Business and Human Rights Researcher/Advisor London, England
Job description
JOB PURPOSE
Amnesty International's Business and Human Rights team is looking for an experienced researcher to drive froward our ongoing work on global battery supply chains and a just energy transition.
Batteries are at the centre of the global transition to clean energy, and power electric vehicles, tech devices and home storage units. But Amnesty International's research has shown that they can also be linked to human rights abuses and environmental harm. As the world becomes ever more reliant on batteries, we are working with partner organisations to address these concerns.
The initial task will be to write a flagship report that assesses the current state of the industry and the steps that major global brands are taking to address human rights and environmental concerns in their battery supply chains.
This is an opportunity to work with colleagues across Amnesty International to develop a communications, campaigning and advocacy strategy, in partnership with other organisations.
ABOUT YOU
You will have significant experience as a researcher in the field of business and human rights, with knowledge of conducting investigative research on human rights abuses. You will have strong communication skills including advocacy, negotiating and influencing skills, and be able to think strategically and exercise sound political judgement in developing policy positions.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop practical and achievable policy recommendations for companies in the battery supply chain as well as key states.
- Working with other members of the Business and Human Rights team, contribute to the development and implementation of communications materials, a campaign that will mobilize Amnesty members, and an advocacy strategy.
- Identify new research topics and if necessary, organize and undertake field research trips, leading specifically on information gathering, fact-finding, analysis and assessment of relevant human rights concerns expressed by stakeholders on the ground, as well as assessments of company responses and industry initiatives.
- Write or contribute to the drafting of timely and effective reports, briefings, position papers, correspondence, action materials, press releases, and other internal and external documents in order to implement AI's agreed strategies.
- Provide expert legal and policy advice on issues of business and human rights to AI staff, sections/structures, and other AI membership bodies in order to ensure accuracy and relevance, and the integration of these issues into AI's work.
- Act as an Amnesty International expert spokesperson on these issues to raise public awareness of Amnesty International and its concerns, and develop media and other professional contacts
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Extensive experience in writing high-quality publications to deadline for human rights or other civil society organizations or the media is essential;
- Extensive experience of undertaking original investigative research on human rights abuses and/or global businesses and their role in human rights abuses or corporate crimes;
- Experience of interviewing and dealing in an appropriate manner with witnesses and survivors of human rights violations, as well as with business leaders, senior government officials, policy makers, and law enforcement officials;
- Ability to analyse human rights issues, and to develop short and long-term strategies to achieve human rights impact and solid change;
- Ability to represent AI to a variety of external stakeholders, to present ideas clearly, and advance compelling arguments in English and another language.
Please see the attached job description for more information on responsibilities, skills and experience required.
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.
