Researcher/Adviser – Business & Human Rights Team

£38,976 pa London Fixed-term contract ending 31st December 2011

At the forefront of the human rights movement, Amnesty pioneers research into areas where there is little precedent in law and policy. Our Business & Human Rights Team looks at the impact corporate and other economic actors have on human rights. And your contributions will be critical.

About the role

A specialist researcher, you’ll carry out in-depth desk-based research, gathering crucial information as and when crises develop. Your role will depend upon your demonstrated research expertise on the thematic area of corporate accountability issues globally. Beyond that, you’ll look at emerging international legal, political and economic trends as you collate your research into thorough, comprehensive reports. Using your findings to make recommendations that will influence our actions on a global scale, you’ll have big impact on our strategic direction. You will be responsible for providing high level advice on laws, legal systems and strategies for improving corporate accountability for human rights abuses. In fact, as well as providing this expert advice to our country and thematic specialists, you’ll lead the development and implementation of our research and advocacy strategies. You’ll also promote the quality and consistency of our work in Business & Human Rights across Amnesty International, capitalising on your astute political understanding and awareness of the area.

About you

Through extensive experience researching human rights violations, both at your desk and in the field, you’ll have developed a specialist knowledge of how business, corporate and other economic actors affect human rights. You’ll also understand the social, cultural, ethnic, racial and gender issues relevant to the area and bring us an in-depth knowledge of human rights law and recent developments in the area. 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 – able to present influential arguments and write high-quality reports and policy papers. But more than that, you’ll have the interpersonal skills and 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, fairness, freedom and truth wherever they’re denied. Already our network of almost 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.

For more information and to apply, please visit www.amnesty.org/jobs

Closing date: 20th April 2011.