Human Rights Research Intern Job Description

Internship – Manushya Foundation

Full time

 

Who We Are

Manushya Foundation: Empowering Communities; Advancing Social Justice. “Manushya” is a Sanskrit term being understood by many communities across Asia and in the world, meaning “humans”, “human being”, or even “human rights” (such as manusia in Bahasa or Malay).

Founded in 2017, Manushya Foundation is an Asia regional non-governmental organisation aimed at empowering communities to advance Human Rights, Social Justice & Peace. Manushya Foundation serves as a bridge to Engage, Mobilise, and Empower Agents of Change by: connecting Humans through inclusive coalition building; and by developing strategies focused at placing local communities’ voices in the center of human rights advocacy and domestic implementation of international human rights obligations and standards. Manushya Foundation strengthens the solidarity and capacity of communities and grassroots to ensure they can constructively raise their own concerns and provide solutions in order to improve their livelihoods and the human rights situation on the ground.

VISION

We Believe in the Infinite Positive Power of Humans in building inclusive, just, equal, sustainable and peaceful societies in Asia; where individuals, communities, governments and non- state actors respect, fulfill and advance the enjoyment of universal and indivisible human rights for All, leaving no one behind.

MISSION

We connect diverse and inclusive communities of Humans across Asia through coalition building, to ensure they are at the center of the human rights and sustainable development responses of their countries. By building capacities on human rights monitoring mechanisms, sharing experiences, developing innovative strategies and strengthening solidarity, Manushya Foundation empowers communities to advance human rights, social justice and peace.

 

Manushya Foundation serves as a “BRIDGE” to Engage, Mobilise, Empower Agents of Change through a 3-Pillar Empowerment Approach:

1. ENGAGE communities by building their capacities on all UN human rights mechanisms to ensure their effective participation, and by providing them with the tools to efficiently build credible evidence and monitor the human rights situation on the ground (human rights documentation) to hold their government accountable on their human rights obligations.

2. MOBILISE communities around human rights movements, by building CSOs coalitions comprising all human rights issues, where communities are treated equally and can build solidarity and where all human rights are equal (civil and political rights as well as economic, social and cultural rights).

3. EMPOWER communities by ensuring they are at the center of the human rights response in their countries, engaging constructively and providing solutions to their government to improve the human rights on the ground. By applying a bottom-up approach, communities will own their issues, provide solutions and become the agents of change in their countries. Communities will bring back solutions at the local level to further empower their peers, ensuring no one is left behind.

Manushya Foundation is a small NGO, with the advantages and constraints attached. Every staff member plays an important role and carries responsibilities. Dedication is key as it greatly impacts the work of the organisation. It is therefore necessary to embrace the vision and goals of the organisation and fully commit to its success.

 

Our Internship Programme

Manushya Foundation offers the opportunity to interns to develop a unique experience of supporting local communities to access justice through UN human rights mechanisms and in improving the human rights situation on the ground.

1) Description of Duties & Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Director and the direct supervision of the Research & Advocacy team, the intern would be based with Manushya Foundation, in Bangkok, Thailand and would primarily support advocacy and research related to human rights challenges in Myanmar, Laos, Nepal and Thailand, amongst other countries in Asia:

• Conduct research and analysis on the human rights situation in Asia, including: research and writing on human rights and development issues of marginalized groups in Myanmar, Laos, Nepal and Thailand;
• Prepare case studies for advocacy purposes at the national and international level;
• Support the development of concept notes, policy papers, and contribute to knowledge products on Asia;
• Support awareness raising on human rights issues, including: updates to Manushya Foundation's social media; development of blog posts and website stories;
• Assist in providing administrative support;
• Contribute to any additional tasks, as required by the supervisor.

2) Profile needed

• Degree in human rights, international relations, international law or international development; with an interest in human rights and development;
• Knowledge of human rights mechanisms;
• Strong interest in supporting local communities;
• Interest in advocacy at the international level;
• Strong analytical skills and dedication;
• Attention to detail and willingness to learn;
• Excellent oral and written English;
• Knowledge of Thai is an asset.

3) Internship conditions

The internship is full time for a period of three to six months. The internship is not paid. However, the internship can develop into a volunteer position, which would be remunerated.

Starting date: The intern is expected to start the internship in January

 

4) How to apply?

Please send your cover letter, latest CV and two writing samples related to human rights or international development to contact@manushyafoundation.org

Deadline: 18 November 2019 Our Social Media:

 

Website: https://www.manushyafoundation.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManushyaFdn/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManushyaFdn
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manushyafoundation/

Contact : contact@manushyafoundation.org

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เจ้าหน้าที่ประจำสำนักงาน / Officer