PILnet is an international, locally present non-governmental organization (NGO) that partners with legal professionals and social purpose organizations (SPOs) 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 people on the move. PILnet currently has offices in New York, Budapest, and Hong Kong, but operates globally.
PILnet Hong Kong works with SPOs, legal professionals, and law students to (i) strengthen the legal capacity and resilience of the social sector and (ii) strengthen pro bono culture in Hong Kong. PILnet Hong Kong’s main services for SPOs include its Pro Bono Clearinghouse and its Legal Health Check service. Through these services, PILnet Hong Kong connects SPOs with pro bono lawyers, helping them access high-quality legal expertise that would otherwise be out of reach. On strengthening pro bono culture, PILnet Hong Kong works closely with law students as the next generation of lawyers. Through providing mentorship, internships, and other learning opportunities, PILnet Hong Kong highlights the importance of public interest law and pro bono work, instilling in law students a long-term commitment to supporting the social sector. PILnet Hong Kong further strengthens pro bono culture by regularly convening lawyers, through events such as the Hong Kong Pro Bono Roundtables, to explore different ways in which they can support public interest causes. PILnet Hong Kong is guided by its Board of Directors, with half of its board members based in Hong Kong.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Based in Hong Kong and reporting to the Co-Executive Director, who is based in Asia, the Programs & Operations Manager/Director (Hong Kong) will oversee the design and execution of all projects in Hong Kong and ensure the smooth operations of the office. They will work with a team of legal officers and program staff, ensuring that the Hong Kong program remains relevant to local stakeholders and aligns with PILnet’s mission. They will also work closely with the rest of the PILnet team and other colleagues across PILnet’s offices to design and implement cross-border strategies and projects. The Programs & Operations Manager/Director (Hong Kong) will be responsible for the following areas:
Programs:
- Oversee the successful and timely implementation of projects focused on Hong Kong in accordance with relevant grants;
- Conduct team meetings to discuss regular project tasks and issues;
- In consultation with the Co-Executive Director and the development team, investigate and explore new opportunities that align with PILnet’s vision and strategy;
- Keep the Co-Executive Director updated on developments related to Hong Kong programs and staff matters; and
- Coordinate sessions and other activities in preparation of PILnet’s annual Global Forum held in a different city each year.
Partnerships:
- In consultation with the development team, manage, deepen, and strengthen relationships with Hong Kong based funders;
- Support the Co-Executive Director and the development team in writing grant proposals, financial reports, donor reports, and other reports as necessary;
- Build partnerships with local stakeholders, such as public interest law organizations, government, corporations, and universities; and
- Represent PILnet at external events.
Legal, Governance and Finance:
- Ensure that the Hong Kong program operations and activities adhere to internal policies;
- In consultation with the Global Senior Counsel, support the Co-Executive Director in ensuring that PILnet Hong Kong is compliant with relevant laws and regulations;
- In consultation with the Global Senior Counsel, review agreements with external vendors, suppliers, and partners, including law firms and foundations, as necessary;
- Support the Co-Executive Director in managing and documenting PILnet Hong Kong board meetings; and
- Support the Co-Executive Director in reviewing and executing financial transactions of the Hong Kong office, as reviewed and approved by the finance team.
People Management:
- Manage and collaborate with a team of legal officers, program officers, fellows, and interns, to provide guidance, input, and feedback;
- Manage and oversee the allocation of assigned team’s staff time to the relevant tasks and projects;
- Conduct performance reviews and wellbeing check-ins for direct reports;
- Lead or support staff recruitment and onboarding processes as requested by the Co-Executive Director; and
- Other tasks as required by the Co-Executive Director or other authorized individual.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
• Degree in law, political science, international relations, public administration or related field. Preference will be given to applicants with a law degree.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Proficiency in spoken and written Chinese (Cantonese) is highly desirable.
• 8-10 years of relevant work experience, preferably in the legal nonprofit or public interest law field, and/or a graduate degree in a relevant field combined with relevant experience. Candidates with less relevant experience will be considered as Managers.
• Strong interest in public interest law, social justice and human rights.
• Project management experience and a record of delivering projects on time and to budget.
• Proactive, creative and opportunity-driven mindset.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills, including setting and executing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage competing priorities whilst maintaining a professional approach.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated by the ability to present effectively and persuasively.
• Excellent people skills, including networking, organizing, negotiating, and inspiring.
• Strong ability to delegate tasks effectively and mentor program staff, fellows and interns.
• Social impact measurement and data analysis experience.
• Working knowledge of performance evaluation techniques and key metrics.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Outlook, Access, etc.) and Google Apps. Advanced knowledge of excel and data visualization tools will be an advantage.
LOCATION & CONDITIONS
You will work alongside a small multicultural team from nonprofit management and legal backgrounds, providing you with a supportive and flexible working environment. The nature of the position mandates that the prospective candidate is based and has the right to work in the Hong Kong SAR. PILnet is not in a position to facilitate working visas and work permits.
This is a full-time position or a part-time (min. 60% capacity) position. The position will involve some regional and international travel, essential to the implementation of PILnet’s activities. It is not expected to be more than 15 days per year cumulatively.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested candidates should submit their application package via an online form as well as through recruitment@pilnet.org with the subject line “Programs & Operations Manager/Director (Hong Kong)” by October 9, 2026. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as soon as applications are received. The application package must include:
- Submitted online form
- Resume or CV
- Cover letter (max 1 page)
The cover letter should describe your interest in working with PILnet and spell out your relevant educational and practical experience. We kindly request that applicants do not submit resumes with pictures. PILnet focuses solely on qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to the consultancy requirements. Candidates may request accommodations for disability in the application process by writing to recruitment@pilnet.org.
PILnet is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and to providing 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, nationality, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, 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 and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply.
Personal data provided by applicants will be used strictly in accordance with PILnet’s Privacy Policy.
