Application Guide
How to Apply for Legal Adviser
at Project Expedite Justice
๐ข About Project Expedite Justice
Project Expedite Justice (PEJ) is a US-based NGO uniquely focused on victim-centered justice for mass atrocities. Unlike larger international organizations, PEJ provides hands-on mentoring and independent legal consulting, offering direct impact on war crimes investigations and prosecutions, particularly in Ukraine.
About This Role
This Legal Adviser role involves providing senior-level legal guidance to Ukrainian justice sector actors and PEJ mentoring teams. You will directly strengthen the investigation and prosecution of war crimes and crimes against humanity by conducting legal analysis, developing evidentiary strategies, and improving training curriculaโa pivotal role in advancing accountability.
๐ก A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with Ukrainian mentoring teams to review ongoing case developments. You could then conduct legal analysis of evidentiary materials, draft legal memos on crime qualification, and prepare training modules for the Justice Bootcamp. Afternoons often involve mentoring sessions with local prosecutors or participating in strategic planning meetings with PEJ's legal team.
๐ Application Tools
๐ฏ Who Project Expedite Justice Is Looking For
- A seasoned legal expert with 7+ years of experience in complex criminal investigations or international criminal law, specifically including war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- Deep familiarity with Ukrainian criminal procedure and ability to align it with international legal standards; prior work in or with Ukraine is a strong plus.
- Proven ability to mentor and train justice sector professionals, translating complex legal concepts into practical guidance for investigators and prosecutors.
- Excellent legal analysis and writing skills, with experience drafting legal qualifications, evidentiary strategies, and prosecutorial file reviews.
๐ Tips for Applying to Project Expedite Justice
Explicitly highlight your experience with Ukrainian criminal procedure and international criminal law in your resume and cover letter; use specific case examples.
Demonstrate your mentoring and training experience by describing workshops or curricula you've developed for justice sector actors.
Tailor your application to PEJ's victim-centered approachโmention how your work prioritizes survivors and their needs.
Include any experience working remotely with international teams, as this role is fully remote and cross-cultural.
Submit a concise writing sample (e.g., a legal memorandum on war crimes qualification) that showcases your analytical skills and knowledge of international criminal law.
โ๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your commitment to victim-centered justice and accountability for mass atrocities.', 'Specific expertise in Ukrainian criminal procedure and international criminal law, with concrete examples of casework.', 'Your ability to mentor and build capacity among local justice actors, not just provide top-down advice.', "How your experience aligns with PEJ's mission of filling gaps where individuals are inadequately protected under the law."]
Generate Cover Letter โ๐ Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- โ Review PEJ's website and recent publications to understand their specific projects in Ukraine and other countries.
- โ Read about the current state of war crimes investigations in Ukraine, including challenges faced by the Office of the Prosecutor General.
- โ Familiarize yourself with the Ukrainian Criminal Procedure Code and recent amendments relevant to international crimes.
- โ Learn about PEJ's Justice Bootcamp program and its curriculum to identify how you can contribute.
๐ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
โ ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic applicationโfailing to mention Ukraine or international criminal law specifics suggests lack of genuine interest.
- Avoid overemphasizing academic credentials without demonstrating practical, on-the-ground experience in complex investigations.
- Don't ignore the victim-centered approach; PEJ prioritizes survivors, so a purely legalistic or detached tone may be off-putting.
๐ Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Project Expedite Justice!