[£50,000/YEAR] HUMAN RIGHTS RESEARCHER AND PROJECT OFFICER in the UK – VISA SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

[£50,000/YEAR] HUMAN RIGHTS RESEARCHER AND PROJECT OFFICER in the UK – VISA SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

Birkbeck, University of London, was established in 1823 as the London Mechanics’ Institute by Dr. George Birkbeck, a physician and advocate for adult education. The institution was founded to provide evening education to working individuals, a mission it continues to uphold. In 1866, it was renamed the Birkbeck Literary and Scientific Institution and in 1907, it became Birkbeck College. By 1920, Birkbeck had joined the University of London as a constituent college, solidifying its role in higher education.

As a public research university, Birkbeck operates under the governance of the University of London. It is led by a Master, who serves as the chief executive officer and a President, who holds a ceremonial role. The institution is organized into three faculties: Business and Law; Humanities and Social Science; and Science. Each faculty comprises various schools and departments, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Birkbeck is renowned for its commitment to research excellence and evening education. It has consistently ranked highly in research assessments, with 83% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

The university’s unique evening teaching model caters to working professionals, providing flexible learning opportunities. Located in Bloomsbury, central London, Birkbeck benefits from proximity to numerous academic resources including the British Library and the British Museum.

Salary and Job Type

• Pay Range: £43,265 to £49,394 per year, with an increase from March 2025 to £43,636 – £49,683.
• Contract Type: Fixed-term, full-time contract.
• Location: London.

Benefits

• Company pension scheme.
• UK visa sponsorship provided.

Role Summary

• Job Title: Human Rights Researcher and Project Officer
• Institution: Birkbeck, University of London
• Department: School of Social Sciences, Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research (ICPR)
• Start Date: Spring 2025
• Reference Number: 1996

This is a rare opportunity to work closely with the United Nations Human Rights Council, focusing specifically on human rights in Iran. The role is based at Birkbeck’s ICPR under the supervision of Mai Sato, the incoming Director and UN Special Rapporteur.

Role Responsibilities

In this role, you will provide essential support for the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran. Responsibilities include:

1. Country Visits: Participate in and support on-site investigations.
2. Individual Case Action: Address human rights concerns by initiating communications with relevant state authorities.
3. Research and Reporting: Conduct in-depth research and draft formal reports for the Human Rights Council and UN General Assembly.
4. Public Engagement: Promote awareness and understanding of human rights issues through various public platforms.
5. Administrative Support: Perform necessary administrative and research tasks to support the team.

You’ll be expected to have strong research skills and a proven track record in primary or secondary research, particularly in fields such as international human rights law, international humanitarian law, criminology or socio-legal studies. Experience interviewing vulnerable individuals, as well as a commitment to advocacy and policy change, is essential.

Outstanding communication skills will also be crucial, enabling effective interaction with various stakeholders including victims, civil society and members of UN bodies.

Learning and Development

Working under Mai Sato, you will gain a deeper understanding of the role of Special Rapporteur, as well as UN Special Procedures and the overall UN Human Rights framework. You’ll have the opportunity to refine your research and writing abilities, gain insights into contemporary human rights policies and learn about the application of human rights principles in the pursuit of justice and accountability.

Additionally, your workload will fluctuate based on the demands of the Special Rapporteur’s duties, with opportunities to contribute to other research topics within the ICPR.

Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research (ICPR)

Birkbeck’s ICPR focuses on criminology and socio-legal research, contributing knowledge to inform public debates and inspire policy reform. The institute upholds the values of justice, fairness and human rights across its work, aiming to create tangible impacts through research and advocacy.

This position is ideal for early-career researchers from academic, civil society, governmental or research consultancy backgrounds, looking to deepen their experience in human rights work and international policy impact.

Salary and Benefits Package

• Salary Range: £43,265 to £49,394, with an increase to £43,636 – £49,683 effective from March 2025.
• Grade: 7 on the College’s London Pay Scale.
• Location Allowance: The salary includes a weighting allowance for London-based staff.

Birkbeck offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Generous Pension Scheme
• 31 Days Paid Leave (in addition to bank holidays)
• Flexible Working Options
• Convenient Location in Bloomsbury, London, with easy access to public transport and amenities.

Contract and Application Process

• Contract Term: Full-time, fixed-term for three years, working 35 hours per week.
• Application Requirement: Submission of a CV is necessary for consideration.
• Application Deadline: 11 November 2024.
• Interview Date: Scheduled for 25 November 2024.

Enquiries

To learn more about the role, click on the application link or contact Mai Sato, the incoming Director of ICPR, via m.sato@bbk.ac.uk. For technical difficulties with the application process, email jobs@bbk.ac.uk with your name and the job reference number.

Birkbeck welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, supporting initiatives such as the Athena SWAN award and the Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes. More details can be found at www.birkbeck.ac.uk/jobs.

Here are ten FAQs tailored for a role like the Human Rights Researcher and Project Officer at Birkbeck, University of London:

1. What qualifications are required for the Human Rights Researcher and Project Officer role?

A background in fields like international human rights law, criminology, international humanitarian law or socio-legal studies is preferred. Experience in primary or secondary research, especially with vulnerable groups, is also essential.

2. Does this role offer UK visa sponsorship?

Yes, visa sponsorship is available for eligible candidates.

3. What are the working hours and contract type for this position?

The role is full-time, 35 hours per week, with a fixed-term contract of three years.

4. Is remote work allowed or must employees work on-site in London?

This role is based at Birkbeck’s Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research (ICPR) in London, but there may be flexible working arrangements depending on project requirements.

5. What benefits are included with this position?

Benefits include a competitive salary, a generous pension scheme, 31 days of annual leave and flexible working options.

6. What responsibilities does this position involve?

Responsibilities include supporting the UN Special Rapporteur by conducting research, participating in country visits, engaging with public awareness activities and providing administrative support.

7. Is prior experience with the UN or similar organizations required?

While not mandatory, experience working with international bodies, NGOs or research organizations is advantageous.

8. What opportunities for growth and learning are available?

This role offers a chance to deepen your understanding of human rights systems, specifically the UN Human Rights Council and develop skills in research, writing and policy advocacy.

9. When is the application deadline and when will interviews take place?

Applications close on 11 November 2024, with interviews scheduled for 25 November 2024.

10. How can I contact Birkbeck if I encounter issues with the application process?

For technical assistance, email jobs@bbk.ac.uk with your name and job reference number.