Amnesty International is accepting applications for a Business and Human Rights Legal Advisor and Researcher position, offering an opportunity for experienced legal and human rights professionals to work on corporate accountability, international law and investigative research.
The permanent position can be based in Johannesburg, South Africa; London, United Kingdom; or Nairobi, Kenya. The role requires 35 working hours per week, and applications close on 11 October 2026 at 23:59 UK time.
For the London location, Amnesty International lists a salary of £65,610 per annum. Compensation for Johannesburg and Nairobi will depend on the respective location.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to experienced lawyers and researchers with expertise in international human rights law, international criminal law, corporate accountability and investigations into human rights-related corporate abuses.
About the Amnesty International Research Job 2026
The official position is:
Business and Human Rights Legal Advisor and Researcher
The role sits within Amnesty International’s Climate, ESJ and Corporate Accountability Programme.
Amnesty International’s Business and Human Rights team works to secure accountability for corporate abuses connected to human rights, including conduct that may amount to criminal offences.
The Legal Advisor and Researcher’s primary responsibility is to conduct and support investigative research into human rights abuses involving companies while providing legal advice concerning possible criminal offences and potential avenues for justice.
About Amnesty International
Amnesty International describes itself as a global movement of more than 10 million people campaigning for a world in which everyone can enjoy human rights.
The organization operates across almost every country in the world and campaigns against human rights abuses through research, advocacy, lobbying, public campaigning and other forms of action.
This position sits at the intersection of legal research, corporate accountability and international human rights advocacy.
Job Purpose
The Business and Human Rights Legal Advisor and Researcher will conduct and support investigative research into corporate involvement in human rights abuses.
The position also involves examining situations in which alleged corporate conduct could potentially amount to criminal offences.
The successful candidate will provide legal advice on possible offences and identify legal mechanisms that could potentially be used to pursue justice.
The role also involves representing Amnesty International’s corporate accountability work with important stakeholders and networks.
International Human Rights Law Expertise
A major component of the position is providing the Amnesty International Secretariat with expertise in international human rights law.
The Legal Advisor and Researcher will advise colleagues conducting research or campaigns concerning businesses and their impact on human rights.
The successful candidate may also review organizational outputs, including:
- Research reports
- Amicus briefs
- Press releases
- Other legal and research materials
The role further involves working with colleagues on business and human rights standard-setting and litigation.
Lead Corporate Crimes and Accountability Work
One of the position’s major responsibilities is leading Amnesty International’s project on corporate crimes and accountability.
The successful candidate will help ensure the delivery of activities associated with external grants while providing strategic direction and vision for the project.
Responsibilities also include:
- Maintaining relationships with key stakeholders
- Representing Amnesty International in fundraising activities
- Supporting the strategic direction of corporate accountability work
- Contributing to the organization’s wider Business and Human Rights programme
Investigative Research
Investigative research is central to this position.
The successful candidate will conduct both desk-based and field research into alleged legal breaches and human rights abuses involving corporate actors.
Research may examine the potential commission of crimes and other corporate conduct with human rights implications.
The role also involves investigating:
- Corporate structures
- Financial flows
- Human rights-related corporate abuses
- Potential legal breaches
- Potential criminal offences
Amnesty states that candidates will use a range of investigative techniques in carrying out this work.
Legal Research and Advice
The successful applicant will provide legal research and advice supporting cases investigated by Amnesty International.
This includes advice concerning potential criminal offences and possible legal avenues for justice.
The Legal Advisor and Researcher may also prepare or commission written materials intended to support investigations of Amnesty International cases by law-enforcement agencies.
The person appointed will act as a lead Amnesty International representative on corporate crimes in relation to individual casework and the broader corporate crimes project.
Human Rights Bodies and Tribunals
Another responsibility involves advising on the strategic use of legal and human rights mechanisms.
The successful candidate will provide advice concerning the use of:
- Human rights bodies
- Human rights procedures
- International tribunals
- Regional tribunals
- National tribunals
These mechanisms may be considered when advancing Amnesty International priorities relating to business and human rights and corporate crimes.
Qualifications
This is an experienced professional position rather than an entry-level legal opportunity.
Amnesty International states that candidates must have a professional qualification to practise law in at least one jurisdiction, or be recognized as an outstanding professional international lawyer.
Experience in the practice of law is essential.
Candidates should therefore carefully assess whether their professional legal background meets these requirements before applying.
International Law Experience
Candidates must possess either a professional qualification or extensive knowledge and experience in applying international law.
The areas specifically identified include:
- International human rights law
- Humanitarian law
- International criminal law
This knowledge and experience is considered essential for the position.
Corporate, Criminal and Economic Law
Amnesty International also seeks candidates with a professional qualification or extensive knowledge and experience in areas including:
Domestic criminal law
Corporate law
and/or
Economic law.
The combination of international and domestic legal expertise reflects the position’s focus on complex corporate accountability investigations.
Corporate Human Rights Investigations
Applicants should have experience investigating human rights-related corporate crimes.
They should also have experience identifying and pursuing potential legal avenues for justice at both the national and international levels.
This requirement makes previous experience in corporate accountability, legal investigations, human rights research or closely related areas particularly relevant.
Job Locations
The position can be based in one of three locations:
Johannesburg, South Africa
London, United Kingdom
Nairobi, Kenya
Amnesty International states that salary will depend on the location selected.
The vacancy does not describe this position as globally remote, so candidates should not assume they can perform the role from any country.
Salary
For candidates appointed in London, Amnesty International advertises a salary of:
£65,610 per annum.
The salary for candidates based in Johannesburg or Nairobi will depend on the location.
The supplied vacancy does not provide specific salary figures for Johannesburg and Nairobi.
Working Hours and Contract
This is a permanent position.
The successful candidate will normally work:
35 hours per week.
This distinguishes the opportunity from short-term consultancy or research contracts frequently offered within the international development and human rights sectors.
Employee Benefits
Amnesty International states that its employee benefits include:
- 37 days of annual leave, inclusive of public holidays and grace days
- Pension scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Life assurance
- Additional benefits designed around employees’ circumstances
Specific benefit arrangements may depend on the employment location and applicable organizational conditions.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Amnesty International states that it is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive organization.
The organization welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from different backgrounds, including underrepresented groups and people living with disabilities.
Amnesty also states that it can provide adjustments to make its recruitment process more inclusive and accessible.
How to Apply
Candidates should apply through Amnesty International’s official careers system.
Applicants should search for:
Business and Human Rights Legal Advisor and Researcher (4235)
Candidates should carefully review the full job description before submitting an application because Amnesty International notes that the attached job description contains additional information concerning responsibilities, skills and experience requirements.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by:
11 October 2026 at 23:59 UK time.
Applicants should consider applying before the final day.
Amnesty International specifically states that it reserves the right to close the vacancy before the advertised deadline if it receives an overwhelming response or if business priorities change.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Amnesty International |
| Position | Business and Human Rights Legal Advisor and Researcher |
| Reference | 4235 |
| Programme | Climate, ESJ and Corporate Accountability |
| Locations | Johannesburg, London or Nairobi |
| Contract | Permanent |
| Working Hours | 35 hours per week |
| London Salary | £65,610 per annum |
| Johannesburg/Nairobi Salary | Dependent on location |
| Key Area | Business and Human Rights |
| Research | Desk and field investigative research |
| Legal Qualification | Required, subject to stated alternative for outstanding international lawyers |
| Application Deadline | 11 October 2026, 23:59 UK time |
Important Scam Warning
Applicants should only use Amnesty International’s official recruitment channels.
The organization warns that it does not provide interview or job-related training before interviews and does not engage external suppliers to provide such training.
Messages from individuals claiming to provide such services on Amnesty International’s behalf are likely to be fraudulent and should be ignored or reported.
Final Thoughts
The Amnesty International Business and Human Rights Legal Advisor and Researcher Job 2026 is a senior professional opportunity for experienced lawyers and human rights researchers interested in corporate accountability.
The successful candidate will conduct investigative research into alleged corporate human rights abuses, examine corporate structures and financial flows, provide legal advice on potential criminal offences and avenues for justice, and help lead Amnesty International’s corporate crimes and accountability work.
The permanent position can be based in Johannesburg, London or Nairobi, with the London role paying £65,610 per year. Applications close on 11 October 2026 at 23:59 UK time, although Amnesty International warns that the vacancy may close earlier in certain circumstances.
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