(Senior) Research Fellow with Specialisation in Human Rights and Public International Law (f/m/d)

(Senior) Research Fellow with Specialisation in Human Rights and Public International Law (f/m/d)

Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law

Heidelberg, Germany

The Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law is looking to fill a project-related position for a Research Fellow with thematic expertise on Human Rights and Public International Law.

Regions: Sri Lanka and Maldives
Location: Max Planck Foundation Office in Heidelberg, Germany
Term: Starting in August 2021; short-time engagement due to maternity leave
Application deadline: 31 May 2021

Background

At the core of the Max Planck Foundation’s mission stands the provision of technical legal assistance to developing countries, particularly to countries in transition or conflict (see: https://www.mpfpr.de/). Through legal consulting and legal capacity building activities, the Foundation assists States endeavouring to develop their legal systems and strengthen their institutions. The Foundation also provides legal expertise to the responsible institutions and legal professionals with the aim of enabling them to autonomously carry out necessary changes.

Job Summary

The Research Fellow will implement project activities, including legal research, preparation and implementation of capacity building workshops for various stakeholders in South East Asia and technical legal advice in the areas of Human Rights and Public International Law.

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Project and Programme Manager, successful candidate shall:

• undertake advanced legal research related to Human Rights and Public International Law, including reviewing domestic legislation;
• provide technical legal advice and assistance to project partners;
• liaise with local partners;
• draft training materials;
• organise and implement legal training workshops for state actors, legal personnel and other target groups from across the region;
• contribute to the administrative and logistical aspects of project implementation; and
• contribute to project reporting, monitoring and evaluation duties.

Selection Criteria

Education and Professional Experience

Essential:

• Advanced degree in Law (LL.M; Ph.D.);
• Extensive knowledge in the area of Human Rights and Public International Law;
• Ability to deliver high-level academic work.

Desirable:

• Ideally 2+ years demonstrable experience in the area of Human Rights and Public International Law;
• Practical experiences in relevant regions;
• Experience implementing capacity building workshops for state and civil society actors; and
• List of academic publications in the relevant field and experience in teaching.

Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English is essential (oral and written).

Other Skills & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills in a multi-cultural environment, including excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team setting;
• Flexibility, including demonstrated ability to work under pressure, to adapt to changing work and project circumstances and to respond to unforeseen developments;
• Excellent organisational skills, i.e. skilled in setting priorities and meeting deadlines, and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Ability to present high-level academic work to non-experts in a service-orientated manner;
• Willingness to travel frequently to the region for workshops and related activities;
• Computer literacy skills with standard software (e.g. MS Office).

Assessment Method

Assessment of qualified candidates will include a competency-based test and interviews.

The Max Planck Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified men and women, including those with disabilities, to apply.

Only candidates eligible for a valid residence and work permit in Germany will be taken into consideration. MPFPR will assist with visa application process.

Miscellaneous

Research Fellows are based in Heidelberg, Germany, with frequent travels to project regions for workshops (as far as Covid-19 travel restrictions allow it).

The position is contingent upon funding.

Remuneration will be based on the Collective Agreement on Public Service Wages under German Law (Tarifvertrag des Öffentlichen Dienstes – TVöD).

Applications

Please apply through our online application portal (https://www.mpfpr.de/careers/) stating your earliest possible starting date (subject: “Research Fellow – Asia”) by 31 May 2021.