After obtaining a Master's degree in freedom law at Caen-Normandy University, Jonas worked for several years in France and in the United Kingdom, providing access to law for foreigners. In particular, he worked with asylum seekers in France. Alongside his professional commitments, Jonas created an association which filed several appeals to the European Court of Human Rights. After a spell at the National Court of Asylum, Jonas took up his post as Director of the International Institute for Human Rights and Peace in September 2014. He still holds this position today.