Tech and Human Rights Researcher

The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, an international non-profit human rights organization, is seeking a dynamic Tech and Rights Researcher to join a high performing, committed team.

• Location: Remote
• Part Time: full time, 5 days per week (35 hours/week)
• Fee: GBP 32,500-36,000 per year (the range is aligned to London cost of living; if based in another location, the range will be adjusted accordingly)
• Contract type: 1 year contract
• Closing date: 22 November 2022
• To Apply: Complete and return this application form via our jobs portal. Kindly note that the application form is required; we will not accept CVs. If you need any additional support, please reach out to Giulia Vinzi at [email protected]

The Organisation

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre is an international human rights organisation working to ensure respect for human rights are at the core of companies’ business models, empower communities and workers to secure their rights, and advance accountability for corporate human rights abuse. Our Global Team, based in more than 20 countries around the world, work with a rich network of activists, unions, human rights groups, and investors. Our website and publications are available in ten languages. We work across all sectors and issues related to business and human rights, with strategic focus on the rights of workers in global supply chains, the rights of communities seeking responsible natural resource use and a just transition to zero carbon economies, and the rights of people to accountable digital technologies.

The Resource Centre has helped define the growing field of business & human rights. It has put companies in all regions on notice that their human rights conduct is being watched. It has drawn attention to corporate abuses in all countries and provided increased recognition to those companies taking positive steps to promote human rights. The Centre is widely respected for being fair, objective, and constructive in its approach to make change happen.

Role and responsibilities

• Developing content and analysis on topics related to business and human rights in the tech sector based on areas identified as priorities by the programme.
• Convening collaborations or networks working on specific issues related to the programme.
• Sharing information about developments relating to identified areas of priority with networks.
• Coordinating network building and advocacy related convenings or meetings for the networks.
• Writing compelling content for our website and outreach, including reports, blog posts, briefing notes and papers, and articles to be submitted to relevant media outlets.
• Overseeing processes of company engagement and media monitoring on the issue of tech and human rights
• Work with regional researchers to identify stories about the impacts of companies on labour rights globally and developments in the field of labour rights, and take up allegations of abuse with company HQs, in collaboration with workers’ organisations. Identify strategies to increase the accountability of non-responding companies
• Tracking policy and legislation by keeping abreast of, and in some cases participating in, relevant legal and policy developments, including mandatory human rights due diligence efforts and other regulatory movements related to the tech and digital sectors.
• There may be occasional international travel for research, outreach, scoping, communications and/or representation.

Person specifications

• Experience: 3-5 years of experience on digital rights or business and human rights with demonstrable expertise in movement building, preferably in the global south. Note that some familiarity with the digital / tech sectors is strongly preferred.
• Language: Proficient in English – excellent spoken and writing.
• Education: Educational qualification in law, social sciences or technology.
• Values: Strong, demonstrated commitment to human rights. Shares values and ethos of the Resource Centre.
• Research & analytical skills: Able to search and identify relevant information online; persistent in seeking out difficult-to-find information; creative in identifying new sources of information.
• Outreach and networking: Able to foster productive, professional relationships with a broad range of contacts, including advocates, company representatives, and government officials.
• Communications: Strong writing skills, including succinct writing for the website and other external facing
• Teamwork: Able to operate effectively and constructively as part of a global team and ensure smooth communication despite geographical distances between team members.
• Self-initiative and motivation: Able to use own initiative and work independently within agreed framework; motivated by achieving results and completing tasks.
• Organization and prioritization: Strong organizational and prioritization skills, enabling efficient and effective work.

The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre is a diverse, global team. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone and we acknowledge that people from certain backgrounds are under-represented in progressive movements. We particularly encourage applications from the Global South, and from Black, Asian, Latinx and other minorities, people with disabilities, and people who identify as LGBTQ+.