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The Science and Human Rights Program is currently seeking volunteer interns interested in contributing to the following projects:
The duration of the volunteer internship is flexible but is assumed to correspond with the summer academic semester. Scheduling also is flexible, but interns are expected to work 30 hours per week. Though SHRP does not provide monetary compensation to interns, we will accommodate students eligible for course credit from their institutions.
SHRP interns will be called upon to assist staff with preliminary research into a wide variety of potential projects and activities—including drafting text for new project concepts or pre-proposals to grantmaking institutions; attending relevant meetings or events outside of the AAAS headquarters; and identifying prospective project partners.
Students in a wide range of degree programs are encouraged to apply (e.g. economics, engineering, life sciences and social sciences) and should have a strong interest in the international human rights framework and contemporary human rights issues. Applicants should also have good writing skills; excellent oral communication skills; ability to conduct detailed Internet and library research at a quick pace; ability to conduct research through telephone interviews with experts; high proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite; and a willingness to work both independently as well as closely with staff.
Students interested in this opportunity are encouraged to e-mail a letter of interest, a resume, and one short writing sample (no more than three pages, please) to shrp@aaas.org. In the letter of interest, applicants should identify which project interests them and why. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
SHRP is undertaking work to develop network mapping methodologies and associated applications. A network map is an analytical tool used to capture or reconstruct, then graphically represent the complex constellation of multidirectional human relationships that make up a social formation or configuration, enabling the user to better understand its functions and impact. This is useful in identifying roles, relations, responsibilities, and weaknesses in the organization that users seek to address or change. Network mapping has great potential as an analytical tool for a wide range of human rights practitioners. It has been applied effectively to map the command structure of para-military organizations , as well as provide visualizations of the complex relationships involved in torture situations. SHRP is seeking Interns to assist in conducting research, helping to identify and evaluate existing network mapping to build a foundation from which advances in the application of this technique can be made.
SHRP is exploring the use of several wireless communication technologies to enhance the work of human rights organizations and promote the free expression and exchange of information. SHRP seeks Interns interested in researching the best practices for developing and sustaining free wireless networks and in identifying the social and technical policy issues that involve wireless deployment at the local level. Interns also will conduct research into how wireless communication technologies are being used by various human rights groups in different regions of the world.
Human Rights Budget Analysis involves reading, interpreting, and analyzing government budgets and expenditures through a human rights lens, giving users a tool with which to monitor their governments' commitment to and progress in meeting their human rights obligations. SHRP seeks Interns to assist with researching current applications—rights (e.g., the right to health, education, housing), countries, level of government (municipal, state/provincial, federal)—around the world. The inventory of current applications will be followed by interviews with a range of practitioners to identify the ways in which social scientists can contribute to enhancing and strengthening this human rights tool.
To effectively reach and engage broad segments and large numbers of scientists in human rights work, SHRP is forming a coalition of scientists and scientific societies attuned to how their expertise can contribute to human rights. SHRP Interns will conduct research to inventory the scientific societies with human rights sections or working groups, and the human rights activities and programs they currently undertake.
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