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About the Organization | Heartland Initiative (Heartland) is dedicated to transforming how investors advance human rights in an increasingly turbulent world. Today’s investment portfolios span borders and industries, exposing investors to an array of interconnected human rights and financially material risks. Heartland supports investors in managing the most severe and systemic risks in their portfolios while addressing the greatest threats to rights holders around the world. Our team of experts provides tailored learning services to institutional investors in North America, Europe, and Australasia with more than $500 billion in assets under management and partners with investors representing an additional $7 trillion.

The Role | Heartland is recruiting a Business & Human Rights Researcher (Researcher) to assist in the collection, review, analysis, and management of corporate and human rights data. We estimate the research activities to require 24 to 40 hours per week. This position is fully remote and can be done from any location with reliable internet service. This is an entry-level or mid-career contractor position depending on the applicant’s qualifications. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience.

Collection of data is conducted by reviewing corporate, news, civil society, academic, and security reports on at-risk geographies, industries, value chains, companies, and communities. The Researcher will identify and analyze salient human rights risks that pose material risks to companies and their investors, ensuring the quality, consistency and reliability of the data produced.

To be considered, applicants must ascribe to Heartland’s core value of respect for universal human rights and dignity.

Responsibilities | Projects and activities will include but are not limited to:
● Conducting extensive human rights and corporate research, analysis, and reporting;
● Responding to questions from and preparing materials for networks, staff, partner organizations, donors, and members of the community;
● Assisting in the maintenance of an electronic and paper filing system for financial, administrative and program documents; and
● Writing reports, business correspondence, and standard operating procedures.

Please note that this position involves working with conflict-related media and reading about violent events.

Skills & Competencies | Heartland is seeking applicants who have the following skills and experience:
● University degree in international law, conflict studies, peacebuilding, international development, business & human rights, or a related field;
● Fluency in English (essential);
● Experience conducting desk-based research;
● Experience working to deadlines with limited supervision;
● A high level of attention to detail and ability to receive and incorporate feedback;
● Access to a computer, a reliable internet connection, and the Microsoft Office Suite;
● Familiarity with Excel and Google Apps;
● Research focus or professional experience in business and human rights research is a strong advantage; and
● Familiarity with conflict, political context, and actors in the relevant countries is a strong advantage.

Working Conditions | Heartland is a fully remote organization with team members working across the United States with partners around the world. This position requires strict confidentiality and professionalism in daily activities.

Applications | To apply, please send an email with “BHR Researcher – [Your Name]” in the subject line to rich@heartland-initiative.org with the following documents attached:
● Résumé/CV
● Cover letter outlining your suitability for the role
● The names and contact details of two (2) references
● Writing sample

Applications for this contract role will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled. Interested candidates are advised to apply at the earliest.

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Heartland believes a diverse, inclusive team makes us a stronger organization and better partner. We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer, and to hiring persons of all races, ethnicities, ages, nationalities, sexes, genders, sexual orientation or gender identities, marital status, religions, and disabilities. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and members of other minority or marginalized groups are encouraged to apply.