Ukraine Research Consultant
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law to end human suffering, save lives, and secure justice and universal human rights for all. Founded in 1986, PHR has more than 35 years of experience working in more than 60 countries to conduct research, launch fact-finding investigations, and galvanize thousands of health professionals and allies in the law enforcement and legal sectors to confront humanitarian emergencies and support justice for victims of human rights violations.
Since Russia’s full-scale 2022 invasion, PHR has been active in Ukraine, documenting attacks on health by Russian forces and gathering evidence, together with partners, of attacks on hospitals, health care workers, and other health infrastructure. Our research and advocacy focus on justice and accountability for these attacks before a range of international, regional, and national-level institutions and actors, with a growing focus on torture and conflict-related sexual violence as well.
PHR seeks to further strengthen its research, advocacy, and accountability efforts related to attacks on health facilities, medical personnel, and infrastructure in Ukraine. Building upon its highly respected place in the field, and supported by a committed and talented team, PHR seeks a Ukraine Research Consultant.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in Ukraine.
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine, strongly preferred.
Reports to: Director of Research and Investigations, working in close consultation with PHR’s Ukraine Emergency Response Coordinator.
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 and Responsibilities
The Ukraine Research Consultant will help PHR and local partners design, research, draft, and publish a case study that documents an attack on a health facility and/or health facilities in Ukraine and analyzes the public health impacts. The Ukraine Research Consultant, in collaboration with the PHR team and partners, will help undertake the investigation; gather, analyze and interpret data; conduct relevant legal analysis (human rights, international humanitarian law, international criminal law), and, with the PHR team and partners, lead on the overall drafting of the case study in English for a national and international legal and policy audience. The Ukraine Research Consultant will collaborate with the organization’s research and advocacy teams to support all aspects of the publication and dissemination of the report, including working closely with partners and other coalition members.
In addition, the Ukraine Research Consultant will provide support to PHR in other areas of its work in Ukraine, including:
- Conducting independent verification of attacks on Ukraine’s health care system for purposes of updating a shared database of incidents;
- Developing an advocacy brief related to forensic documentation of torture and conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine; and
- Contributing to other efforts that align with PHR’s commitment to addressing a broad range of human rights violations.
Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate
- Advanced level university degree (Master’s level or above) in a relevant field (e.g., international relations, law, public health) is required; a degree in law is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in sophisticated legal analysis in conflict or human rights-related contexts.
- Strong understanding of international criminal law, international humanitarian law, and human rights law; knowledge of Ukraine’s health care sector is an advantage.
- Excellent drafting skills in English and ability to adhere to strict deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Ukrainian is strongly preferred.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Salary and Benefits
The Ukraine Research Consultant will be available on a full-time basis, i.e., 40 hours a week. Additional time may be needed to accommodate necessary and urgent deadlines. The Ukraine Research Consultant will receive competitive compensation commensurate with experience and consistent with PHR policy. The Ukraine Research Consultant will submit monthly invoices.
This consultancy role spans six months, from February to August 2024.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email their cover letter and resume to resumes@phr.org as soon as possible. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Please include the job title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email and where you saw this job posting in the email body.
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.