Research Associate (Limited Term) - 1 Year

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university in Toronto seeks a Research Associate to support research and advocacy projects in international reproductive and sexual health law. The ideal candidate will have a J.D. and an advanced degree, along with significant experience working with Latin American organizations. Proficiency in English and Spanish is required, along with strong analytical skills and the ability to create legal and policy documentation.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience with Latin American advocacy and research organizations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Ability to apply critical and analytical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth legal research and analyze data.
• Create policy papers, legal submissions, and reports.
• Assist in managing research projects.
• Develop advocacy strategies and liaise with stakeholders.
• Analyze Spanish-language scholarship and jurisprudence.
• Create academic papers on adolescent rights in Latin America.

Skills

Legal research and analysis

Proficiency in English

Fluency in Spanish

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Proficiency with Zoom

Education

J.D. and advanced degree in Law (minimum LL.M.)

Job description

The International Reproductive and Sexual Health Law Program in the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law invites applications for a Research Associate - Limited Term to assist the Co-Directors with ongoing research, scholarship and advocacy projects in the area of international reproductive and sexual health law.

The successful candidate will author or co-author conference presentations and scholarly articles concerning adolescent health and human rights to reproductive and sexual health care. They will conduct legal research (domestic and international, human rights, etc.), and assist in the drafting of reports, policy papers, and legal submissions to national, regional and international courts.

Expertise on legal and policy issues surrounding the rights of the child, parental consent policies and adolescent capacity for decision-making in Latin America will be useful for presentations at upcoming international conferences. The candidate will also analyze Latin American scholarship for inclusion in the forthcoming Encyclopedia of Reproductive Rights and Justice. This will require the ability to read and analyze laws, policies and court decisions in the Spanish language.

Job duties:

• Conducting in-depth legal research, analyzing data, and contributing academic expertise to research projects led by a principal investigator.
• Creating various written materials such as policy papers, legal submissions, reports, and advocacy materials related to human rights and other areas of law.
• Assisting with the overall management of research projects, including implementation.
• Developing advocacy strategies and liaising with various stakeholders, including community partners and other relevant entities.
• Legal analysis of Spanish-language scholarship and jurisprudence for scholarship and advocacy projects.
• Creating and publishing academic papers focusing on aspects of adolescent rights and capacity for decision-making in reproductive and sexual health, from a Latin American perspective.

Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION: J.D. and an advanced degree in Law (minimum LL.M. or equivalent) specializing in Reproductive and Sexual Health Law or equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 3 years of recent professional experience working and collaborating with Latin American advocacy and research organizations.

SKILLS: Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Zoom.

OTHER: Proven ability to apply critical and analytical thinking. Strong written and oral English communication skills. Strong organizational skills. Self-motivated with ability to multi-task. A good team player who works collaboratively and thrives in a dynamic environment. Fluency in both English and Spanish required.

The University of Toronto is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and strives to be an equitable and inclusive community. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities.