Human Rights and Democracy Fellow

ALTSEAN reserves the right to interview and/or appoint suitable candidates at its earliest convenience, so early applications are encouraged.

ALTSEAN-Burma (the Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma), a Bangkok-based human rights group, works with a broad range of people from Southeast Asia and beyond, to promote the cause of human rights and democracy in Burma. Our advocacy, training programs, and strategic interventions to expand and sustain movements have become even more critical after the military coup began on 1 February 2022.

We are looking for a Human Rights and Democracy Fellow to help produce summaries, briefers, factsheets and other advocacy tools that will be read and used by key actors, decision-makers, and leading activists.

Every month, our small team summarizes up to 500 news articles for our thematic trackers; about 300 summaries form the basis of our monthly CoupWatch briefer, while other summaries are used to generate thematic briefers, factsheets and infographics for advocacy. The tasks of the Human Rights and Democracy Fellow will be centered on this. They will assist with summarizing articles for the thematic trackers on “Protests, CDM & Crackdowns”, and some sections for “Conflict and Displacement”. Additionally, they will be responsible for assisting in the design and implementation of advocacy tools focused on the military junta’s proposed general elections in 2023.

This job will suit an individual who is able to cross-check facts efficiently, write concisely and proofread their own work. Our team needs someone who is comfortable working in close collaboration with diverse people, willing to work long hours and able to observe the discipline and security protocols of the office, while maintaining a sense of humor.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to analyze, summarize and organize a high volume of source material for specific outputs.
• Ability to comply with the style and format of ALTSEAN publications.
• Experience in the Burma or other human rights movements will be an advantage.

DUTIES:

• Research and write summaries and sections for ALTSEAN’s CoupWatch reports and thematic trackers, with a focus on “Protests, CDM & Crackdowns”, and some sections for “Conflict and Displacement”
• Produce briefers, factsheets, and other advocacy tools for ALTSEAN and its partners.
• Design, contribute to and/or participate in strategic interventions, advocacy and other activities linked to Human Rights and Democracy, with particular reference to the junta’s proposed general elections in 2023.
• Other duties as directed by the Coordinator.

TERMS OF CONTRACT:

• Duration of 12 months. The successful applicant may be offered a fulltime position after 12 months, subject to work performance, team dynamics and funding.
• Minimum of 40 working hours per week, excluding public holidays.
• 12 working days annual leave per 12 months.
• Breakfast and lunch available free of charge at the office on workdays.

During 3 month probation period:

• Monthly allowance of (Thai Baht) THB 11,000.
• Reimbursement of up to THB 10,000 during the 3 month probation period for visa-related expenses (receipts necessary for reimbursements). The intern is expected to cover all initial visa and travel related expenses to Thailand prior to the commencement of the internship.
• Subsidized accommodation provided in a furnished room at the office or at an apartment used for security storage, depending on availability of either option, for the course of the probation period.

After satisfactory completion of 3 month probation, the fellow will:

• Receive a monthly living allowance of THB 11,000 and a monthly visa allowance of THB 13,000 on a cash-in-hand basis (THB 24,000 net per month). They will henceforth be responsible for their own accommodation and visa expenses.
• Receive on 1 July and 1 January, the equivalent of THB 500/month cash in hand contribution to health insurance for the months already worked.
• Be able to claim reimbursement to a maximum THB 500 /month for health expenditures (subject to production of receipts for allowed expenditure – medical, dental, medicines, vitamins, contraception, and therapeutic massage). Unused health allowance can accumulate and be claimed for larger bills incurred. Staff have the option of waiving reimbursement and instead requesting that this amount be used to top up the contribution to health insurance.

COVID-19 Note:

• This position is based in Bangkok. The successful candidate will be required to fund their own travel to Bangkok. A small subsidy will be available to reimburse costs associated with COVID tests, travel insurance, and quarantine (if necessary).
• ALTSEAN-Burma provides masks and sanitizers to staff. Staff are expected to maintain their vaccination status and refrain from activities that put them at risk of being infected or infecting others.