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. You will focus on arbitration, mediation, and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms with particular emphasis on the energy, technology, and ethics. You will work collaboratively to contribute to the development of professional standards, drive strategic projects, and advise 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 arbitration, energy, sustainability, ESG, technology, and ethics.
• Provide expert advice on arbitration (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 practice.

Professional Practice and Standards

• Contribute to the advancement of professional standards for arbitration (and other ADR) practitioners.
• Develop resources and best practice guides for Ciarb members, ensuring their professional development aligns with cutting-edge trends in dispute resolution.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to colleagues and members.

Research and Insights

• Lead the production and publication of the Ciarb Journal.
• Support the development and analysis of an industry survey on AI and technology in ADR.

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 arbitration, mediation, energy/climate. developments and disputes, technology developments and disputes, and public/private international law matters.
• 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.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including legal professionals, industry bodies, government agencies, and academic institutions.
• Act as a trusted advisor to Ciarb members, providing technical guidance on dispute resolution mechanisms and policy implications.
• Work with the communications team to ensure the visibility of Ciarb’s dispute resolution policy and practice activities.
• Represent Ciarb’s positions at various international fora including, United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and others.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

Dispute Resolution Expertise

• Extensive experience in arbitration (and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms), with specific knowledge in energy, sustainability, climate, technology, public international law, private international law, and other matters.
• Proven track record of working on complex cross-border disputes.
• Deep understanding of international arbitration rules and ADR frameworks.
• In-depth knowledge of professional standards and ethical issues surrounding arbitration, mediation, and other forms of ADR with a commitment to upholding Ciarb values.

Policy and Advocacy Experience

• Strong experience in shaping policy and influencing legal and regulatory frameworks related to dispute resolution, particularly in public international law, professional standards and ethics, and specialized sectors like energy, ESG, sustainability, and technology.
• 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, including a strong publication record and a 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

• Legal training (LLB, JD, LLB) and/or professional qualification (e.g., solicitor, barrister, or attorney) with relevant certifications in arbitration, mediation, or other form of ADR.
• Advanced academic qualifications in arbitration, international law, energy, technology, ethics, or related fields are highly desirable.
• Membership with Ciarb or similar arbitration and ADR bodies is preferred.

What's in it for you?

Contract: Full time, Permanent

Salary: £55,000 per annum

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.