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Business & Human Rights Research Assistant (Paid Internship)

I. Who We Are

In Sanskrit, Manushya means 'Human Being'. Manushya Foundation (Manushya) was founded in 2017 by Emilie Palamy Pradichit, with the vision to build a movement of Equal Human Beings ∞ #WeAreManushyan ∞ Manushya is an Intersectional Feminist organization reinforcing the power of Humans, in particular local communities and women human rights defenders, to fight for Human Rights, Equality & Justice!

∞ Our Vision ∞ #WeAreManushyan • Equal Human Beings • We Believe in the 'Infinite Positive Power of Humans' in building together inclusive, just, equal and peaceful societies in Asia, where everyone enjoys human rights, leaving no one behind.

∞ Our Mission ∞ We connect and reinforce the power of local communities across Asia to be at the center of decisions and policies that affect them. Communities become Agents of Change fighting for their rights and providing solutions to improve their lives and livelihoods.

∞ Our Thematic Focus ∞

1. Digital Rights: We work towards the promotion and protection of online freedom of expression and online privacy.

2. Business & Human Rights / Climate Justice: We’re committed to put People & Planet over Profit!

3. United Nations Accountability Mechanisms: We reinforce the power of local communities to engage with UN Human Rights Mechanisms, ensuring their voices and needs are taken into account to improve the situation on the ground. We also pursue international litigation cases to bring Justice to communities!

4. Women Leaders: We apply a gender lens to our work and ensure women human rights defenders lead human rights decisions and initiatives.

5. Resourcing Human Rights Defenders: We provide subgrants to marginalized communities affected by unfair policies and facing the most adverse impacts of business conducts.

∞ How does change happen? Check our website and social media platforms to learn more about our Theory Of Change, strategies and campaigns!

Our Social Media:

Website: https://www.manushyafoundation.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manushyafoundation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManushyaFdn/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManushyaFdn

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manushyafoundation/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaU7V4i-UFVQnXSV4nVXRFg

II. Our Internship Programme

The Manushya Foundation offers an opportunity for interns to develop a unique experience in supporting local communities and in improving the human rights situation on the ground. We are 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.

1. Description of Duties & Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Executive Director and the Business & Human Rights Associate, the Business & Human Rights Research Assistant (BHR Research Assistant) would be working remotely or would be based at the offices of Manushya Foundation, in Bangkok, Thailand (due to COVID-19, we are WFH - but shall adopt a hybrid office-based strategy by February 2022). The BHR Research Assistant would primarily support and be responsible for supporting the work of Manushya Foundation in relation to Business & Human Rights, women’s rights and access to justice for HRDs and marginalized communities via international litigation (UN human rights mechanisms):

• Research: support the development of research outputs contributing to Manushya Foundation’s thematic focus on business and human rights, women’s rights and UN human rights mechanisms. In particular, contribute to the development of the shadow NAP-BHR Assessment;
• Writing: Write accurate, unbiased, comprehensive, and timely reports and other research documents (often including images, audio, video, data analysis, and/or online tools) that include policy recommendations intended to contribute to ending violations by businesses on human rights;
• Advocacy: support Manushya Foundation’s advocacy strategies at the national and international levels to lobby relevant government agencies and parliamentarians, United Nations instances, to ensure countries in ASEAN respect international human rights standards. These include the development of advocacy outputs around business and human rights cases to be sent to UN Special Procedures.
• Campaigning: support Manushya Foundation’s campaign strategies to seek justice for communities facing human rights violations. These include the development of campaigning outputs and engagement on social media platforms.
• Admin support: support the logistics and admin related to workshops and meetings, when required.
• Assist in any other relevant tasks as assigned by the supervisor.**

• Profile needed**

• Degree in international law, human rights, international development, or any related field;

• Interest in international human rights mechanisms and the United Nations system;

• Very good knowledge and understanding of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;

• Ability to develop accurate, compelling research outputs on business and human rights issues;

• Ability to develop research aimed at a range of audiences;

• Strong analytical skills and dedication;

• Very good command of oral and written English;

• Experience working on business and human rights issues is a strong asset;

• Growth mindset, initiative-taking, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment;

• Good command of SLACK and Click-up to foster good internal project management and communication. **