Regional Researcher – Central-Eastern Europe

JOB PURPOSE

As Amnesty International’s (AI’s) expert on key countries in Central and Eastern Europe (including Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), the researcher will lead on the development and implementation of research and advocacy strategies to deliver impact in relation to agreed priorities. The work on these priorities includes strategies to identify the most effective ways to address human rights concerns; and to lead on designing specific research projects and producing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating plans for both these and initiatives originated by others.

ABOUT YOU

As an experienced researcher, with excellent political judgement and communication skills, you will have knowledge of producing high quality 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.

You will show a demonstrated commitment to human rights, and have extensive knowledge of human rights issues affecting Central and Eastern Europe. Fluency in English is essential, and fluency in other regional languages, especially Polish, are highly desirable.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• To 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 in the region in a wide range of settings and to different stakeholders;
• To organize and participate in field research and other missions, leading specifically on information-gathering, fact-finding, analysis and assessment of human rights concerns, including in response to crisis situations and prepare relevant security assessments and other briefings, as required.
• 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 write reports, briefings and other materials for publication and internal use and contribute to and provide expert advice in relation to written and other materials produced by other programmes;
• To manage research, oversee the research work carried out by the team and others and, as appropriate, to contribute to the selection of external consultants and supervise, support, coordinate and provide expert advice on their work.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience of undertaking desk and field research on human rights or related issues;
• Specialist knowledge and preferably first-hand experience of the thematic and geographic areas in the researcher’s brief and an in-depth understanding of the nature of key human rights concerns, as well as political, social, legal, economic, cultural, ethnic, racial and gender issues in the sub-region;
• Thorough knowledge of sexual and reproductive rights and experience in researching violations of these rights;
• Thorough knowledge of the rule of law issues at play in the countries in the sub-region and of the relevant legal and political frameworks at national, EU, Council of Europe and UN levels to advance human rights and the rule of law;
• Ability to understand and express ideas in English and, where applicable, other relevant languages of the region (especially Polish), in a fluent, clear and concise way, both orally and in writing; and to draft text in a variety of styles, e.g. documents such as substantial reports, short briefings, government correspondence and media and action materials.

ABOUT US

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. We reach almost every country in the world.

Our aim is simple: an end to human rights abuses. Independent, international and influential, we campaign for justice, fairness, freedom and truth wherever they’re denied. And whether we’re applying pressure through powerful research or direct lobbying, mass demonstrations or online campaigning, we’re all inspired by hope for a better world. One where human rights are respected and protected by everyone, everywhere.

At Amnesty International, we are passionate about what we do and we are proud of our achievements as a movement. To compensate our employees for the critical work they do, we reward them through a combination of an attractive and sector competitive salary and benefits package, high levels of engagement and involvement, and a commitment to employee development.

Benefits include 37 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays and grace days), pension scheme, employee assistance programme, life assurance and many more benefits designed to suit your own personal lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging environment.

For further information on our benefits, please visit https://www.amnesty.org/en/careers/benefits/

WHAT WE HOPE YOU WILL DO NEXT

If you are talented, passionate about human rights and want to use your skills, knowledge and experience to change the world then we would encourage you to click ‘Apply for this Role’ below.

Freedom, Justice, Equality. Let’s get to work.

N.B. We reserve the right to close a vacancy before the closing date in the event of an overwhelming response or a change in business priorities.**

Amnesty International is committed to being an inclusive employer and providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all. If you would like to receive any information in a different way or would like us to do anything differently to help you apply for our roles, please get in touch with the team by [email protected]