SRHR Research Consultant (Louisiana or Remote)
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 SRHR Research Consultant.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Location: Headquarters, New York, NY
Reports to: Director of Research and Investigations
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
Lift Louisiana, the National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC), Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) and the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR) are engaged in a joint project to document the impact of abortion bans and restrictions on comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare, health, and bodily autonomy in the state of Louisiana.
In support of this initiative, PHR seeks a consultant with a strong background in qualitative research to assist with a methodologically rigorous investigation of the impact of current abortion laws on in-state health care providers and their patients. In this project, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with clinicians and other relevant providers and institutions across Louisiana who provide health care to pregnant patients. Interviews will explore their experiences since the enactment of these laws, the response of the facilities in which care is provided, and how clinicians and health care facilities are navigating their obligations to their patients with state laws that punish and criminalize abortion-related care.
The ideal candidate will be based in or near Louisiana, with ability to travel within the state as needed.
Responsibilities
- Work with PHR staff and other consultants and organizational partners to develop the methodology, research protocol, research tools, consent forms and all other materials required for ethical review board approval.
- Assist in the development and refining of semi-structured interview protocols.
- Assist in outreach to and recruitment of clinicians and other relevant healthcare providers to participate in interviews.
- Conduct semi-structured interviews.
- Provide oversight of all data collection in Louisiana, including ensuring adherence to data security measures, the informed consent process, and data management.
- Assist in data coding and analysis, including supporting development of data analysis plan and tools.
- Undertake secondary research to support analysis, including relevant medical standards/guidelines, peer-reviewed publications, and grey literature.
- Support drafting and review of report sections as requested related to background, methods, data analysis and interpretation, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Support relevant communications and advocacy strategies as needed.
- Participate in meetings with PHR and partners on a regular basis as requested.
Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate
- Expertise in and experience in qualitative research, including conducting semi-structured interviews (in person and remotely) and analyzing resulting data
- Demonstrated commitment to reproductive justice and health, including in Louisiana specifically
- Sensitivity to the impact of race, ethnicity, class, and gender on sexual and reproductive health and a commitment to intersectionality as an analytical lens
- Existing relationships with reproductive health organizations and health care providers in Louisiana strongly desired
- Exceptional analytical, writing, and verbal skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaboratively, effectively, and professionally
- Mature judgment, strong sense of integrity, ability to maintain strict confidentiality, discretion, and capacity to be a self-starter
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Experience in conducted health-related research desired
- Able and willing to undertake in-state travel as needed
Salary and Benefits
PHR anticipates the consultancy to comprise 30 days of work over an approximately three-month time period at a rate of $400 a day.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit by February 28, 2023, the following materials to resumes@phr.org:
- cover letter detailing interest in the project and relevant background
- resume
- contact information for two references
- writing sample (up to 10 pages)
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.