University of Essex
SENIOR RESEARCH OFFICER (FULL TIME)
Applications are invited for the post of Senior Research Officer in the Human Rights Centre for appointment by late September/early October 2006 for a period of eighteen months.
The post-holder will work closely with The People’s University, Beijing, China (Renmin University of China in Beijing) on the EIDHR funded project, ‘Cutting Torture in the PRC: from Impunity to Accountability’. Building on a comprehensive baseline of information on the overall situation of forced confessions with reference to existing laws, regulations and guidelines in China, the post-holder will research and explore practical models of torture prevention, comparing current international standards with existing Chinese standards. This research will be written up in a final comparative research publication, documenting the main findings of the EU-China research into comparative legislative protection against torture.
The successful candidate will be expected to spend time away from the UK, working with Chinese researchers and consultants. A significant part of the job will involve explaining UN Conventions and international practices to Chinese researchers in this project, so a thorough understanding of legislative protection and preventative methodologies in the use of torture is essential. The research will also help to establish the training needs of Chinese police and will be used in the design and content of a training manual for senior law enforcement officers training materials for Chinese police. The post-holder will report to the Project Director, Professor Sir Nigel Rodley.
Candidates must meet the following essential experience, skills and attributes. A post-graduate degree, demonstrable potential for achievement in research, excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent organisational skills, be computer literate,
be experienced in using professional legal websites (Lexisnexis, Westlaw) and have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
The following additional experience, skills and attributes would be desirable. The publication of professional papers and articles concerning torture issues, an understanding of the political and legal context of China, fluent spoken Chinese (mandarin) and good Chinese reading skills and experience of training - course design and methodologies.
Appointment to this full time, fixed term post, for eighteen months, will be made within the range, £25,633 - £28,009 per annum, (pay award pending).
Closing date: 11 August 2006
Interviews will be held on Thursday 7 September 2006
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University of Essex
Human Rights Centre
Senior Research Officer
Job Title and Grade: Senior Research Officer
Grade 8
Department/Section: Human Rights Centre
Responsible to: Project Director, Professor Sir Nigel Rodley
Reports to: Professor Sir Nigel Rodley
Purpose of the job:
This European Commission funded project on ‘Cutting Torture in the People’s Republic of China: From Impunity to Accountability’ is being undertaken with the Great Britain - China Centre and The People’s University, Beijing, China.
The purpose of the post is to work closely with Chinese partners at The People’s University, Beijing on a comparative research document comparing international standards on torture prevention with existing Chinese legislation and practices. This research into comparative legislative protection according to international systems as well as preventative methodologies will serve as a platform from which to develop human rights training for senior police officers. The People’s University, Beijing are currently working on a baseline study of information on the overall situation as regards the use of torture, with reference to existing laws, regulations and guidelines in China. The baseline study will be the basic information tool for all the partners and associates in this project and will present a needs assessment which will compliment the comparative research and help to inform on needs for the design and content of training materials for senior law enforcement officers. The job holder will have an excellent understanding of the UN Convention Against Torture. The successful candidate will be expected to spend time away from the UK, and to work closely with UK Police consultants and The Rights Practice, the other UK partner working on a lay visitor scheme.
The Human Rights Centre:
The Human Rights Centre is staffed by what is the strongest team of academic human rights lawyers in the UK, together with philosophers, political theorists, sociologists and economists who have worked on human rights issues. The Centre co-ordinates the University's interdisciplinary human rights teaching programme, as well as a programme of research, training, external consultancy and publication on international, comparative and national aspects of human rights. Over the last two decades, the Centre has developed an extensive record in the field of academic and policy research, much of which has been funded by external bodies.
The Centre offers an excellent environment for the pursuit of research.
Duties of the post
The duties of the post will be to:
1. Work closely with Chinese partners to explore and research the training needs of senior Chinese law enforcement officers.
2. Promote an understanding amongst Chinese researchers on the UN Convention Against torture.
3. Attend roundtable meetings to develop the training for senior police officers and a pilot ‘visitor’ scheme in Beijing, China.
4. Undertake comparative research on legislative gaps in existing Chinese regulations and explore practical models of prevention comparing UN conventions with current Chinese laws.
5. Work with Chinese researchers on the design of a training handbook for law enforcement officers.
6. Communicate to Chinese partners UN conventions and international standards in the prevention of torture.
7. Any other duties as may be required from time to time by the Grant holder or his/her nominee.
These duties are a guide to the work that the post-holder will initially be required to undertake. They may be amended from time to time to meet changing circumstances and do not form part of the contract of employment.
Essential experience, skills and attributes of the post-holder:
The person appointed must have:
* A demonstrable potential for achievement in research excellence;
* The ability to conduct professional research on International standards appertaining to torture;
* A post-graduate degree in law or human rights;
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as good organisational skills;
* Excellent written and spoken English;
* The ability to live overseas in China for three months;
* Computer literacy;
* Experience in using professional legal websites, such as Lexisnexis or Westlaw tools;
* The ability to work independently and in a team.
Desirable experience, skills and attributes of the post- holder:
* Have published professional papers and articles concerning torture issues;
* Fluent spoken and good reading Chinese language skills;
* Experience of training - course design, methodologies.
Appointment to this full-time, fixed-term post, for 18 months, will be made on the Grade 8 scale within the range £25,633 - £28,009 per annum (pay award pending).
Candidates shortlisted for interview will be asked to provide an unedited writing sample, such as a journal article, essay or report dealing with a professional or academic topic to be understood by a non-specialist readership. Please note: We do not require this documentation at this stage.
The University of Essex is a diverse community and is committed to providing equality of opportunity for its students and staff.
Applicants should note that the University operates a No Smoking Policy.
Closing date: 11 August 2006
Interviews will be held on Thursday 7 September 2006
Making your application - please quote job reference no. RE150W