Research Associate - Committee on Human Rights

National Academies; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 59,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine seek a Research Analyst for the Committee on Human Rights (CHR). The role involves developing background research, drafting papers, and preparing project outlines to determine methodologies.

You will edit reports, manage bibliographic databases, support meetings, and help disseminate program materials, mentoring staff when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.
• Two years of related professional experience.
• Master's degree in a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop background research to support studies and prepare outlines for methodologies.
• Write technical papers or summaries and edit findings for committee reports.
• Manage bibliographic and analytical databases; ensure references are accurate.
• Support committee meetings by preparing summaries, materials, and dissemination.
• May mentor staff and supervise junior team members.
• Attend meetings and assist in planning committee events and workshops.

Skills

Problem solving

Independent judgment

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field

Job description

Introduction

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

Overview

Requisition Number: R0002791

The Committee on Human Rights (CHR) is a standing membership committee of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine. The CHR advocates for professional colleagues subjected to violations of international human rights law and raises awareness of the connections between human rights and science, engineering, and medicine.

Develops pertinent background research to support a greater understanding of conditions, issues, and trends impacting assigned programs, projects, subjects, and topics. Performs research and analysis and drafts background papers. Prepares preliminary outlines of projects to determine appropriate methodology, which may include developing a historical perspective; identifying prevailing social and economic conditions and international involvement in issues; and assessing future trends and implications.

Documents and establishes files on analyses performed and prepares data for use in summaries, fact sheets, and reports. Edits report material developed by committee members, senior staff, and consultants. Manages related databases, including reference databases. Responds to inquiries about program activities and supports increased public awareness of these activities. May assist with administrative duties related to programs and projects.

Applying general professional-level knowledge and principles of research, performs duties requiring the identification and analysis of various factors and the use of independent judgment and discretion to recommend the best course of action. Proceeds on own initiative in compliance with established policies, procedures, and practices, seeking guidance or expertise from a supervisor or higher-level staff when needed. May lead and/or supervise lower-level support employees.

Responsibilities

1. Research, Analysis, and Methodology

• Prepares preliminary outlines of projects to determine appropriate methodology.
• Performs research and analysis, analyzing and organizing technical data and reports and compiling summaries of information.
• Analyzes data developed and prepares written interpretations.
• Synthesizes data for specific sections of reports or other types of output.
• May perform basic research and analysis.
• Prepares and formats various survey instruments and databases to accept specified information.
• Verifies references and checks facts of committee reports.

2. Technical Writing, Reports, and Program Materials

• Writes technical papers or summaries.
• Abstracts information from reports, expert assessments, and other source materials to create overviews for committee review or use in committee reports.
• Drafts, summarizes, and edits findings and provides feedback to appropriate parties.
• Prepares program materials for review and dissemination and assists with review response.
• Ensures edits are included in program materials.
• Creates bibliographies, graphics, and tables for program materials.

3. Data, References, and Records Management

• Manages and maintains bibliographic and analytical databases, including databases used to track references.
• Documents and establishes files on analyses performed, indicating methodology, variations in manipulation of data, and resource materials used.
• May ensure Governing Board Executive Committee (GBEC) compliance.
• Ensures Current Projects System (CPS) is posted and updated in a timely manner, the Public Access File is maintained, and documents are properly archived.

4. Committee, Meeting, and Workshop Support

• Conducts discussions with various officials, academics, allied groups, and staff.
• Participates in selecting literature for committee members, forum and workshop participants, and other applicable groups to receive through mailings, briefing books, and meetings.
• Attends meetings to present and receive feedback regarding study area and prepares meeting summaries.
• Participates in the planning and execution of committee meetings and performs other tasks associated with preparing for committee meetings and workshops.
• Corresponds with committee members.
• May assist senior staff in researching and identifying potential speakers and committee and forum members.

5. External Relations and Public Awareness

• Responds to inquiries from the public sector, sponsors, and other scientific peers outside of the National Academies.
• Increases public awareness of programmatic work.
• Identifies and contacts professional and advocacy groups interested in the committee's work.

6. Staff Support, Training, and Supervision

• Serves as a mentor and/or resource to employees.
• May be responsible for training and supervising junior staff.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Related duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to solve intellectual problems of appreciable variety and complexity using originality and ingenuity. Ability to exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication. Excellent written and verbal skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.

Minimum Experience

Two years of related professional experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

Master's degree in a related field.

Physical Capabilities

Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration

None.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls

Reports to senior program officer. Sets objectives with supervisor.

Work Environment

Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.

Compensation & Benefits

An estimated compensation range for this position is $58,700 - $73,370. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range. This is a benefits-eligible position. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.