Research Assistant: Literature Review on the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights

Internal Applicants Only

Deadline: 15 March 2024

Professor Kate O’Regan is looking for a research assistant to help with a literature review of the published material (available both in print and online) relating to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This work is preparatory work for a possible interdisciplinary research project to provide online key materials relating to the drafting of the UDHR. The research assistant will be provided with a shared desk in the Helena Kennedy Reading Room at the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights for the duration of the project.

The project aims are to complete a survey, documentation and review of published material including edited collections of the travaux préparatoires of the UDHR by the end of the assistantship’s three-month period and no later than the end of May 2024. Tasks will include documenting and studying published collections of the travaux préparatoires as well as identifying other formal or informal primary sources pertaining to the drafting of the UDHR available in print or online, and the writing of a literature review presenting the results of the research. The literature review will be used for the preparation of a research grant application.

Tasks for the Research Assistant will include:

- Identification and research on published materials (both online and in print) relating to the drafting of the UDHR, including edited collections publishing the minutes and other documents from the relevant UN committees as well as collections of informal notes and exchanges between state representatives and the drafters of the UDHR, as well as of any other formal and informal records of the drafting of the UDHR.

- Preparation of a literature survey and/or database on the basis of the above.

- Any other project-related tasks required by the Director of the Bonavero Institute.

Duration and hours

Working hours: a total of up to 100 hours across the duration of the project, to be agreed with the project supervisor.

Start date: 25th March 2024

Date by which the work must be completed: 30th June 2024

Reporting

The Research Assistant will report to Professor Kate O’Regan.

Requirements

• A good understanding of the field of international law and/or its history is essential.
• Experience of the following software/applications is essential: MS Word and Excel.
• A knowledge of archival research methods and experience in archival work is desirable.
• Experience in drafting literature reviews is desirable.
• Experience of editing is desirable.
• The following language skills are desirable: French

Your normal place of work will be the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights, Mansfield College. However, provided you have the agreement of your PI/Supervisor, and a suitable space to work (including library access if required), it may be possible to undertake the work remotely.  

In all cases the work must be undertaken in the UK. 

Please note that you will be required to complete a Right to Work check before starting work. The Law Faculty HR Team will contact you directly to arrange for the appropriate check to take place. What is a right to work check? | Staff Immigration (ox.ac.uk)

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to current graduate research students in the Humanities and Social Sciences Divisions whose graduate research field is relevant/related to the field of study in this project. 

Rate of Pay

The work will be paid at £17.03 per hour, which equates to University Grade 6, point 1, on the basis of completed and approved timesheets, which must be submitted to payroll@law.ox.ac.uk by the last Friday of each calendar month for payment on the last working day of the following month.

In addition, paid annual leave will be assumed to be taken in the month in which it was accrued.

Funding

This opportunity is funded by the Bonavero Institute Founders Fund – BAD00130.

How to Apply

A short CV and cover letter (including the name of your supervisor) should be sent by email to catherine.oregan@law.ox.ac.uk by the Friday 15th March 2024 (5pm UK time). Please explain how you meet the requirements for the role, and give details of your availability. Supervisors may be asked for a reference. 

Enquiries about the project are welcome, and may be addressed to christos.kypraios@law.ox.ac.uk. General queries, e.g. about the appointment process, or eligibility, may be addressed to research@law.ox.ac.uk.