Open to opportunities

Rodrigo SOUSA MENDES

@rodrigosousamendes

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EU law and policy expert specializing in human rights, security, defence, and migration.

Belgium

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role where I can shape EU policy and regulatory frameworks on human rights, security, defence, and emerging technologies, collaborating with institutions and stakeholders to drive responsible, impact-focused solutions.

I am a Portuguese legal professional with an LL.B. in Law and an M.A. in European Interdisciplinary Studies, bringing nearly a decade of experience in EU law and policy across human rights, justice, security, defence, and migration.

Currently a pre-doctoral researcher at UNED’s General Gutiérrez Mellado University Institute, I research legal governance of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in European defence, drafting papers and engaging institutional stakeholders on responsible innovation and accountability.

Previously I served as Policy Advisor in the European Parliament (Office of MEP Isabel Santos), where I provided legal and policy advice to multiple committees, proposed and coordinated legislative amendments, drafted briefs and legal opinions, and maintained relations with EU institutions and civil society.

I have worked with UN agencies and NGOs on refugee protection, asylum law, and human rights, combining legal precision with policy insight to support program implementation, advocacy, and capacity building.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Pre-Doctoral Researcher

Current

General Gutiérrez Mellado University Institute (UNED)

Mar 2024 - Present (1 year 7 months)

Conducting legal and policy research on EU regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in defence, drafting research papers and policy briefs to inform governance and accountability of AI-enabled defence systems.

AI Governance Cybersecurity Law Policy Analysis Research Legal Drafting Stakeholder Engagement Defence Policy

Policy Advisor (APA)

European Parliament (Office of MEP Isabel Santos - S&D)

Sep 2019 - Jul 2024 (4 years 10 months)

Provided legal and policy advice to committees on civil liberties, foreign affairs and security; proposed and coordinated legislative amendments, drafted briefings and legal opinions, and managed relations with EU institutions and civil society.

Legal Drafting Legal Analysis And Briefings Negotiation Public Affairs

Legal Consultant

Sousa Mendes Foundation

Jun 2018 - Apr 2019 (10 months)

Developed legal framework for the Foundation's representation to UN and EU bodies, drafted legal and policy notes on forced migration and refugee protection, and supported networking with UN rapporteurs and civil society.

International Law Policy Writing Legal Research Advocacy

Legal Advocacy Consultant

BADIL Resource Center

Feb 2018 - Apr 2018 (2 months)

Analysed UN Human Rights Council reports, drafted legal submissions and policy briefs to raise attention to Palestinian residency and refugee rights, and coordinated advocacy with diplomatic missions and UN partners.

Human Rights Law Policy Briefing Research Reporting

Legal Officer

Portuguese Refugee Council

Jul 2017 - Jan 2018 (6 months)

Monitored EU asylum law and policy developments, provided legal counselling to relocated asylum-seekers, and delivered training on the Dublin Regulation and EU relocation mechanisms to local authorities.

Training Case Management Legal Research

Blue Book Trainee

European Commission, DG Migration and Home Affairs

Oct 2016 - Feb 2017 (4 months)

Supported follow-up to the Valletta Summit on Migration, assisted coordination for the Global Compacts on Refugees and Migration, and compiled analysis to inform DG priorities and relations with partner countries.

Research Reporting EU Institutions Analysis

Protection Fellow

UNHCR

Feb 2016 - Aug 2016 (6 months)

Provided legal and protection counselling to refugees and asylum-seekers, drafted situation updates and legal research on human rights issues, and prepared inputs for Mozambique's submissions to UN Treaty Bodies.

Protection Counseling Human Rights Research Reporting Legal Drafting

Human Rights Intern

UNHCR

Oct 2013 - Apr 2014 (6 months)

Prepared UNHCR legal submissions for UN Treaty Bodies, monitored sessions of the Human Rights Council and drafted outcome reports, and conducted legal research on rights of refugees and persons of concern.

Legal Research Reporting UN Procedures Treaty Body Submissions Monitoring Human Rights Law Drafting

Trainee Lawyer

Silva Pinto Lawyer

Sep 2012 - Sep 2013 (1 year)

Conducted legal research and drafted opinions, procedural documents and correspondence, prepared case files and coordinated submissions with courts and public authorities in public law matters.

Legal Research Litigation Support Case Management Administrative Law client support