Auto req ID: 679BR
Title: Researcher/Adviser - Business and Human Rights Team
Team: Business and Human Rights
Programme: Global Thematic Issues
Advert: Amnesty International (AI) is at the forefront of eradicating human rights violations related to corporate activity. But in order to act, we need informed strategy based on thorough and irrefutable research. So as a Researcher, your contribution will be absolutely critical.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
As a specialist researcher in this emerging area of human rights, you’ll carry out in-depth investigations that will bring corporations to account for involvement in human rights abuses. . Focusing largely on extractive industries, that means researching key issues like the impact of mining practices on indigenous peoples and women in India and the impact of oil pollution on people’s right to water, livelihoods and a clean environment in the Niger delta. Whether you’re carrying out desk-based research or conducting in-country fact-finding, you will be contributing to advancing the debate on corporate accountability for human rights abuses by using an evidence based approach. You will be able to analyse and document key findings in light with international standards on business and human rights and collate your research into comprehensive and influential reports recommending legal and political change relevant to this subject area from the London office. In fact, capitalising on your astute understanding and awareness of Business & Human Rights, you’ll advise people right across AI. More than that, providing expert guidance on research and methodology, you’ll promote the quality and consistency of our work. You’ll also be involved taking forward relevant lobbying and advocacy strategies, so you can expect to have a big impact on our strategic direction.
ABOUT YOU:
Through extensive experience researching human rights violations, both at your desk and in the field, you’ll have developed an expert knowledge of how to document and use evidence to show that businesses can cause or contribute to human rights abuses. You’ll have a strong background in the subject area, including knowledge and experience with relevant international institutions and processes. You’ll also understand the social, cultural, ethnic, racial and gender issues relevant to the area and, ideally, possess an in-depth knowledge of international corporate and human rights legal frameworks. And as well as showing sound political judgement, you’ll bring us the highly developed analytical skills needed to plan short- and long-term strategy at this level. Naturally, you’ll be a clear and convincing communicator – someone who’s able to present influential arguments and write high-quality reports and policy papers. In addition, you’ll have the interpersonal skills to represent AI externally and the tact to interview witnesses and survivors of human rights violations in a sensitive manner; drawing out the information we need to help others like them.
ABOUT US:
Our aim is simple: an end to human rights abuses. Independent, international and influential, we campaign for justice, freedom and truth wherever they’re denied. Already our network of over three million members and supporters is making a difference in 150 countries. And whether we’re applying pressure through powerful research or direct lobbying, mass demonstrations or online campaigning, we’re all inspired by hope for a better world. One where human rights are respected and protected by everyone, everywhere.
Job Summary
JOB PURPOSE:
As Amnesty International’s (AI’s) lead expert on a specific thematic area within the team and Programme’s brief, lead on the development and implementation of research and advocacy strategies to deliver impact in relation to agreed priorities, conducting research, and utilising political judgment and analytical, communication and representational skills. Provide authoritative advice to country and thematic specialists in the International Secretariat (IS), sections and structures. Develop AI’s policy positions and advocacy strategies, and contribute to the development of the movement’s strategic goals and responses to human rights issues in this field.
DEPARTMENT PURPOSE:
1. To provide strategic vision and leadership in the areas of global thematic research and analysis which allow AI to identify and address new trends or emerging issues in a timely manner.
2. To ensure that the global thematic issues programme works closely with the law and policy programme, the international advocacy programme, regional programmes, the campaign programme, the mobilization cluster and the communications cluster to ensure coherence and effectiveness in our work on transnational or emerging human rights issues.
3. To ensure that AI responds effectively to emerging trends in human rights issues, understanding how globalization has changed the analysis of some violations and abuses, and allocating resources to address particularly difficult areas of human rights that require specialist concentration.
AIIS PURPOSE:
The International Secretariat, which operates from a number of sites around the world, gathers and communicates accurate and action-oriented human rights information globally. We campaign for meaningful human rights change; enable effective human rights activism and work to persuade governments and other actors to uphold universal human rights standards. We provide strategic leadership, support and advice to the Amnesty International movement globally, fostering Amnesty International’s contribution, presence and public accountability throughout the world.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Reporting to - Head of Business and Human Rights, Global Thematic Issues Programme
Posts that this job manages - This post has no line management responsibility. However, the post holder may supervise temporary staff and team volunteers.
Other key relationships - Law and Policy Programme; other teams within the Global Thematic Issues programme (discussed below); regional programmes; other teams in the International Secretariat, including campaign teams; sections and structures; other international, regional, and local nongovernmental organisations; and UN agencies.
Job Description
Title: Researcher/Adviser - Business and Human Rights Team
Team: Business and Human Rights
Programme: Global Thematic Issues
Advert: Amnesty International (AI) is at the forefront of eradicating human rights violations related to corporate activity. But in order to act, we need informed strategy based on thorough and irrefutable research. So as a Researcher, your contribution will be absolutely critical.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
As a specialist researcher in this emerging area of human rights, you’ll carry out in-depth investigations that will bring corporations to account for involvement in human rights abuses. . Focusing largely on extractive industries, that means researching key issues like the impact of mining practices on indigenous peoples and women in India and the impact of oil pollution on people’s right to water, livelihoods and a clean environment in the Niger delta. Whether you’re carrying out desk-based research or conducting in-country fact-finding, you will be contributing to advancing the debate on corporate accountability for human rights abuses by using an evidence based approach. You will be able to analyse and document key findings in light with international standards on business and human rights and collate your research into comprehensive and influential reports recommending legal and political change relevant to this subject area from the London office. In fact, capitalising on your astute understanding and awareness of Business & Human Rights, you’ll advise people right across AI. More than that, providing expert guidance on research and methodology, you’ll promote the quality and consistency of our work. You’ll also be involved taking forward relevant lobbying and advocacy strategies, so you can expect to have a big impact on our strategic direction.
ABOUT YOU:
Through extensive experience researching human rights violations, both at your desk and in the field, you’ll have developed an expert knowledge of how to document and use evidence to show that businesses can cause or contribute to human rights abuses. You’ll have a strong background in the subject area, including knowledge and experience with relevant international institutions and processes. You’ll also understand the social, cultural, ethnic, racial and gender issues relevant to the area and, ideally, possess an in-depth knowledge of international corporate and human rights legal frameworks. And as well as showing sound political judgement, you’ll bring us the highly developed analytical skills needed to plan short- and long-term strategy at this level. Naturally, you’ll be a clear and convincing communicator – someone who’s able to present influential arguments and write high-quality reports and policy papers. In addition, you’ll have the interpersonal skills to represent AI externally and the tact to interview witnesses and survivors of human rights violations in a sensitive manner; drawing out the information we need to help others like them.
ABOUT US:
Our aim is simple: an end to human rights abuses. Independent, international and influential, we campaign for justice, freedom and truth wherever they’re denied. Already our network of over three million members and supporters is making a difference in 150 countries. And whether we’re applying pressure through powerful research or direct lobbying, mass demonstrations or online campaigning, we’re all inspired by hope for a better world. One where human rights are respected and protected by everyone, everywhere.
Job Summary
JOB PURPOSE:
As Amnesty International’s (AI’s) lead expert on a specific thematic area within the team and Programme’s brief, lead on the development and implementation of research and advocacy strategies to deliver impact in relation to agreed priorities, conducting research, and utilising political judgment and analytical, communication and representational skills. Provide authoritative advice to country and thematic specialists in the International Secretariat (IS), sections and structures. Develop AI’s policy positions and advocacy strategies, and contribute to the development of the movement’s strategic goals and responses to human rights issues in this field.
DEPARTMENT PURPOSE:
1. To provide strategic vision and leadership in the areas of global thematic research and analysis which allow AI to identify and address new trends or emerging issues in a timely manner.
2. To ensure that the global thematic issues programme works closely with the law and policy programme, the international advocacy programme, regional programmes, the campaign programme, the mobilization cluster and the communications cluster to ensure coherence and effectiveness in our work on transnational or emerging human rights issues.
3. To ensure that AI responds effectively to emerging trends in human rights issues, understanding how globalization has changed the analysis of some violations and abuses, and allocating resources to address particularly difficult areas of human rights that require specialist concentration.
AIIS PURPOSE:
The International Secretariat, which operates from a number of sites around the world, gathers and communicates accurate and action-oriented human rights information globally. We campaign for meaningful human rights change; enable effective human rights activism and work to persuade governments and other actors to uphold universal human rights standards. We provide strategic leadership, support and advice to the Amnesty International movement globally, fostering Amnesty International’s contribution, presence and public accountability throughout the world.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Reporting to - Head of Business and Human Rights, Global Thematic Issues Programme
Posts that this job manages - This post has no line management responsibility. However, the post holder may supervise temporary staff and team volunteers.
Other key relationships - Law and Policy Programme; other teams within the Global Thematic Issues programme (discussed below); regional programmes; other teams in the International Secretariat, including campaign teams; sections and structures; other international, regional, and local nongovernmental organisations; and UN agencies.
Job Description
- Develop and conduct research and analysis on a specific thematic area within the team and Programme’s brief, investigating and evaluating human rights related developments in order to provide timely, accurate, independent and impartial assessments and recommendations to the IS and the wider movement.
- Organize and undertake field research missions, leading specifically on information-gathering, fact-finding, analysis and assessment of relevant human rights concerns, including in response to crisis situations; prepare, where necessary, security assessments, political and other briefings related to the mission for IS management, mission participants and internal or external stakeholders; and represent AI in the field, including to government officials, partner organizations and the media.
- Provide expert advice on research and research methodology within the team’s thematic brief to AI research staff to ensure quality and consistency of work in this area.
- Provide expert advice on issues within the post’s thematic brief to AI staff, sections/structures, and other AI membership bodies in order to ensure accuracy and relevance, and the integration of these issues into AI’s work.
- Write or contribute to the drafting of timely and effective reports, briefings, position papers, correspondence, action materials, press releases, and other internal and external documents in order to implement AI’s agreed strategies.
- Develop and coordinate the implementation of specific advocacy initiatives, contribute to campaigning strategies, and manage specific sub-projects within the framework of agreed strategies for the unit, the IS and the movement. This may include coordination of project teams and supervision of consultants.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of a training program, to assist staff and the membership to develop and maintain the skills and knowledge necessary to work toward the achievement of AI strategies.
- Develop and maintain effective constituencies of public and confidential contacts and partners in and outside of the organization -- such as rights activists, partner organizations, members of legal and other professions, UN agencies and governmental representatives -- to optimize information gathering and verification and the development and implementation of effective strategies and plans.
- Represent AI externally, including in governmental, inter-governmental and other public forums, reporting back to the IS and the movement; develop media and other professional contacts; and otherwise act as an AI expert spokesperson on these issues to raise public awareness of AI and its concerns.
- Maintain a comprehensive overview of trends and developments on the specific thematic responsibility of the post, and relevant specialist subjects, as agreed with the Unit Director.
- Contribute to the development of programme and movement-wide strategies and plans for research and campaigning, including through internal discussions on the AI mission, policy, organizational and other issues in order to increase the effectiveness of AI’s work.
- Participate in the coordination of the work of the team, including through setting priorities, preparing work plans, monitoring their progress and contributing to maintaining budgets.
- Contribute to the overall flexibility of resource use and provide cover for other programme staff as agreed with management;
- Perform all necessary administrative tasks to ensure effective self-servicing, participate in the recruitment and induction of new staff and consultants and perform other corporate tasks as appropriate.
Job Description, Continued
USEFUL INFORMATION:
There are four teams within the Global Thematic Issues Programme, each leading Amnesty International’s work on a particular human rights theme to ensure innovative analysis in specialized areas and a consistency of approach on a global basis:
1. The Business and Human Rights team leads on the human rights impact of business, corporate and other economic actors.
2. The Economic, Social and Cultural Rights team leads on economic, social and cultural rights issues.
3. The Human Security team leads on rights to physical and mental integrity, focusing on the death penalty and health dimensions of civil and political rights
4. The Refugee and Migrants' Rights team leads on the human rights of asylum-seekers, refugees and migrants, IDPs, trafficked and stateless persons.
Within their specific thematic area of expertise, each team is responsible for: devising innovative analyses to confront and prevent human rights violations in specialized areas; conducting research on human rights violations and on international legal, political and economic trends and developments related to protecting these rights; developing policy; providing legal advice, often in an area where there is currently little precedent in human rights law and policy; devising and implementing advocacy and campaigning strategies; coordinating and working with the relevant AI membership Network to ensure a coherent approach to AI’s campaigning and advocacy in this areas; providing advice and support to the agreed research plans of regional teams and sections.
What does success look like in this job?
The IS has a strong profile on the business and human rights issues, based on the production of high-quality reports and other public documents, and on the expert leadership and representation provided by the post-holder.
IS staff, AI sections and networks receive advice and policy guidance that is timely, succinct and accurate, including on relevant international law and standards and their application;
The post holder produces reports and other documents that are carefully researched, compellingly written, aimed at achieving specific impact, and delivered on schedule.
The post holder takes and creates strategic opportunities for policy development, research, lobbying, and public intervention.
Other AI staff and external actors, including the staff of other NGOs, turn to the post holder for his or her recognized expertise.
Skills & Experience
Specialist knowledge of the thematic area in your brief and an in-depth understanding of the nature of key human rights concerns, as well as the relevant political, social, legal, economic, cultural, ethnic, racial and gender issues.
Extensive professional experience of undertaking research on human rights and the thematic area of your brief.
Expert knowledge of the international human rights legal framework and relevant developments, gained through significant experience working within or on the sector.
Significant experience of undertaking high-quality field research, as demonstrated in a range of publications.
Demonstrated ability to analyse human rights issues, and to develop short and long-term strategies to achieve human rights impact and solid change.
Ability to think strategically and exercise sound political judgement in developing policy positions;
Excellent written English and the ability to produce clear, persuasive, and concise research documents, policy positions and strategy papers.
Ability to represent AI to a variety of external stakeholders, to present ideas clearly, and advance compelling arguments in English (essential) and other relevant languages (highly desirable).
Experience of interviewing and dealing in an appropriate manner with witnesses and survivors of human rights violations, as well as with senior government officials, policy makers, and law enforcement officials.
Excellent political judgement, strong analytical skills and the ability to think and plan strategically.
Strong interpersonal skills including advocacy, negotiating and influencing skills.
Experience of working in a team, participating in the collective coordination of the work of the team by contributing to setting priorities, motivating self and others, and resolving team conflicts.
Terms and Conditions
Salary: Full time salary of £41,124 per annum (pro rata for part time staff.
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: London
Contract duration: Permanent
Holidays: Full time staff receive 27 days per annum plus two Amnesty International grace day and statutory and national public holidays.
Office hours: 09.30 - 17.30 or 10.00 - 18.00 by arrangement
Life insurance: Amnesty International provide a Death in Service benefit of 4 x gross salary.
Pension: After six consecutive months of service staff are automatically enrolled in the Amnesty International Superannuation Scheme. This is a defined contribution to which Amnesty International contributes 7.5% of gross salary and will match individual employee contributions up to an additional 3%.
Probation: A six month probation period will be included in the contract for this position.
Relocation: A relocation assistance package will be available for staff members (and their dependents) recruited from over 80km/50 miles from the International Secretariat office in which the post is based.
Work Permit: Individuals should ascertain their eligibility to work in the UK in this post before applying for a London based job with Amnesty International by using the points based calculator at http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator.
Health and Safety: All staff are required to comply with Amnesty International's policy and rules relating to Health and Safety and its security regulations at work.
Equality Statement
Equality and diversity is at the core of our values and staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.
Conflict of Interest
Public or other activity, affiliation to or support for any group or organization, personal association or other factor which may generate a real or perceived conflict of interest with Amnesty International’s principles (specifically independence and impartiality), or raise a security concern, or otherwise prevent the candidate from carrying out key functions of the specific post and would therefore disqualify the candidate from being appointed.
External Advert Closing Date 30-May-2012
