Bangkok Fellow Position Announcement

About Human Rights Now

Human Rights Now (HRN) is an international human rights NGO based in Tokyo, Japan with UN special consultative status. HRN was established in 2006 by a group of human rights professionals, such as lawyers, scholars, and journalists, as the first international human rights NGO based in Japan. With over 700 members comprised of various human rights specialists, HRN works for the promotion and protection of human rights for people in the world, with a special focus on Asia.

In 2012, HRN obtained UN special consultative status, and we have been actively engaged in the UN decision-making process to protect and promote human rights. In our organization, lawyers, academics, graduate and doctoral students, and business professionals engage in our activities on pro bono basis, and staff members are expected to coordinate with these various actors.

Position Summary

We have an opening for a fellow position in Bangkok focused on our research, advocacy, and empowerment efforts within Southeast Asian countries. Major tasks will include researching and drafting memorandums, statements and reports on human rights issues focusing on the Southeast Asian region and Human Rights Now’s areas of focus. Other tasks may include translation, on-site investigations of human rights issues, assisting with advocacy efforts, and meeting with other NGOs and activists to build our advocacy network. A fuller list of tasks is listed below.

Our fellowship program allows law school graduates or the equivalent interested in human rights, public policy, and international affairs a chance to gain experience working directly on human rights issues at an influential international human rights NGO. Fellowships provide an excellent opportunity for fellows to engage in research, on-site investigations, and observations of UN conferences and meetings.  Persons who have strong legal backgrounds or experience with research or human rights work are highly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A college graduate with a four year degree or a law school graduate
• The fellow is expected to commit to work at least six months. We privilege fellows who work for one year.
• Proficiency in English (a minimum score of 90 on the TOEFL iBT exam or an equivalent level as indicated by another test or means if available ). Also please notify us of any Japanese language proficiency and provide a demonstration if available, such as passing a Japanese Language Proficiency Test or similar.
• Basic understanding of legal research, international human rights law, and the UN system.
• Excellent writing and research skills.
• Ability to stay in the country for the period of work. Please note that fellows will need to obtain all visas on their own, if necessary.

Please note: the position is unpaid; however, HRN will provide a stipend of 300 Thai baht for each working day in order to assist fellows in their living expenses.

Job Description:

1) Conducting research and writing on human rights issues in Southeast Asia

2) Conducting on-site investigations on various human rights problems, including:

・Business and human rights

・Rights of children

・Human rights defenders and democratic space

・Women’s rights and violence against women

・Violence and discrimination against ethnic minorities

3) Serving as HRN’s representative in the area and networking with other NGOs and activists

4) Translation and editing work

5) Outreach, logistics, networking, and other administrative work

During a six month fellowship, each fellow will:

• Initiate and coordinate at least one independent research project. Staff from the Tokyo office will provide feedback and opportunities for the fellow to connect with human rights activists and organizations in HRN’s network.
• HRN will provide at least one opportunity for the fellow to conduct human rights field work, teach a human rights seminar, or attend an international congress on a human rights issue. Relevant costs will be borne by HRN.
• HRN is working to set up a platform for fellows to publish articles, blogs, and social media posts on contemporary human rights issues in Asia. The Bangkok fellow is invited to contribute and play an instrumental role in setting up this platform.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send the following items to the below email address. Please also indicate any language skills you possess.

• Cover letter, include your reason for applying, possible start and end dates, and your experience and interest in human rights
• Resume / CV
• Writing sample (the topic of the sample can be decided by the applicant, anything that can serve to measure the applicant’s writing and research skills on any social issue.)
• Letter of recommendation (optional; one copy is sufficient)

Email Address: deskprobonointern@hrn.or.jp

You can also use this email address for any inquiries regarding this call for applications.

 Deadline: 30 April 2018