Senior Research Associate - Cambridge, MA
Physicians for Human Rights
www.phrusa.org
Description:
PHR is seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA) to lead its work on human rights investigations in areas of armed conflict, in addition to participating in the work of the Research and Investigations Department generally. The SRA will work in conjunction with medical or public health experts to evaluate human rights concerns needing investigation, design investigation strategies, manage logistics, carry out investigations, write findings, and engage in advocacy concerning those findings. The SRA will also develop and train a group of medical and public health experts in the investigation of human rights and humanitarian law violations during armed conflicts. The position will be based in PHR's Cambridge, MA office.
Reports to: Director of Research & Investigations Senior Research Associate
Responsibilities include:
•Develop and implement specific PHR investigations projects with an emphasis on areas of armed conflict in conjunction with the Director of Research & Investigations
•Carry out all phases of investigations, including: analyzing the political and human rights issues at stake; managing logistics in advance and on the ground, and leading investigation team, which may include medical or public health experts. •Oversee study design, instrument development, field implementation, report writing and advocacy relating to investigations. •Recruit and coordinate the work of other researchers, consultants and assistants both in the field and train medical and public health experts to engage in these types of investigations •Facilitate collaborations with other human rights-related organizations •Ensure compliance with PHR regulations for protection of human subjects •Take primary responsibility for drafting PHR reports and/or journal articles and opinion pieces •Coordinate efforts with the Public Policy and Constituency Outreach Departments to engage in policy advocacy in relevant fora, including in relation to governments, the media, intergovernmental bodies, and elsewhere as is appropriate. •Provide country and/or regional as well as specific expertise on armed conflict work •Build and maintain relationships with partners and contacts in-countries where PHR conducts research and investigations •Participate in other work within the Research and Investigations Department as assigned by the Director.
Qualification:
•Five years of human rights experience and an advanced degree in law, public health, social science, or medicine. •Extensive, varied training and experience in human rights investigations and advocacy, including investigations on violations of international humanitarian law. •Experience conducting field research in armed conflict settings, including in-depth interviewing •Demonstrated commitment to human rights •Sound political and practical judgment and demonstrated ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously •Ability to work under challenging field conditions in settings of armed conflict, and to comply with PHR standards of conduct in the field •Willingness and availability to travel to developing countries, including areas of armed conflict, for a month or longer and under difficult conditions •An understanding of human rights law, international humanitarian law, and linkages between health and human rights •Experience in international health, including assessments of health conditions in armed conflict setting and/ or humanitarian emergencies, highly desirable. •Exceptional writing, editorial, and speaking abilities •Strong management and interpersonal skills •Capacity to plan and prioritize well •Excellent leadership/supervisory skills in difficult field settings •Knowledge of other languages desirable
Contact Information:
Barbara Harris
Phone:
(617) 301-4200
Email:
bharris@phrusa.org
Apply by:
July 15, 2006