Do you want to research the next Laureates of the Right Livelihood Award?

Established in 1980, Right Livelihood honours and supports courageous people solving global problems. Annually, we present four awards to visionary change-makers providing exemplary solutions for a just, peaceful and sustainable world. In total, there are now 190 Laureates from 74 countries leading pioneering change across the globe. Each year, we receive nominations from around the world through an open process allowing anyone to submit nominations. After thorough research, our Jury made up of international experts and previous Laureates chooses that year’s most outstanding nominees. To expand these research activities and the scope of our research as a whole, we are now hiring a Research Officer to be an integral part of this development.

Job responsibilities

• Conducting desk & background research on nominees for the Award, including reaching out to and interviewing external experts.
• Planning, preparation and conducting of field visits to certain nominees in their home countries/countries of work.
• Carrying out broader research into topics of interest to the Right Livelihood Foundation and Right Livelihood Laureates, particularly drawing upon and analysing the raw data collected from the selection process.
• Administering incoming nominations for the Right Livelihood Award, including corresponding with nominees and nominators, and ensuring complete dossiers are received.
• Assisting with the coordination of the yearly jury meeting of the Right Livelihood Award, liaising with jury members and host venues around logistical matters.

Experience & Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience
• Full professional proficiency in English and Spanish is required.
• Master’s Degree, or equivalent level qualification, e.g. in social sciences, law, or environmental sciences

• Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to interact and work collaboratively with staff, jury members and engage with nominees in a highly professional, confidential and tactful manner
• Experience in conducting detailed research into topics such as human rights, and sustainability, including conducting interviews and field trips in challenging areas
• Previous experience of drafting and compiling reports involving condensing large quantities of information into a concise yet thorough piece of work.

Additional desired qualifications

• Professional proficiency in French, or other languages would be considered an advantage.
• Previous working experience with award selection processes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suit, experience with database navigation and/or data analysis would be considered an advantage.

Your role in the team

You will be an integral part of a highly motivated international team and work closely with the Research Manager. The role allows for professional and personal development while researching some of the world’s most outstanding activists and organisations. While reporting to and working in close cooperation with the Research Manager, located in Geneva, there is also a degree of autonomy and ownership of the work conducted, in that you will be largely leading the research into the nominees most applicable to your skillset.

Terms of employment

This is a permanent full-time position. The position will be based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Occasional global travel may be required as part of the position.
Estimated start date: 2nd January, 2024.

About us

Established in 1980, we are committed to peace, justice and sustainability for all.

Each year, we present the Right Livelihood Award. By recognising the actions of brave visionaries and building impactful connections around the world, the Award boosts urgent and long-term social change. 190 Laureates from 74 countries have received the distinction to date.

However, our work goes beyond only presenting the Award. We provide these change- makers with long-term support. We work to raise their profile, highlight their solutions, provide protection when their lives and liberty are in danger and link them and their innovative solutions to academia.

We believe that lasting change requires concerted action based on diverse solutions. We do our part by nurturing a growing community of courageous change-makers, connecting them and their solutions worldwide.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for the position, please email a copy of your CV as well as a short cover letter outlining what relevant work experience you have that you can bring to this role. This letter should also include a description of what topics and current affairs you see as being the most pressing, challenging or significant in the world today and moving forward. (250 – 500 words).

Submit application materials to research@rightlivelihood.org.
For questions about the application process, please contact Adam McBeth at research@rightlivelihood.org.

Deadline for applications is 18th October, 2023.