Education:
Advanced university degree or equivalent theoretical and practical knowledge in law and human rights advocacy representing distinguished and substantial experience in the field.

Working experience:
At least two years of relevant experience in the field of human rights.
Fluency in English is required. Fluency in one or more language of the Horn of African region is an asset.

Other skills:
Previous experience working with students, especially in a research or clinical capacity, will be a plus.

Competencies:
Professionalism: good knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, the interaction with security complexes, good knowledge of the international human rights system and community, sound knowledge of problems, i.e., political, ethnic, racial, religious, gender, social, economic, etc., having a negative impact on the enjoyment of human rights in the Horn of African Region;

Communication: strong communication (spoken, written and presentation) skills, including ability to contribute to public communications for the Center;
Planning and organizing: ability to establish priorities and to plan work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines;
Technology awareness: good computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets and other commercial software packages;

Teamwork: proven interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
Commitment to continuous learning.
Commitment to the ethical research and engagement and a sensitivity to the confidentiality and security challenges of the work.

Position: This is a one-year, 100% position.
Department: Law School Human Rights Center
Reports to: Amanda Lyons, Executive Director of the Human Rights

Job Summary:

The Human Rights Center seeks a qualified individual to lead the Center’s program research, advocacy, and public education work on human rights defense and promotion in the Horn of Africa. The Fellow will be a part of the Human Rights Center staff and lead the research and engagement work for the Center on human rights concerns in the Horn of African region, including through partnerships and engagement with the Minnesota diaspora community as appropriate. The appointee would be expected to have substantive expertise and recent experience in at least one of the following areas of practice: access to justice and rights to fair trial; business and human rights; gender and women’s rights; poverty and economic, social, cultural rights; minority rights; and/or human rights and the nexus with conflict and security measures.

Preference may be given to individuals with recent practical experience with human rights advocacy and defense in the region. For 2023, the priority country of interest for the Center is Ethiopia. The Human Rights Center is willing to sponsor the visa for the right candidate.

This position is made possible through the David Weissbrodt Human Rights Fund, created by friends and students of Prof. David Weissbrodt, founder of the Human Rights Center, to continue his impactful and innovative human rights research, advocacy, and teaching in partnership with human rights defenders at home and around the world.

This opening is a unique opportunity for the right candidate to be part of a dynamic academic center working to advance human rights protections at home and to train a next generation of lawyers to defend human rights in all sectors. The Human Rights Center is committed to building a diverse staff and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Salary for this position is $60,000 for the year of the position.

Duties:

• Research pressing human rights concerns relevant for the Horn of Africa and present findings in written publications and presentations;
• Organize and or lead public educational events related to the human rights situation in Horn of Africa region; provide guest lectures for class in the Law School and other departments;
• Represent the Human Rights Center before relevant local, national, and international audiences; build working relationships and partnerships for ongoing engaged research and advocacy;
• Identify and coordinate additional learning and professional development opportunities for students at the Center; assist in arranging external internship and field placement for students; supervise student research assistants; and presentations; advise students with particular interest connected to the Fellow’s thematic and geographic expertise;
• Identify and support funding opportunities to expand the Horn of Africa research program;
• Assist faculty and research staff to monitor and comprehend the human rights situation in the Horn of Africa region with written analysis as requested;
• Contribute to the communication strategies of the mandate and the Human Rights Center;
• Represent the Human Rights Center at inter-University and public events;
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested.

Founded in 1988, the University of Minnesota Human Rights Center is committed to effecting change through an integrated research-teaching-engagement approach. The Center promotes research on real-world challenges, prepares future lawyers with the commitment and skills to defend human rights, and partners with civil society, governments, and institutions to impact law, policy, and practice. For more information, visit https://law.umn.edu/human-rights-center.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: https://diversity.umn.edu/.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

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