Donald M. Wilson Fellowship at the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights

Progressive human rights organization is accepting applications from recent law school graduates for a one-year fellowship position, focused on domestic and international human rights advocacy, in its Washington, D.C., office. Applications are being accepted through July 29, 2011.

ORGANIZATION:

Founded in 1968, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (RFK Center), formerly Robert F. Kennedy Memorial, works to realize Robert Kennedy’s vision of social justice. The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award was established in 1984 to honor courageous leaders and activists from around the world who dedicate their lives to overcoming serious human rights violations, often at great personal risk. Each year, after a thorough nomination process, a human rights defender is named the recipient of the RFK Human Rights Award. Through its Center for Human Rights, the RFK Center forges multi-year partnerships with RFK Human Rights Award recipients (Laureates) and joins their struggle, developing long-term strategies using cutting-edge human rights advocacy tools and sustained advocacy support to effect real change in their communities. The Center for Human Rights provides programmatic, legal, and technical assistance; increases public awareness of Laureates’ work; and generates domestic and international political support for the growing ranks of Laureates. The RFK Center engages a Global Advocacy Team of pro-bono experts, professional human rights staff, and the Kennedy family and their networks to advocate for the change its Laureates seek; these include changing policies and actions of governments, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions (IFIs), and corporations. The RFK Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization established to carry forward RFK’s legacy of justice and tolerance.

DONALD M. WILSON FELLOWSHIP:

Donald M. Wilson and his family have recognized the need for greater support for recent graduates who wish to devote their professional lives to public service and have generously endowed the Fellowship program at the RFK Center. In 2011, the Donald M. Wilson Fellowship will provide invaluable training and experience for a recent law school graduate preparing for a career in human rights.

Duties will include, but not be limited to, conducting extensive research on the 2011 RFK Human Rights Award Laureate’s work, his/her country of origin, its human rights landscape, guiding national and international laws, and related U.S. and international policy. In addition to completing critical background research, the Fellow will work closely with the RFK Center for Human Rights Director and programmatic staff to develop long-term strategies, legal actions, and advocacy campaigns to support the 2011 Laureate. The Donald M. Wilson Fellow will also assist with RFK Center’s broader human rights work, providing substantive and administrative support as needed.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The ideal candidate will have experience with domestic and international human rights mechanisms; working knowledge of the United Nations system, regional human rights systems, and multi-lateral institutions; an ability to maintain active contacts with key stakeholders in the aforementioned systems to support the goals and objectives of the RFK Human Rights Award Laureates; an ability to master complex human rights issues under tight deadlines; and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

A Juris Doctor’s degree is required. Fluency in Arabic, French, or Spanish is strongly preferred.

Deadline Date: July 29, 2011

If interested, please e-mail a cover letter, resume, writing sample and 3 references to:

Diana Damschroder
Subject: Donald M. Wilson Fellowship
jobs@rfkcenter.org

No calls please.