Our latest opportunities to help WJP advance justice, opportunity, and peace worldwide. 

Available Positions:

Country Director, World Justice Project-Mexico

Summary: The World Justice Project (WJP) seeks a seasoned manager to serve as Country Director of World Justice Project-Mexico (WJP-Mexico), overseeing the organization's programs, operations, and administration in Mexico. With WJP’s recent publication of its report on The New Criminal Justice System in Mexico and its Mexico Rule of Law Index, the organization is poised for significant impact and growth. The new Country Director will have an exciting opportunity to shape and manage the organization at this critical period. This position will be based in WJP-Mexico's Mexico City office and report to the WJP Chief Research Officer. The responsibilities and primary activities considered for this position are the following:

Programmatic, Strategic, and Fundraising Responsibilities:

  • In consultation with senior program staff, determine the strategies, content, products, and goals on which the organization will focus its efforts.
  • Together with senior program staff, assume responsibility for completion of all program commitments and deliverables, in accordance with grant agreements and subsidy contracts.
  • Together with WJP leadership and senior program staff, develop and implement strategies to identify, solicit, and secure new funding sources for the WJP-Mexico program.
  • Participate in fundraising, public relations and outreach activities.

Budget and Financial Responsibilities:

  • Oversee budget preparation for the Mexico office, in general, including for purposes of grant applications.
  • Manage financial operations in accordance with the approved budgets and relevant standards, regulations, and donor requirements.
  • Oversee preparation of financial reports for each project or program in progress for donors, senior management, and the board of WJP.
  • Present financial information to non-expert audiences that are both internal and external to the organization.
  • Preparation and management of any audits, financial inspections or audit-related queries of WJP-Mexico operations.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and write proposals and prepare budgets for submission to potential donors, in coordination with Headquarters.

Operational and Management Responsibilities:

  • Oversee all aspects of WJP-Mexico's Mexico City office, including the negotiation of office space leases and asset protection.
  • Supervise the implementation of policies and procedures established by the organization, as well as its compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and other norms.
  • Create sound local policies and procedures to help govern the office.
  • Supervise the acquisition of goods and services in accordance with WJP policies.
  • Oversee recruitment, orientation, training, mentoring, and performance management of 20-person staff.
  • Implement civil protection security policies.
  • Implement digital security policies.

Abilities and Experience:

  • More than ten years non-profit program and financial management experience—including at least five years in senior management roles, including budgeting, grants management, and financial and programmatic reporting.
  • Substantial experience managing the use of subsidies granted by private and government sources, ideally including international sources such as USAID and the U.S. Department of State.
  • Experience in legal, governance, and/or administration of justice field strongly preferred.
  • Experience with managing internal and external program and financial audits.
  • Substantial experience with the identification and cultivation of donors to non-profit organizations and preparation of proposals for funding.
  • Experience writing proposals.
  • Experience hiring, training, advising, and managing personnel.
  • Experience coordinating international work between a global headquarters and country-specific office.
  • Significant office management and administrative experience.
  • Superior oral communication and interpersonal skills, especially the ability to give presentations.
  • Superior writing and editing skills.
  • Superior ability to use a spreadsheet program, preferably Excel.
  • Fluency in Spanish. Mastery of the English language (level C2, as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or equivalent).

Essential Personal Qualities:

  • Encourages and practices critical thinking.
  • Has substantial knowledge about topics relating to the organization's work. 
  • Has genuine interest in the mission and programs of WJP.
  • Is respectful toward others. 
  • Takes initiative and is proactive in addressing issues and solving problems.
  • Has proven ability to exercise good managerial judgment.
  • Has strong negotiating skills.
  • Pays great attention to detail. 
  • Communicates well both verbally and in text.
  • Collaborates creatively with all levels and areas of the organization. 
  • Can work with people of various cultures.
  • Is able to travel. 

Academic requirements: Master's degree or equivalent professional experience.

How to apply: To apply for this position, please email a cover letter, resume, and reference information (contact information for two to three references, with past supervisors and employers being preferred) to wjobs@worldjusticeproject.org with subject line "LAST NAME FIRST NAME MEXICO COUNTRY DIRECTOR POSITION". Please send all application documents in English, preferably in PDF format. This position will remain open until filled. Due to the high volume of applications expected to be received, we are able to follow up directly only with candidates selected for interviews. No phone calls please. 

About WJP: The World Justice Project® (WJP) is an independent, international, and multidisciplinary organization working to advance Rule of Law worldwide. One of its most important projects includes the measurement of Rule of Law through surveys administered to the general population and to experts in more than 100 countries. These surveys seek to measure these individuals’ experiences and perceptions regarding various aspects of Rule of Law. The results of these surveys are published in the Rule of Law Index by WJP (World Justice Project Rule of Law Index®), which has become the primary source of original data regarding Rule of Law worldwide.

In Mexico, the organization's work centers on research, data collection, analysis, and advocacy relating to the criminal justice system, specifically: i) the creation of a Rule of Law Index for Mexico, and ii) an impact evaluation of criminal justice reform. Both projects are accompanied by reports, articles, videos, animations, and infographics to communicate the significance and importance of Rule of Law in peoples’ lives. 

Criminal Justice Program Assistant

Position: The World Justice Project’s (WJP) research team is seeking a full-time Program Assistant in the WJP’s office in Washington, D.C., to assist with its thematic research projects that explore criminal justice and rule of law topics. This is a current vacancy, with an immediate start. 

Responsibilities: The Program Assistant will report directly to Amy Gryskiewicz, Rule of Law Index Director, and will provide crucial support for the WJP’s criminal justice work, including the Afghanistan Justice Sector Survey. The Program Assistant may also assist with research and data analysis for projects on the status of the rule of law around the world. The main responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

  • Assist with the day-to-day administration criminal justice research projects, including the Afghanistan Justice Sector Survey. This includes liaising with representatives of our partner organizations, maintaining project records, and tracking data collection efforts;
  • Assist with the drafting and copyediting of survey instruments targeting users of the criminal justice system, including detainees;
  • Contribute to the research, analysis, writing, and design of reports on criminal justice topics, including the WJP’s annual Rule of Law in Afghanistan series;
  • Assist with the drafting and copyediting of Request for Proposals (RFPs), brief concept notes, and internal summary documents;
  • Process and track invoices received for payment to polling partners and other vendors;
  • Conduct research related to criminal justice systems around the world, criminal justice performance measurement approaches, and other topics as needed;
  • Provide general programmatic support, including research, editing and proofreading documents and presentations, assisting with team calendar management, and coordinating logistics for travel and meetings;
  • Undertake rule of law research and analysis as necessary.

Qualifications: This position is open to graduates (B.A. or M.A.) with a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA with superior research, analytical, and organizational skills. Candidates should possess strong writing, oral communications, and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will have completed coursework in regional studies (South Asia or Latin America), criminal justice, international affairs, criminology, social sciences, journalism, pre-law, or a related field. The successful candidate will demonstrate the following skills and qualifications: 

  • Prior professional or academic research experience focused on criminal justice systems or the evaluation of criminal justice systems;
  • Experience or knowledge of survey methodology and design;
  • Strong professional writing, research, and communication skills;
  • Experience working with quantitative survey data is preferred. This includes data cleaning, validation, analysis, and visualization;
  • The ability to manage large databases (strong skills in Microsoft Excel required; experience with and knowledge of STATA, SPSS, R, or other statistical analysis software is a plus);
  • English fluency is required; fluency in an additional language (including Spanish or Dari) is a plus;
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, multicultural environment;
  • The ability to work independently as well as in group settings, the ability to manage his or her own workload, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work under deadline pressure. 
  • Commitment to the WJP’s mission and principles (www.worldjusticeproject.org).

Physical Requirements: While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is frequently required to use finger dexterity as well as sufficient hand dexterity to use a computer keyboard and be capable of reading a computer screen. Also the employee may need to remain seated for long periods of time, have the ability to perform repetitive motions, grasp objects, including a writing instrument, stand, communicate verbally and hear well enough to detect nuances and receive detailed information. The employee may be required to walk, push or pull objects, bend, squat, reach, or kneel. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision for extensive reading and data analysis.  

Working Conditions: The work conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing this job. The employee is expected to travel and will be exposed to outside environmental conditions during those times. The incumbent typically works indoors in a heated and air-conditioned office, with a mixture of natural, incandescent and fluorescent light with low to moderate noise levels.

How to Apply: The World Justice Project is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.

Please email a cover letter, resume, a writing sample not exceeding 5 pages, and reference information (1-3 references with contact information; past supervisors and employers preferred) to indexjobs@worldjusticeproject.org with subject line “LAST NAME, FIRST NAME – Criminal Justice Program Assistant 2019 Application”. Please send all application documents at once, preferably in one PDF file. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be considered. This position will remain open until filled. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to follow up directly with candidates selected for interviews. No phone calls please.

2019 Rule of Law Internship (paid)

Position: WJP’s Index team is seeking full-time, paid interns at WJP’s office in Washington, D.C., for four to six months, with the possibility of extension up to one year.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: As part of a small team, interns will provide crucial support to the Index team and will assist with data collection efforts and report production for WJP’s various projects, including the 2020 WJP Rule of Law Index, the Mexico States Rule of Law Index, and other thematic and country-specific projects. The main responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

  • Assist in the administration of the Qualified Respondents Questionnaire (QRQ) for the global WJP Rule of Law Index and the Mexico States Rule of Law Index;
  • Edit and proofread outreach templates and prepare major email campaigns in support of the QRQ; 
  • Conduct targeted telephone and email outreach to potential respondents;
  • Conduct research to identify potential practitioner and academic legal experts in various countries to participate in the WJP Rule of Law Index;
  • Perform data processing and provide developmental support in maintaining the database of experts for the WJP expert surveys, including data entry and data formatting;
  • Assist with preparations for the General Population Poll (GPP), which includes evaluating and contracting survey organizations to conduct in-country fieldwork around the world;
  • Assist with fieldwork for the GPP, which includes reviewing/conducting back translations for the translated survey instrument and reviewing sampling plans;
  • Provide other general support for the GPP as needed;
  • Edit and proofread WJP publications, including the 2020 WJP Rule of Law Index and the Mexico States Rule of Law Index; 
  • Conduct qualitative research on rule of law developments around the world;
  • Assist with preparations for meetings and presentations, including producing drafts of Microsoft PowerPoint presentations and handouts, and preparing and assembling outreach materials for external distribution;
  • Provide general administrative support for WJP projects, including organizational work in Microsoft Excel and Word; assist with Index calendar management and logistics for travel and meetings, mass mailings, and other office and logistical support duties.

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree (completed or currently pursuing) in international affairs, social sciences, journalism, economics, policy studies, regional studies, or related field;
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office (especially Excel), with preference given to those with prior experience/proven ability managing large databases;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently, and ability to give and receive feedback;
  • Highly dependable with the ability to work in a team-oriented environment;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, excellent problem solving skills, and attention to detail;
  • Preferably at least one year of professional experience, including internships;
  • Proficiency in a foreign language (especially French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Portuguese) is preferred;
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

How to Apply: The World Justice Project is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.

Please email a cover letter, resume, a writing sample not exceeding 3 pages, and reference information (1-3 references with contact information; past supervisors and employers preferred) to indexjobs@worldjusticeproject.org with subject line "[Last Name], [First Name] RoL Internship 2019". Please send all application documents at once, preferably in one PDF file. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to follow up directly with candidates selected for interviews. No phone calls please.

Graphic Design Internship (paid)

Position: The WJP's Rule of Law Index team is seeking a full-time, paid intern at its Washington, D.C., office for the winter and spring of 2019 (starting in January for a minimum of three months). This position will support the design department in the development and production of country-specific reports and supporting products.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with the design and production of the 2019 edition of the WJP Rule of Law Index, WJP Mexico States Rule of Law Index, Mexican and Global Access to Justice Reports and all supporting materials.
  • Identify new opportunities to translate relevant data into beautiful, innovative data visualizations, infographics, posters, etc.
  • Conduct research on data design and publication trends;
  • Assist with preparations for meetings and presentations, including producing drafts of Microsoft PowerPoint presentations and handouts, and preparing and assembling outreach materials for external distribution;
  • Provide general administrative support for WJP projects, including organizational work in Microsoft Excel and Word.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree (completed or currently pursuing) in graphic design, visual journalism, or related field;
  • Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
  • Proficiency in Spanish is a plus;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently and ability to give and receive feedback;
  • Highly dependable with the ability to work in a team-oriented environment;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, excellent problem-solving skills, and attention to detail;
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. 

How to Apply: The World Justice Project is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. Please email a cover letter, resume, link to portfolio or website, and reference information (1-3 reference contact information, past supervisors and employers preferred) to design@worldjusticeproject.org with subject line "[Last Name], [First Name] Design Internship." Please send all application documents at once, preferably in one PDF file. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to follow up directly with candidates selected for interviews. No phone calls please.