Science and Human Rights Program Internship Opportunities

The AAAS Science and Human Rights Program (SHRP) works with scientists to "advance science and serve society" through human rights. The Program carries out its mission by engaging individual scientists and scientific associations in human rights efforts; applying scientific tools and technologies to enhance human rights work; bringing human rights standards to the conduct of science; and promoting the human right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress.

SHRP is currently seeking a paid intern interested in contributing to:

• AAAS Science and Human Rights Program

SHRP is currently seeking volunteer interns interested in contributing to the following projects:

• "Article 15": The Right to the Benefits of Scientific Progress
• Human Rights Budget Analysis
• Human Rights and the Conduct of Science
• "On-call" Scientists
• Science and Human Rights Coalition
• Wireless Communication Technologies and Human Rights

Detailed information about each of these projects is available on the SHRP Web site.

Internship positions are available for a minimum of 12 weeks, corresponding with the academic semester. Interns are expected to work a minimum of 20 hours per week (preferably 30 hours). The precise scheduling of these work hours is flexible. Internships are available to students eligible for course credit from their institutions. In accordance with AAAS policy, SHRP internships are unpaid.

Requirements

SHRP welcomes applications from graduate and undergraduate students who demonstrate both a strong academic background in any one of a wide range of degree programs in the behavioral, life, physical, and social sciences, or in engineering, and who have a strong interest in the international human rights framework and contemporary human rights issues. Applicants should also possess strong written and oral communication skills; the ability to conduct detailed and efficient Internet and library research; the confidence to conduct telephone interviews with experts; high proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite; and a willingness to work both independently as well as closely with SHRP staff.

How to Apply

Students interested in this opportunity are encouraged to e-mail a letter of interest, a CV, and one short writing sample (no more than three pages, please) to shrp@aaas.org. In the letter of interest, applicants should identify the particular project that interests them and explain why. Applicants should also include the number of hours and precise dates they are available for the internship. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Current Projects

AAAS Science and Human Rights Program

Hours: 20 hours/week
Rate: $12/hour
Dates: September 8 - January 29

The AAAS Science and Human Rights Program seeks a paid intern who will provide administrative support for the Program; process memberships for the Science and Human Rights Coalition; maintain the database of "On-call" Scientists; help organize and coordinate conference calls, and committee and other meetings sponsored by the Program; respond to inquiries (verbally or in writing) dealing with program/project activities; assist with preparation, proofreading, and editing of various meeting materials, reports and proposals; process intern announcements; manage four listservs; receive, fill, and record orders for Program publications; collect, assemble and analyze data; conduct project-based research as appropriate; and perform other work related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Position requires a formal training program of one to two years beyond high school or an Associate's degree (Bachelor's degree preferred); two to three years prior work experience; strong organizational skills; strong verbal and written communication skills; computer skills (MS Office, Word-processing, database); typing ability; skills in website management preferred; and ability to handle multiple assignments.

"Article 15": The Right to the Benefits of Scientific Progress

Article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognizes the right of everyone to "enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications." An important right unto itself, this right is also a key prerequisite for the realization of other rights, including to health, food, water, and a clean environment. Yet, this right has been largely ignored by both the human rights and scientific communities as a tool to ensure governments meet their human rights obligations. SHRP would like an Intern to contribute to the identification of practical measures that governments can adopt in order to respect, protect, and fulfill this right, and potential partners with whom the Project can work to promote the realization of this right in practice.

Further information about this program area is available at: http://shr.aaas.org/Programs/program_article15.htm

Human Rights Budget Analysis

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 research on how budget analysis is currently being used by NGOs around the world. The review will be followed by interviews with a range of practitioners to identify the ways in which scientists can contribute to enhancing and strengthening this human rights tool.

Further information about this project is available at: http://shr.aaas.org/budgetanalysis/

Human Rights and the Conduct of Science

Currently under development, this program area will look at when, rather than being part of the solution to human rights problems, science and its practice are part of the problem. Interns will help SHRP identify areas of scientific practice, new technologies, scientific discoveries, and science policy that raise human rights questions or concerns. Responsibilities will include helping SHRP staff conduct research, design and carryout a survey, and organize a seminar on a timely issue.

Further information about this program area is available at: http://shr.aaas.org/Programs/program_conduct.htm

"On-call" Scientists

The "On-call" Scientists project matches scientists interested in volunteering their skills and knowledge with human rights organizations that are in need of scientific expertise. SHRP seeks an intern to help staff manage the matching process, from communicating with applicants and contacting references, to holding meetings of the selection committee. Interns will also help prepare materials and conduct outreach to the human rights and scientific communities.

Further information about this project is available at: http://shr.aaas.org/internships.htm

Science and Human Rights Coalition

In January 2009, SHRP will officially launch the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition. The Coalition is a network of scientific associations and professional societies that recognize a role for science and scientists in efforts to realize human rights. The Coalition is committed to five areas of activity: welfare of scientists; science ethics and human rights; service to the scientific community; service to the human rights community; and developing information resources. SHRP Interns will assist the area of activity committees to implement their activities through research and other substantive input. Interns will also help conduct outreach to scientific associations and human rights organizations ahead of the pre-launch event in October and the launch in January.

Further information about this project is available at: http://shr.aaas.org/scisocs/

Wireless Communication Technologies

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 best practices for developing and sustaining free wireless networks and in identifying the social and technical policy issues involved in wireless deployment at the local level. Interns also will conduct research into how wireless communication technologies are being used by human rights groups in different regions of the world.

Further information about this project is available at: http://shr.aaas.org/wireless/