Physicians for Human Rights Senior Researcher

About Physicians for Human Rights

Founded in 1986, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is an independent not-for-profit organization that mobilizes the specialized skills, rigor and passion of health professionals and scientists to investigate and stop egregious violations of human rights. PHR focuses on mass atrocities and severe human rights violations against individuals. PHR conducts research and investigations globally, and the integrity of PHR’s research and investigations allows its work with others to raise awareness and press for change on the most severe human rights violations of the day. PHR is a co-recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace.

PHR is poised for even greater growth and impact. As part of that strategy, we are very excited to be recruiting additional energetic, proactive, and resourceful team players with a passion for human rights issues. We are also relocating our headquarters to New York City, and we will continue to maintain a presence in Washington, DC and in the Boston area.

For more information about PHR, please see our website at http://physiciansforhumanrights.org

POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the Director of Emergencies and Special Initiatives, we seek a Senior Researcher to join our team in our New York City office. This position requires international travel.

As Senior Researcher, you will be a key member of the research and investigations team and will work to document and expose war crimes and mass atrocities. This position monitors global human rights issues, participates in emergency field investigations, cultivates networks of contacts among local and international stakeholders, writes communications materials, and conducts advocacy briefings. The candidate must have strong field experience and knowledge of human rights and humanitarian law.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Research, document, and expose mass atrocities and other grave violations of human rights in target countries through the systematic collection and analysis of information from eyewitnesses, survivors, local and international organizations, media, government officials, and other field sources.

• Monitor global human rights issues and emerging conflicts and make informed recommendations as appropriate for organizational engagement; contextualize rights violations within the broader political, historical, and social environments in target countries.

• Write varied communications materials (e.g., reports, briefing papers, opinion pieces, correspondence with governments and intergovernmental agencies) stemming from research findings.

• Ensure that research methods comport with the highest standards in the medical, scientific and legal fields; ensure confidentiality and informed consent; safeguard research data and forensic evidence.

• Build and manage networks of local and international contacts in target countries.

• Be able to work flexible hours and to respond to crises and urgent situations.

• Travel internationally as required to conduct fact-finding investigations and engage in advocacy.

• Help implement and carry out other functions requested by the Director of Emergencies and Special Initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree in international relations, public health, journalism, law, social sciences or related field is desirable.

• Extensive research experience in international human rights or related work including investigations, reporting, advocacy.

• Ability to conduct interviews effectively and with sensitivity among a wide range of interlocutors.

• Strong interpersonal skills with experience working collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Excellent writing and editing skills and demonstrated ability to defend and explain complex issues and translate information about them to broad audiences including senior officials and intergovernmental bodies.

• Strong initiative and follow-through with demonstrated ability to multi-task and work quickly under pressure and short deadline.

• Sound political judgment and familiarity with international human rights law, global advocacy, and international justice mechanisms.

• Ability to travel internationally and work in conflict zones is required.

• Experience working and/or living outside of the U.S. is required; experience in the MENA region is desirable.

• English fluency and proficiency in another language is required; Arabic language skills are an asset.

• A team-oriented person with a passion for human rights, excellent judgment, maturity, creativity and flexibility.

How to apply:

Please send a cover letter (with compensation requirements), resume to resumes@phrusa.org. Please include “Senior Researcher” in the subject line.

For more information about PHR, please visit our website at www.physiciansforhumanrights.org.

Physicians for Human Rights is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in its work and staff.