ABOUT PILNET

PILnet is an international, locally present non-governmental organization (NGO) that partners with legal professionals and civil society organizations (CSOs) globally to protect civic space, address global challenges, and work to build just, equitable, and sustainable societies. PILnet does this by supporting civil society, engaging legal professionals, and nurturing the next generation of legal professionals in three strategic priority areas: civic space, climate justice, and refugees and people on the move. PILnet currently has offices in New York, Budapest, and Hong Kong, but operates globally. 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We are looking for an enthusiastic Program Officer/Senior Program Officer (title is subject to experience) to implement and design projects undertaken by the Hong Kong office. Under the supervision of the Program Director: Asia, you will apply your technical skills, education, and experience to:

  • Manage the Hong Kong Pro Bono Clearinghouse and other activities aimed at improving access to pro bono legal services for NGOs, social enterprises (SEs), and the communities they work with.
  • Plan and coordinate workshops and events aimed at strengthening the legal capacity of NGOs and SEs in Hong Kong.
  • Manage activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of lawyers in supporting vulnerable communities more effectively. 
  • Coordinate activities aimed at improving the overall legal health of NGOs and SEs in Hong Kong. 
  • Oversee activities aimed at nurturing the next generation of pro bono and public interest lawyers.
  • Ensure the successful and timely implementation of all projects under your responsibility and in accordance with the relevant grants.  
  • Provide support to the Co-Executive Director and the Development Team in writing grant proposals, financial reports, donor reports, and other reports as necessary.
  • Work closely with the Co-Executive Director and the Program Director: Asia to build partnerships with local stakeholders, including other public interest law organizations, NGOs, law firms, corporations, and universities.
  • Coordinate sessions and other activities in preparation of PILnet’s annual Global Forum held in a different city each year. 
  • Keep abreast of public interest law developments relevant to Hong Kong.
  • Other tasks as requested by the Program Director: Asia. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Undergraduate/graduate degree in law, communications, social sciences, international relations, public administration, or related field. Preference will be given to applicants with a law degree.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English as well as Chinese (Cantonese).
  • Minimum 2-5 years of relevant work experience, preferably in the nonprofit or public interest law field. 
  • Project management experience and a record of delivering projects on time and to budget. 
  • Proactive, creative, and opportunity-driven mindset.
  • Demonstrated interest in public interest law and social justice.
  • Excellent organizational skills, including setting and executing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and manage competing priorities, while maintaining a professional approach.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated by the ability to present effectively and persuasively.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and work with an international team.
  • Ability to delegate tasks effectively and mentor program staff, fellows, and interns.
  • Social impact measurement and data analysis experience.
  • Working knowledge of project monitoring and evaluation techniques and key metrics.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Outlook, Access, etc.) and Google Apps.

LOCATION and BENEFITS

You will work alongside a small multicultural team from nonprofit management and legal backgrounds in the Hong Kong office, providing you with a supportive and flexible working environment. You are expected to travel to the PILnet Global Forum held once per year; otherwise, this position would require infrequent regional or international travel. You should have  the right to work in Hong Kong.

The salary range for this position is 26,000 HKD to 32,000 HKD (negotiable and subject to experience). You will be entitled to 22 days of annual leave per year, and eligible for our health insurance coverage, which also includes an annual health check. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and CV to [email protected] with the subject line “Application for Program Officer/Senior Program Officer (Hong Kong) position,” as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed after April 22, 2024. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The cover letter should describe your interest in working with PILnet and should spell out your relevant educational and/or practical experience. We kindly request that applicants do not submit CVs with pictures. PILnet focuses solely on qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to the job requirements.

PILnet is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at PILnet are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications and merit, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. PILnet will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. PILnet encourages applicants of all ages and backgrounds.

Personal data provided by applicants will be used strictly in accordance with PILnet’s Privacy Policy.