Queens University of Belfast
Human Rights Centre
LawSchool
POSITION : Research AssistantSCHOOL/DEPARTMENT : School of Law
REFERENCE NO : 08/100475
CLOSING DATE : 4.00pm, Friday 4 July 2008
SALARY : £23,692 - £25,888 per annum
ANTICIPATED INTERVIEW DATE : Monday 21 July 2008
JOB PURPOSE :
Available for two years, to be an active member of the research project/team assisting in the planning and delivery of research activity within a specified area so that the overall research objectives of the project are met. Funded by Atlantic Philanthropies, the project will examine public expenditure in Northern Ireland by using economic and social rights-based budget analysis. In doing so, it will develop a methodology that may be employed both by decision-makers and civil society groups in relation to rights-based budgeting and budget-analysis/monitoring, respectively. This is an exceptional opportunity to participate in a research project at one of the UK's leading Human Rights Centres (
MAJOR DUTIES :
Undertake basic research activities that may include interviews, critical evaluation and interpretation, evaluation or library research in consultation with the research grant holder or supervisor.
Present regular progress reports on research to members of the research group or to external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings.
Write up results of own work and contribute to the production of research reports, publications and proposals.
Carry out routine administrative duties as requested, e.g. arranging research group meetings, maintaining research group website.
Read academic papers, journals and textbooks to keep abreast of developments.
Carry out any other duties designated by a line manager and which fall within the general ambit of the post.
Planning and Organising:
Plan own day-to-day activity within the framework of the agreed research programme.
Contribute to the planning of research projects, reports and publications etc usually 1-6 months in advance.
Resource Management Responsibilities:
Ensure research resources are used in an effective and efficient manner.
Provide guidance as required to support staff who may be assisting with research.
Internal and External Relationships:
Liaise with research colleagues and support staff on routine matters.
Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.
Attend and contribute to relevant meetings.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA :
1. A degree in political science, economics or a related subject.
2. Research experience in data analysis, statistics and quantitative methods.
3. Ability to contribute to method improvement where required.
4. Ability to interact with research colleagues and support staff.
5. Ability to analyse and communicate effectively.
6. Demonstrable intellectual ability.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA :
1. To have a postgraduate qualification in, or to be within 6 months of completing a PhD in, political science, economics or a related subject.
2. Research experience in relation to human rights-based budgeting or budget analysis.
3. Research experience in relation to human rights and/or development indicators and/or human rights monitoring and/or development economics.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Informal enquiries to be made to Dr. Rory O'Connell, tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3459, email: .
THE APPLICATION PROCESS :
All forms are at:
The Summary Sheet should be completed and returned with your curriculum vitae. The Equal Opportunities Form should also be completed and returned.
In customising your application details to our vacant post you should read the Job Details and criteria. You must demonstrate clearly and unambiguously how your experience and research background meets the requirements of the post. This should include a statement of published work and of research in progress.
It should be clear from your curriculum vitae what qualifications are held, when and where they were (or are to be) awarded, and what the subjects of the degrees and any dissertations are. Where applicants offer a higher degree that is not yet completed, the University may seek a status report from the institution in which the study is based. Applicants who possess a primary or higher degree not awarded under the UK classification system must submit transcripts of their degree awards, so that the Panel may assess if they have the equivalent level of qualification.
You submit your application by revisiting and clicking on Submit Application against the job you wish to apply for. Enter your email address (and confirm it), then use the Browse button to locate the forms on your computer and click Submit to email your application to the Personnel Department at Queen's. You must submit your application within the advertising period as the job will not be displayed on the Jobs page after the closing date and time has lapsed.
Alternatively post your application to The Director of Human Resources, The Personnel Department, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT7 1NN (Tel: 028 9097 3044, Fax: 028 9097 1040). You should note that the University does not normally consider applications that are received after the closing date. You should also note that where post, fax or e-mail services are used, the onus for ensuring receipt in the PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT by the closing date and time rests with the applicant.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING :
The recruitment Panel will not have access to the monitoring information you have completed and it will not be used in the selection procedure.