Head of UK

Job Description

At ClientEarth we are looking for an experienced lawyer or law and policy expert to lead our legal strategies in the UK. Post-Brexit, UK environmental policy is set for major change, and this role offers a unique opportunity to help influence it.We are a legal and environmental charity that uses the power of the law to fight against climate change and to protect nature and the environment. Recent notable cases in the UK have included action to challenge illegal levels of air pollution as well as the construction of Europes largest gas plant. As Head of UK, you will be managing and leading a team of UK lawyers and policy experts working on environmental legislation, environmental democracy, and the design, implementation, and enforcement of key areas of UK environmental law. You will also be responsible for providing leadership and cohesion in the delivery of all of our work in the UK, including work delivered by other teams, ensuring cohesive and impactful outcomes for the environment and environmental rule of law in the UK.Please note that internally, this role will be known as "Head of Geography - UK"Meet your ManagerIn this role, you will be managed by Amy Rose. Amy joined ClientEarth in 2016 and is based in Luxembourg. Amy specialises in strategic impact litigation and oversees the strategy and management of ClientEarths diverse and growing litigation portfolio. Before joining ClientEarth, Amy was the Head of Litigation at Altisource Portfolio Solutions in Luxembourg, where she managed a large and diverse portfolio of multinational cases. Prior to moving to Europe, Amy worked as a commercial litigator at the global law firm of Squire Sanders in California.Main Duties Managing the delivery of our existing UK Environment strategy on environmental rights Working with others to devise and deliver the strategic direction for programmes undertaking work in the UK Coordinating and overseeing all programme work within the UK Setting, monitoring, and managing budgets Day-to-day line management of the UK team Making fundraising efforts Building relationships in the UK with NGOs, policy and lawmakersRole requirements Law degree Current legal qualification in the UK (preferred) or another common law jurisdiction (highly desirable) Extensive knowledge and expertise of public policy, and/or public interest law practice Some, preferably significant, knowledge of policy and regulation concerning sustainable farming, agricultural subsidies and/or soil or freshwater management Extensive knowledge and experience of UK environmental regulation (implementation and enforcement) and the design or operation of regulatory and/or subsidy schemes Previous experience of performing a management and supervisory role, building and managing a team, and leading by directing, motivating, and enabling others Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reportingFurther InformationFlexible working: Post-covid, we are giving our staff the choice to decide where they want to work for 80% of their week, with the other 20% of their week being office-based. See our Benefits page for more.ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) candidates, as these groups are currently under-represented in our organisation.Please note that ClientEarth is only able to employ those who have the pre-existing legal right to work in the UK.