing.

A typical day

A typical day might involve drafting policy recommendations for a new corporate accountability framework, meeting with coalition partners to align advocacy strategies, and reviewing project budgets to ensure alignment with grant requirements. You might also represent ICAR at a virtual multi-stakeholder meeting or prepare talking points for the Executive Director. The work is collaborative, strategic, and deeply mission-driven.

Who International Corporate Accountability Roundtable is looking for

• A legal professional with 5+ years of experience in human rights, corporate accountability, or international law, ideally with a JD or equivalent.
• Proven track record in advocacy, policy development, or litigation related to business and human rights, including familiarity with frameworks like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
• Strong project management skills, including budget oversight and strategic planning, with the ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Excellent communication and public speaking abilities, with experience representing organizations in multi-stakeholder settings and a commitment to ICAR's values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience with specific corporate accountability frameworks (e.g., UNGPs, OECD Guidelines) and how you've applied them in previous roles.
• Demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and projects by quantifying results, such as budget size or number of stakeholders coordinated.
• Emphasize any remote work experience and your capacity to collaborate effectively across time zones, as ICAR is a remote-first organization.
• Show your commitment to ICAR's mission by referencing recent ICAR campaigns or reports in your cover letter and explaining how you'd contribute.
• If applying at the senior level, provide examples of leading strategy and mentoring staff; for mid-level, focus on hands-on implementation and advocacy wins.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your specific experience in developing or implementing legal frameworks to prevent corporate human rights abuses, with concrete examples.', 'How you have managed project budgets and contributed to strategic planning in a coalition or advocacy setting.', 'Your ability to represent an organization publicly, including any experience speaking at conferences, with policymakers, or in media.', "Your alignment with ICAR's values, particularly diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how you've integrated these into your work."]

Research before applying

• Review ICAR's recent reports, campaigns, and press releases to understand their current priorities and successes.
• Learn about the Tides Center and its role as ICAR's fiscal sponsor, including its values and how it supports projects.
• Familiarize yourself with key international frameworks like the UN Guiding Principles and OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, as well as current debates in corporate accountability.
• Research ICAR's coalition members and partners to understand the broader network and potential collaborators.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach building a new framework for corporate accountability, and what stakeholders would you engage?
• Describe a time you managed a project budget and had to make tough strategic decisions under financial constraints.
• What is your experience with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and how have you applied them in practice?
• How would you handle a situation where a coalition member disagrees with ICAR's advocacy strategy?
• Given ICAR's remote work environment, how do you stay motivated and collaborate effectively with a distributed team?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention ICAR's mission or specific campaigns—show you've done your homework.
• Failing to demonstrate concrete experience with corporate accountability frameworks; avoid vague statements about 'passion for human rights' without evidence.
• Neglecting to highlight remote work skills or budget management experience, as these are essential for this role.