The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (the Centre) invites applications for two research assistants to work with the Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit.

Opportunity closing date: Tuesday 7 December 2021

Opportunity type: Research assistant
Organisation: Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
Type of contract: Temporary
Duty station: Remote
Period: Six months (February - July 2022)

About the Unit

The Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit carries out various projects on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression and access to information in Africa. Through research, advocacy and campaigns, the Unit works on the intersection of the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, privacy and other human rights as they relate to digital technologies. It also supports the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights primarily through the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression and access to information in Africa.

Responsibilities

The successful applicants will work on the Unit’s ongoing project that focuses on analysis of laws and practices that protect or violate the right to freedom of expression in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to this, the successful applicants will:

1. Provide research assistance to the Unit;
2. Provide logistics support for various ongoing projects;
3. Participate actively in assigned programme work, ensuring that systems, processes and outputs are grounded in the Centre’s values;
4. Participate in internal communication and work within the programme team to ensure the effective implementation of the Unit’s objectives; and
5. Any other responsibilities as may be determined by the manager of the Unit.

Requirements

1. A degree in the field of law, human rights or related disciplines;
2. Professional proficiency in English and French, or English and Portuguese;
   (PLEASE NOTE: ONLY BILINGUAL APPLICANTS WITH PROFESSIONAL PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH AND FRENCH, OR ENGLISH AND PORTUGUESE WILL BE CONSIDERED) ;
3. Working knowledge of and commitment to human rights, particularly digital rights;
4. Excellent research, verbal and written communications skills; and
5. Additional language skills and project work experience are a plus.

Remuneration

The successful applicants must be able to start on 1 February 2022. The monthly stipend is ZAR 10 000. The initial period for the role is six months. It may be renewable, subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance. 

Application process

Applicants are expected to submit:

1. A detailed Curriculum Vitae with two referees.
2. A cover letter indicating their experience and suitability for the position; and
3. TWO WRITING SAMPLES. ONE IN ENGLISH AND ANOTHER ONE IN FRENCH OR PORTUGUESE.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications with the subject line: EIDR Research Assistant to chr@up.ac.za copying hlengiwe.dube@up.ac.za by Tuesday 7 December 2021.