Research Associate, Research & Investigations

About Physicians for Human Rights

A Nobel Peace Prize co-laureate, PHR was founded on the idea that health professionals, with their specialized skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to prevent human rights violations. PHR’s investigations and expertise are used to document mass atrocities and other severe human rights violations including torture and sexual violence, advocate for persecuted health workers, and hold those who violate human rights accountable. PHR has worked in more than 60 countries and territories, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Guatemala, Iran, Iraq, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Kenya, Libya, Mexico, Myanmar, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, and the United States.

PHR is poised for even greater growth and impact. As part of that strategy, we are excited to be recruiting energetic, proactive and resourceful team players with a passion for human rights. Our headquarters are located in New York City, and we maintain offices in Washington, DC, Boston and Nairobi.

For more information about PHR, please see our website at www.phr.org.

Position Summary

Reporting to the senior researcher in the research and investigations team, the research associate is an Arabic speaker who will principally assist with Arabic-language research for PHR’s online, interactive map of attacks on health care in Syria. The research associate conducts in-depth research and analyzes data related to attacks on health care facilities and workers in Syria, working closely with Arabic-speaking interns, and contributing to other related research as needed.

This position is based in New York.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the senior researcher, the research associate will:

• Research and document the human rights situation in areas covered by the research & investigations team, specifically conducting Arabic-language open-source research on attacks on health care in Syria
• Assist in the organization of research and maintain methodological adherence
• Collaborate closely with investigations staff in analyzing trends in data
• Maintain the integrity of a database containing sensitive human rights data
• Draft objective and accurate briefing papers, op-eds, letters, press releases and other reports as directed
• Liaise effectively and professionally with domestic and international human rights groups and defenders in PHR’s network as directed

· Train and supervise research & investigations interns, including the review of research produced

• Respond promptly to queries and requests for information from PHR colleagues and external parties where appropriate
• Work closely with the finance department to manage and track programmatic expenditure including building budgets for grants, submitting purchase orders, and administering reimbursements
• Work with the development team to provide subject matter input into grant proposals
• Coordinate the logistics of domestic and overseas travel and events
• Facilitate the hiring of independent contractors and ensure fees are paid in a timely manner
• On occasion, travel domestically and overseas as required in relation to research or advocacy work or to attend meetings
• Assist with other research and programmatic support as needed

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree as a minimum
• Fluency in spoken and written Arabic required
• At least two years demonstrated research, analytical, and writing experience
• Prior experience working with traumatic material recommended
• Interest in and experience with database management desirable
• Experience directly or indirectly supervising staff preferred

Skills and Qualities

• Strong interest in and commitment to human rights principles and values
• Interest in and knowledge of international humanitarian law a plus
• Knowledge of the Syrian conflict preferred
• Exceptional analytical, writing, and verbal skills
• Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail and follow-through a must
• Proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint
• Energetic self-starter and proven ability to work effectively under pressure
• A strong team player who demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills, maturity, creativity, flexibility, passion for the program mission, patience, and a good sense of humor
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural competency and comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, effectively and professionally with multiple stakeholders and organizations

Salary & Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience. PHR offers comprehensive employer-paid benefits, including medical, dental, disability, and life insurance, a retirement savings plan, and generous vacation.

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

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send a cover letter (with compensation requirements) and resume to resumes@phrusa.org, including “Research Associate, PRO-16-007” in the subject line.