Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.-based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to document violations of human rights and humanitarian law, prevent abuses, protect survivors, and promote justice and universal human rights for all.

Building upon its highly respected place in the field, and supported by a committed and talented team, PHR seeks an international legal consultant to conduct a legal analysis for PHR’s forthcoming report documenting human rights violations, particularly the patterns of perpetration of sexual and reproductive violence in Ethiopia.

Location: Remote

Reports to: Payal Shah, Director of Research, Legal, and Advocacy

Organizational Overview

Physicians for Human Rights was founded in 1986 by five physicians who were united in the belief that health professionals, with their specialized skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to prevent harm and promote respect for human rights. Since its founding, PHR has built a long and distinguished record of accomplishment by conducting groundbreaking investigations and advocacy, in concert with strategic partners.

PHR’s approach includes extensive documentation of the use of illegal and inhumane weapons in armed conflicts, attacks on civilians, and the physical and psychological impacts of torture and sexual violence as a weapon of war. Other core activities include protecting the rights of those seeking asylum in the United States, the human rights implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and halting attacks on medical facilities and frontline health professionals.

Role Description

The international legal consultant will aid PHR staff and experts in conducting a legal analysis for PHR’s forthcoming report documenting human rights violations, particularly the patterns of perpetration of sexual and reproductive violence that have occurred in Ethiopia. This report is based on a mixed-methods research project focused on collecting data from health professionals who have provided care and services to survivors of sexual violence and from a systematic review of medical records.

Responsibilities

Develop an 8 to 10-page legal analysis brief reflective of the report’s content and findings that can serve as a supplement to the PHR report.

Support in identifying the parts of the legal analysis brief which can be included in the report’s analysis and conclusion sections.

Support in drafting additional recommendations based on the legal analysis to be included in the report’s recommendations section.

Address edits and updates the final drafts of all deliverables based on feedback from PHR staff, experts, and partners.

Participate in meetings with the PHR team as needed.

Requirements

Expertise in international criminal law, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law, with a preference for candidates with specific expertise related to sexual and reproductive violence.

Strong writer and editor with proven capacity to translate complex legal concepts into digestible analysis, including fact-finding and other human rights analysis, as demonstrated through a writing sample. Fluency in English is required.

Juris doctorate or other advanced legal degree.

Availability to complete deliverables in January and February 2025.

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

Self-motivated, proactive, enthusiastic, creative, and detail-oriented with an ability to work independently

Proven skills and expertise in research, writing, and legal analysis relating to gender-based violence and international law.

Experience working on human rights issues regarding Ethiopia is strongly preferred.

Compensation

Available compensation will be shared with the selected candidate and determined based on experience, timeline and deliverables.

Physicians for Human Rights is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit and hire without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, prior conviction, arrest history, disability, marital status, veteran status, or age.

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