Legal Manager, Legal Service for Independent Media

Thomson Reuters Foundation is looking for a Legal Manager, Legal Service for Independent Media to join our TrustLaw team.

As Legal Manager, Legal Service for Independent Media, you will provide dedicated project leadership to continue to pilot the operationalization and implementation of a legal offering to support journalists and independent newsrooms, whose safety and independence are under threat.

You will report to TrustLaw’s Head of Special Projects, while working closely with the TrustLaw and the Media Freedom teams. You will manage one Legal Officer, Media Freedom.

This is a fixed-term 12-month contract based in London.

About the Role:

As our Legal Manager, Legal Service for Independent Media, you will:

• Map evolving trends and legal threats for journalists, media freedom NGOs and independent media outlets and identify the most pressing legal gaps and needs

• Build excellent relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external, including expanding our network of expert NGOs and legal teams working in the media, journalism and media freedom space

• Refine the operating model for the media-legal offering based on feedback received, including intake process, eligibility requirements, project flow, and impact monitoring mechanisms

• Work closely with our Media Freedom and Programmes team to ensure alignment and integration of the media-legal offering within the Foundation's existing media freedom work, and to identify other innovative programming, products and approaches that best leverage the Foundation’s assets

• Scope, and support the management of pro bono or low bono legal requests and cross-border research projects that address critical needs of journalists, media freedom NGOs and independent media outlets

• Scope and oversee the development of tools, resources, trainings and other content on key legal issues of relevance to journalists and independent media outlets to address threats to their safety and independence and build resilience

• Deliver and/or coordinate delivery of trainings, legal health checks and events for media freedom NGOs, journalists and/or media houses, often in partnership with the programming teams

• Support the development and implementation of a communications, engagement and outreach plan, as needed, in collaboration with the Foundation’s Communications, Social and Media Freedom teams

• Support bid development and partnership-building to ensure financial sustainability of the offering

• Carry out a variety of administrative, reporting, planning, monitoring, and logistical responsibilities linked to the project

About You

To be our Legal Manager, Legal Service for Independent Media, you will likely have:

• An LLB, with preference for a qualified lawyer or an advanced law degree

• At least five years’ experience working in the legal field, with prior experience in media law or related human rights matters, either in a law firm, media house or non-profit organisation

• Strong understanding of international standards on press freedom and/or the media law/policy landscape. Understanding of the legal needs of journalists and media outlets in the global south or Central/Eastern Europe/FSU an advantage

• Excellent project management and organisational skills including the ability to manage effectively multiple matters and projects in a fast-paced environment, with a high degree of creative and flexible thinking, and the ability to incorporate lessons learnt through pilot delivery

• Prior experience working on donor-funded projects is a plus

• Excellent research, drafting and analytical skills, with experience in training an advantage

• Excellent interpersonal skills – able to establish and maintain positive working relationships both internally and externally, with people from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds

• Resilience, ability to cope with high pressure and work environments and find solutions to problems when they arise – able to quickly understand complex information and communicate to non-experts

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so candidates should apply as soon as possible. To apply for this position, send your CV and cover letter in English describing how you meet the specifications for this role, what you bring to it, and your availability to start. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

What’s in it For You 

At the Thomson Reuters Foundation, our people are our greatest assets. Here are some of the benefits we offer for your personal and professional growth: 

• Global Perspective and Impact: Interested in working for a dynamic global organization with a focus on social impact? With hubs all over the world from Bangkok to Madrid to Rio de Janeiro, join a truly international team with a shared goal of helping to build societies around the world that are free, fair and informed. 

• A Unique Approach: Our expertise in media and the law is world class; we combine the power of both to address the critical issues faced by humanity.  

• Our Relevance: With a focus on advancing media freedom, fostering more inclusive economies and promoting human rights, our work has never been more needed than right now. 

• Benefits: We offer competitive salary packages and market-leading benefits. 

• Learning & Development: We are dedicated to the continual professional development of our employees and offer access to both in-house and external training opportunities. 

About Thomson Reuters Foundation 

The Thomson Reuters Foundation is corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, the global news and information services company. As an independent charity, registered in the UK and the USA, we work to advance media freedom, foster more inclusive economies, and promote human rights. Through news, media development, free legal assistance and convening initiatives, we combine our unique media and legal services to drive systemic change.