Researcher 165 views3 applications

JOB PURPOSE: As Amnesty International’s Researcher [and lead expert] on South Africa, this post will lead on the development and implementation of an overarching evidence-based research strategy which will feed into AISA’s strategy to deliver impact in relation to agreed priorities and the overall theory of change. This will include conducting and writing up ongoing, timely, accurate, independent and impartial research; adhering to Amnesty’s research and quality assurance policies; research management; and providing relevant facts and analysis to support reactive, ongoing and new areas of work.  

AI SOUTH AFRICA PURPOSE: Amnesty International South Africa (AISA) is a national human rights entity that is part of a global human rights movement, established to address national human rights priorities as well as create the possibility for people in South Africa to join Amnesty International’s global human rights campaigns. Our mission in South Africa is to address pertinent national human rights issues through research and campaigning, and to empower South Africans to take action on issues that matter to them through AI’s international human rights movement; and to leverage South Africa’s influence regionally and globally to promote human rights domestically, bilaterally and internationally.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PURPOSE: We campaign for meaningful human rights change; enable effective human rights activism and work to persuade governments and other actors to uphold universal rights standards.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Reporting to: The Executive Director

Posts that this job manages:
This post has no line management responsibility at present, but this might change as the body of work develops. The researcher will [project] manage the coordination of the relevant research work of the AISA team, the International Secretariat as well as research partners and consultants.

Other key relationships:

• The Researcher works in close collaboration with the Campaigner, Media and Communications Officer, Growth and Membership and Fundraising teams and any posts in the Regional Office and International Secretariat required to ensure the delivery of relevant, high impact research outputs.

• Lead on the development, implementation and delivery of a relevant and high-impact research strategy based on agreed priorities in South Africa.
• Be proactive in gathering of information, evidence and data around human rights violations in South Africa and produce it in a format to allow it to be utilised by the campaigns, media, growth and fundraising teams.
• Monitor, research, investigate and analyse human rights-related developments in order to provide timely, accurate, independent and impartial assessments and expert advice on the human rights situation that is relevant to South Africa.
• Organise, take part in and lead in field and remote research, leading specifically on information-gathering, fact-finding, analysis and assessment of human rights concerns, including in response to crisis situations.
•  Prepare, where necessary, security assessments, political and other briefings in relation to the travel and meetings for management,  research teams and internal or external stakeholders; and represent AISA in the field.
• Where agreed, represent AISA with external stakeholders, including in governmental, inter-governmental and at various public forums, as well as to all forms of news media, civil society organisations and political, economic and other actors; and to communicate AISA’s concerns, positions and, where relevant, campaign strategies to external and internal stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain effective constituencies of public and confidential contacts and partners in and outside the organisation – such as human rights activists, members of legal and other professions, UN agencies and governmental representatives – to optimise information gathering and verification and the development and implementation of effective strategies and plans.
• Timeously write research outputs, including reports and policy briefs, and develop other research-based materials for publication and internal use and contribute to, and provide expert advice, in relation to written and other materials produced by other members of the AISA team.
• Manage AISA research projects and oversee the research work carried out by partners and university chapters as appropriate.
• Contribute to the selection of external consultants and supervise, support, coordinate and provide expert advice on their work.

·        Plan and develop future research objectives and funding proposals where needed.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of an effective information management system.

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE IN THIS JOB?

• A successful researcher will have developed and implemented an effective and deliverable research strategy for South Africa; produced, implemented, monitored and evaluated related action plans within set deadlines; practiced rigorous analysis and identified critical issues in a timely fashion; maintained and developed effective networks and written high quality reports and produced other materials for publication and internal use; and effectively represented AISA and communicated its key messages
• They will have contributed to the effective functioning of the team, and to the implementation of AISA’s mission,  upholding Amnesty International’s values at all times.

• At least five years of experience in working in a similar position.
• In depth knowledge of the international human rights legal framework and proven experience of undertaking research on human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights or related issues and producing research outputs.
• Specialist knowledge of South Africa and an in-depth understanding of the nature of key human rights concerns, as well as historical, political, social, legal, economic, cultural, ethnic, racial and gender issues in them.
• Experience of conducting qualitative research including experience of interviewing and dealing in an appropriate manner with witnesses and survivors of human rights violations, as well as with senior government officials, policy makers, and law enforcement officials.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary research methods, including quantitative methods and use of participatory approaches, methodologies and tools when working with rights holders, partners, AISA staff/activists and others is an advantage.
• Ability to analyse large sets of data and information and draw relevant conclusions related to human rights concerns according to international law and standards.
• Ability to exercise good political judgment, thorough analysis and diplomacy to develop effective strategies to impact on human rights in South Africa and globally.
• An ability to understand and express ideas in English in a fluent, clear and concise way, both orally and in writing is essential [and, where applicable, other relevant languages is advantageous].
• Proven experience of writing research materials for a variety of audiences, together with an understanding of the importance of tailoring materials for various target audiences including through digital channels, including for example substantial reports, policy briefs, government correspondence, presentations at national and international conferences and media and action materials.
  Ability to work to tight deadlines, with experience of managing conflicting demands, meeting deadlines and adjusting priorities.
• A commitment to adherence with Amnesty’s quality assurance processes.
• An ability to plan and develop future research objectives and funding proposals where needed
• 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 with an ability to motivate self and others and understanding of the importance of efficient communications for the coordination and effective functioning of teams.
• Practice self-reflection in research and in collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders in research projects with experience of giving, receiving and implementing constructive feedback.
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights, e.g. through previous work, membership of an organisation, involvement in advocacy of human rights, etc
• Ability and willingness to undertake personal administrative tasks in accordance with Amnesty International’s guidelines on self-servicing.
• Understanding of equal opportunities, cultural diversity and gender issues as well as a commitment to apply relevant policies.  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Degree in Social Sciences, Law, Economics, Development, Human Rights or any other related fields.
• Honours or Masters’ Degree a definite advantage

EQUALITY STATEMENT
Equality and diversity are 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.