Position Overview

As the Senior Dispute Resolution Specialist, you will play a key role in shaping and advancing Ciarb's thought leadership, policy frameworks, standards, and professional practice guidance in dispute resolution across diverse sectors. Your focus will be on adjudication, expert determination, dispute boards, and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, particularly in construction and international commercial law. You will work collaboratively to contribute to the development of professional standards, drive strategic projects, and provide expert guidance on policy matters, ensuring that Ciarb remains at the forefront of global dispute resolution.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development and Guidance

• Lead the drafting of policy papers, reports, and consultation responses on dispute resolution, particularly related to adjudication, construction, expert determination, dispute boards, and international commercial law.
• Provide expert advice on adjudication, dispute board, expert determination (and other ADR) strategies, mechanisms, and frameworks, supporting the development of Ciarb’s professional practice guidelines.
• Monitor global trends and legal and regulatory changes in the dispute resolution landscape to ensure Ciarb’s policies and guidance are aligned with global best practices.

Professional Practice and Standards

• Contribute to the advancement of professional standards for adjudication, expert determination, and dispute board practitioners.
• Develop resources and best practice guides for Ciarb members, ensuring their professional development aligns with cutting-edge trends in dispute resolution, particularly in construction and other international commercial law fields.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to colleagues and members.

Research and Insights

• Support the development and analysis of an industry survey on expert witnesses in ADR
• Support research, writing, and analysis on dispute resolution, particularly related to adjudication, construction, expert determination, conflict avoidance, and dispute boards.

Thought Leadership and Advocacy

• Represent Ciarb at industry events, conferences, and workshops, advocating for the institute’s thought leadership in dispute resolution and ADR.
• Publish articles and papers on emerging trends in adjudication, expert determination, dispute boards, construction disputes, international commercial law, and other key areas.
• Collaborate with other organizations and thought leaders to promote ADR best practices and strengthen Ciarb’s global influence.
• Support the delivery of high-quality ongoing professional development programs, seminars, and workshops to support Ciarb’s Ongoing Learning Program.
• Collaborate with Ciarb’s education team to enhance the institute’s curriculum and professional development offerings.
• Advocating for and implementing diversity and inclusion driven policies and practices that shape industry standards, creating a positive impact on how dispute resolution is approached globally.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

Dispute Resolution Expertise

• Extensive experience in adjudication, expert determination, dispute boards, and other ADR mechanisms, particularly in construction and other international commercial law sectors.
• Proven track record of handling complex cross-border disputes, with a focus on adjudication and construction disputes.
• Deep understanding of international rules and frameworks related to adjudication, expert determination, and dispute boards.
• In-depth knowledge of professional standards and ethical issues surrounding ADR processes, with a commitment to upholding Ciarb’s values.

Policy and Advocacy Experience

• Experience in shaping policy and influencing legal and regulatory frameworks related to adjudication, construction law, and ADR.
• Ability to draft high-quality reports, policy papers, and consultation responses, with excellent attention to detail.

Thought Leadership and Communication

• Demonstrated experience as a thought leader in the field, with a strong publication record and history of speaking at relevant industry events and conferences.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging a variety of stakeholders, from legal professionals to policymakers.
• Strong commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion fostering a collaborative environment amongst their team and the wider organisation.

Qualifications

• Technical (construction, engineering, accounting, etc.) and/or legal training (LLB, JD, or equivalent) and/or professional qualification with relevant certifications in adjudication, expert determination, or other forms of ADR.
• Advanced academic qualifications in construction, international commercial law, or related fields are highly desirable.
• Membership with Ciarb or similar ADR bodies is preferred.

What's in it for you?

Contract: 12 month fixed term contract, Part time (3 days per week)

Salary: £58,333 per annum (£35,000 pro-rata)

Annual leave: 25 days per annum plus UK bank holidays

Sick pay: Enhanced company scheme subject to terms and conditions

Life assurance: Company life assurance scheme (4 x annual salary)

Pension: Generous Pension Scheme (from day 1 of joining)

Please view the full range of benefits by accessing the dedicated page through the menu.

Application Notes

The deadline for applications is 23:59 hours by Sun 22nd Dec 2024.

This is a two stage interviewing process.

• First interviews will be scheduled to take place the week commencing 13th January 2025.
• Second interviews will be scheduled to take place in person week commencing 20th January 2025.