Research Associate - Committee Human Rights

Position: Research Associate - Committee on Human Rights
Job Description

Summary:

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.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL

JOB DUTIES:

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,…