Philip Alston, John Norton Pomeroy Professor of Law and Faculty Director and Co-Chair of the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice (CHRGJ), is seeking a Research Assistant to assist him on his mandate as UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights. Professor Alston has been appointed by the UN Human Rights Council as Special Rapporteur in June 2014. The mandate consists of the presentation of thematic reports to the Human Rights Council and to the UN General Assembly, undertaking official country visits, and sending letters to governments, and other relevant entities, in situations in which a violation of international human rights law is alleged to have taken place. The Research Assistant will be working on a diverse range of topics related to the work of the Special Rapporteur and will be conducting both in-depth legal research as well as assisting with more practical aspects of the mandate.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conducting legal research in the area of human rights, more specifically the interaction between human rights and extreme poverty.
• Keeping track of human rights issues in specific countries and assisting in preparing country visits of the Special Rapporteur.
• Following news and events in the area of extreme poverty and human rights as well as developments within the UN system of special procedures.
• Engaging in online social networking, website content and other forms of relevant information sharing and profile-raising activities for the mandate.

The position will be paid on an hourly basis.

Timing/Hours:

The Research Assistant will be expected to work approximately 10 hours per week, preferably on set days of the week. Start date of the assistantship would be the beginning of January 2015, or earlier if possible.

Qualifications:

• Solid working knowledge of the international human rights system and insight into current issues in human rights discourse and practice.
• A proven dedication to human rights issues, as evidenced through previous education and employment, activism, or scholarship.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and use discretion.
• Experience working with multi-media platforms to engage in online social networking, website content, and other forms of relevant information sharing.
• Knowledge of an official UN language, other than English, would be an advantage.

To Apply:

Send a resume and cover letter to christiaan.vanveen@law.nyu.edu by December 3, 2014. All applications will be considered, but preference will be given to current NYU law students.