Economic, Social & Cultural Rights (ESCR) Researcher at Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people who campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. We reach almost every country in the world and have: more than 2 million members and supporters who drive forward our fight for rights, more than 5 million activists who strengthen our calls for justice.

We are recruiting to fill the vacant position below:

Job Position: Economic, Social & Cultural Rights (ESCR) Researcher
Ref Id: 2292
Job Location: Abuja
Type: Fixed Term Contract
Duration: 2 years
Working Hours: 35

Job Summary

• To develop and implement of research and campaigning strategies to deliver impact in relation to agreed priorities and on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights (ESCR) by providing research expertise, research management, political judgment and analytical, communication and representational skills.

Working Relationships:

• Reporting to: Programmes Director - Amnesty International Nigeria
• Posts that this job manages: This post has no line management responsibility. However, the researcher participates in the coordination of the work of the team, other participants in research and campaigning projects, consultants, interns, temporary staff and volunteers.
• Other key relationships: Amnesty International Nigeria staff particularly the researchers, campaigners and the Finance and Office Manager; International Secretariat (IS) particularly the thematic teams.

Main Responsibilities

• To design and implement Economic, Social & Cultural Rights (ESCR) programme and contribute to development of campaigning strategies to deliver impact;
• To monitor, investigate and analyse human rights-related developments including human rights judgments in order to provide timely, accurate, independent and impartial assessments and expert advice on the human rights situation in Nigeria;
• To conduct research and write on human rights particularly ESCR and Women’s rights; and to commission research as appropriate into human rights contexts including by participating in field research and through contact with partners on the ground;
• To write reports and other materials for publication both internally and externally
• To represent Amnesty International to external stakeholders and to communicate Amnesty International’s concerns, positions and, where relevant, campaign strategies to external and internal stakeholders.
• To develop and maintain effective constituencies of public and confidential contacts and partners in and outside the organization, such as human rights activists, members of legal and other professions, UN agencies and governmental representatives - to optimize information gathering and verification and the development and implementation of effective strategies and plans to optimize information gathering and verification and the development and implementation of effective strategies and plans.
• To contribute to the development of sub-regional, Africa-wide strategies and plans for research and campaigning and provide input into internal discussions on the AI mission, policy, organizational and other issues in order to increase the effectiveness of AI's work
• To contribute to the overall flexibility of resource use, including through setting priorities, preparing work plans, monitoring their progress and maintaining budgets
• Contribute to human rights education and growth activities through research.
• Contribute to the team’s response during a crisis or unexpected work.
• This is not an exhaustive list of duties. The need for flexibility is required and the post holder is expected to carry out any other related duties, that are within the employee’s skills and capabilities whenever reasonably instructed.

Requirements, Skills, Attributes and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Law or related disciplines;
• A Master's degree would be an advantage;
• At least 5 years’ experience working in the field of human rights and development
• Experience working on or implementing ESCR projects;
• Demonstrated interest in human rights, e.g. through previous work, membership of an organization, involvement in advocacy of human rights, etc;
• Ability to exercise good political judgment, thorough analysis and diplomacy to develop effective strategies to impact on human rights in the region;
• Demonstrable experience of writing research materials for a variety of audiences
• Ability to deal in a sensitive and understanding manner with a variety of people, including survivors of human rights violations and others who may be distressed.
• Experience of working in a team and understanding of the importance of efficient communications for the coordination and effective functioning of teams.
• Good interpersonal skills, a helpful and personable attitude;
• Good oral and written communication skills in English; other relevant local languages or additional foreign languages desirable;
• Ability to work under pressure, manage conflicting demands, multi task and work to deadlines to achieve results;
• Able to work in a manner that is consistent with the organisation’s core behaviours and competencies.
• Ability and willingness to undertake personal administrative tasks in accordance with Amnesty International’s guidelines on self-servicing
• Ability to use participatory approaches, methodologies and tools when working with rights holders, partners, AI staff/activists and others;
• Good working knowledge of standard Office software e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Good understanding and use of social media e.g. Facebook, Twitter

Equality Statement

• Equality and diversity is at the core of our values and staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.

Conflict of Interest

• Public or other activity, affiliation to or support for any group or organization, personal association or other factor which may generate a real or perceived conflict of interest with Amnesty International’s principles (specifically independence and impartiality), or raise a security concern, or otherwise prevent the candidate from carrying out key functions of the specific post and would therefore disqualify the candidate from being appointed.

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