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 a full-time or part-time enthusiastic Junior Program Officer to support the programs and operational needs of the Hong Kong office. You will provide support to PILnet’s pro bono clearinghouses, which facilitate pro bono legal assistance for CSOs and social enterprises in Hong Kong and across Asia. You will also help us in planning and coordinating logistics for workshops and roundtables targeted at CSOs and law firms in Hong Kong. Furthermore, you will support PILnet’s newly launched Legal Health Check service, which helps CSOs identify legal and operational risks and creates a plan to address them. In addition, you will help coordinate sessions and support logistics of PILnet’s annual Global Forum held in a different city each year. You are also expected to provide administrative support to the Hong Kong office such as onboarding of new staff, liaising with vendors, designing newsletters, and data entry and management.
Reporting to the Senior Program Officer, you will apply your technical skills, education, and experience to:
● Support PILnet’s clearinghouse operations by corresponding via email, arranging meetings with CSOs and social enterprises to understand their legal needs, drafting descriptions of legal needs, and identifying and communicating with lawyers within PILnet’s network who can provide pro bono support.
● Support PILnet’s Legal Health Check for CSOs in Hong Kong by corresponding with CSOs and lawyers, reviewing risk assessment reports prepared by pro bono legal teams, and arranging debriefing meetings with CSOs.
● Plan and coordinate logistics for PILnet workshops, as well as PILnet Global Forums and other events.
● Support the Hong Kong office with all administrative matters.
● Support data management for the Hong Kong office.
● Other tasks as assigned by the Co-Executive Director.
QUALIFICATIONS
● Undergraduate degree in law, communications, social sciences, international relations, public administration, or related field.
● Fluency in written and spoken English as well as Chinese (Cantonese).
● Minimum 1 year of relevant work experience, preferably in the nonprofit or public interest law field.
● Demonstrated interest in public interest law, social justice, and human rights.
● Ability to work well under pressure and manage competing priorities, while maintaining a professional approach.
● Excellent written and oral communication skills.
● Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and work with an international team.
● Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Outlook, Access, etc.) and Google Apps.
LOCATION
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 is not expected to undertake any international travel. You should have the right to work in Hong Kong. The position is open to full-time and part-time (50-60% capacity) applicants and is subject to the approval of external funding.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and CV with the subject line “Application for Junior Program Officer (Hong Kong) position,” as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed after June 22, 2025. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis from mid- to late-June.
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.
