Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, Right to Water Programme
CALL FOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT APPLICATIONS
Deadline: 5 October 2007.
Please apply if you would like to contribute as a Legal Research Assistant for a new publication:
Legal Resources for the Right to Water and Sanitation (2nd edition)
COHRE is currently updating, expanding and revising the first 2004 edition of ‘Legal Resources for the Right to Water’ (www.cohre.org/water, under ‘Resources and Articles’). The publication will be an extensive compilation of international and national legal provisions and case law related to the promotion and protection of the human right to water and sanitation. The book shows that there is significant recognition of the right in international and regional standards as well as in the domestic legal systems of numerous countries. Such provisions, coupled with the various monitoring or enforcement measures linked to many such standards, can be referred to and utilised by movements, campaigns, communities, grassroots groups, NGOs, lawyers, researchers, academics and others seeking to work towards the eventual fulfilment of this right. ‘Legal Resources’ is not only a reference document; it can also be used as a basis for developing legal demands in support of the right and initiatives towards the adoption of new, more specific legislation on the right to water and sanitation at all levels.
The Right to Water Programme will select a law student researcher to contribute to the realisation of the 2nd edition of “Legal Resources”. The main task of the researcher will be to research domestic laws, policies and jurisprudence relevant for the right to water and sanitation on a country-by-country basis. Researchers will also be asked to check citations and sources, check for updated information and propose content modifications, review chapters and help in editing and formatting chapters, so that coherence and harmony between chapters is ensured.
This work will require a commitment of an average of 10-20 hours a week in the period between 8 October and end of December 2007. The successful candidate will receive remuneration based on their level of skills and will have their work credited in the publication.
Profile:
Applicants must be fluent (reading and writing) in both English and French. They should have excellent writing and editing skills and a facility with electronic communication. As much of the research will be done on on-line, a high-speed internet connection is indispensable. Applicants should have knowledge of human rights law, especially economic, social and cultural rights, an intention to work in this field, and it would be of advantage if they were already conversant with the right to water and sanitation. Graduate law students and postdoctoral researchers are strongly preferred.
Applicants should send their CVs and a short cover letter explaining their interest to Thorsten Kiefer, Legal Consultant, Right to Water Programme, COHRE, thorsten@cohre.org, by 5 October 2007.