Reprieve, the charity that represents inmates in Guantanamo Bay, is to expand its ranks with the newly created role of death penalty director.

The charity is looking for an experienced individual to join the fight to save the lives of the 20 UK nationals currently sentenced to death in various prisons around the world, including the US.

“This is an exciting role for someone to find innovative ways to abolish the death penalty, country by country,” said Reprieve ­executive ­director Clare Algar.

The role, which is aimed at a criminal lawyer or litigator, will be focused on trying to unite EU states against the death penalty.

“This role has European Commission ;backing, which will enable the right person to shape the international movement,” added Algar.