Jobs and Funding
Current Openings
Graduate/Law Summer Grant '23
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Human Rights Center supports research and advocacy on pressing human rights issues around the world and locally. The Center is also a key stakeholder of the University of Dayton’s engagement with the UN Global Compact and Sustainable Development Goals. This grant will support current graduate/law students to develop and implement research or advocacy projects on human rights during summer 2023. We encourage applications from across all UD academic units.
- Interested graduate/law students should submit an application to hrc@udayton.edu by February 1, 2023.
All applicants who wish to use these funds to support international travel must register and comply with all university international travel guidelines. International Travel Process information can be found on this website.
Award Details:
- The student award for 2023 is $3,000 (full summer) or $1,500 (half-summer).
- Any graduate student who is currently enrolled or will be enrolled in the upcoming academic year is eligible to apply.
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
Successful proposals will meet the following criteria:
- A focus on applied research or advocacy, including: community-based research or service projects, projects assessing human rights advocacy, or engaging in advocacy
- Demonstrate an explicit human rights perspective or framework
- A focus on some aspect of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as the achievement of a specific goal or target.
Recipients will be expected to:
- Attend at least three meetings/working sessions to be held at the HRC during spring and fall semesters
- Participate at the Stander Symposium, or other approved presentation venue. Travel stipend maybe available
- Write an article for the Center’s blog
- Provide a copy of all work products and photos related to the project
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Submit application materials to hrc@udayton.edu
- Resume with current contact information.
- Unofficial copy of transcripts
- Narrative description of the proposed research or advocacy project addressing the following questions (max. 1,000 words):
- Research/Project Rationale: Please describe your reasoning for undertaking this research/project.
- Impact: Identify the expected contribution your research/advocacy project will make to the field of human rights.
- Methodology: Explain how you will conduct your research or implement your advocacy project. Be explicit about who you are going to involve/engage (e.g., community partner or organization, center or other stakeholders, research group etc.)
- A detailed budget describing how the funds would be used and detailed timeline for the completion of the research/advocacy project.
- A letter of recommendation from the student’s primary advisor or faculty mentor.
EVALUATION OF APPLICANTS
Successful applications will be applied, advocacy-oriented projects that use a human rights framework and are clearly connected to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. If you have any questions about the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us at hrc@udayton.edu
JOB DESCRIPTION:
As the University of Dayton continues to be at the center of a global, dynamic research and advocacy community, the UD Human Rights Center (HRC) have set in motion programs and projects with diverse partners to deepen our vital commitment to advancing human rights. The HRC creates positive change through education, dialogue and research for and about advocacy. As part of a University for the common good, we are committed to bridging the gap between theory and practice in order to advance human rights and sustainable development locally, nationally and around the world. Projects supported by the HRC integrate interdisciplinary academic and experiential learning with human rights and rights-based research and advocacy outcomes. These multifaceted projects are undertaken with partner organizations to enable students to gain and apply learning to human rights and development practice at home and abroad.
ABOUT HALO TRUST
The HALO Trust (USA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in the removal of landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW), with projects in 25+ countries and territories, and employing over 10,000 people. HALO’s mission is to protect lives and restore the livelihoods of those affected by conflict. HALO’s Washington, D.C. office works with Congress and other government partners, international agencies, foundations, and private donors to increase awareness of the impact of landmines and ERW on post-conflict communities and to raise funds to support HALO’s teams working overseas. The D.C. office is seeking an enthusiastic student with an interest in advocacy and global affairs to support HALO’s Congressional affairs arm as an Advocacy Assistant.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary responsibility of this remote position will be to support HALO’s efforts to influence the Congressional appropriations process, by collecting all necessary information and procedures from Congressional offices related to appropriations requests and reporting these to the Congressional affairs team. The successful completion of this project is critical to ensuring HALO achieves its strategic objectives and to provide funding for global demining efforts. The Advocacy Assistant will also support other elements of direct Congressional outreach and grassroots advocacy efforts.
The position offers valuable insight into working in advocacy, Congressional relations, the non-profit sector, and humanitarian work. This position will provide the opportunity to conduct direct and meaningful work that will make a difference in the lives of millions of families across the globe. As a remote position through the HRC, this position will also include engagement with the Center and its team.
Depending on your skills and experience, interns will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of tasks and projects including but not limited to:
- (30%) Collecting appropriations request forms, and related contact information and procedures from Congressional offices and reporting these to the Congressional affairs team.
- (25%) Helping to promote grassroots advocacy campaigns and recruit new digital supporters to HALO’s network.
- (5%) Representing HALO in virtual meetings and events with Congressional offices and stakeholders,
- (5%) Supporting the preparation of communication materials including fliers, memos, etc.
- (5%) Supporting the planning and implementation of virtual and in-person events (in-person attendance not required).
- (10%) Assist with data management.
- (5%) Other duties as assigned by The HALO Trust.
- (5%) Attend HRC weekly meetings, project team meetings, and other relevant HRC events.
- (10%) Students are required to make a presentation and write a blog about their internship experience for the HRC.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Required:
- High standards of professionalism.
- Highly organized and detail oriented.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work under deadlines and in fast-paced environment.
- Enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, issues concerning Congress and international affairs.
- An outgoing personality when it comes to performing cold outreach to organizations/Congressional offices.
- An exceptional work ethic.
- Highly proficient in MS word, Excel, Google suite.
- Proficient in working on social media (especially Facebook and Twitter).
- Be able to work both independently and as a strong team player.
- Able to work flexible hours.
- Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, and
- Must be a U.S. citizen or hold a visa or permit to work in the U.S.
To comply with federal rules, UD will require all employees including student employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The University will accept valid religious or medical exemptions and seek to reasonably accommodate them. Links to the most up-to-date COVID-19 health information, an easy-to-navigate index of the University's COVID-19 guidelines, and resources can be found at https://udayton.edu/coronavirus/.
Preferred:
- Interested in and/or has background in political science and/or international studies
- Experience working on a team remotely.
EXPERIENCE GAINED IN THIS ROLE:
- Career & Self-Development – Students will gain an awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses, including how to apply feedback received and how to seek out opportunities for development. Students will gain experience developing and maintaining professional relationships.
- Communication – Students will learn how to be better communicators by interacting with peers, co-workers, or customers in writing and/or verbally and nonverbally. Individuals in this position will improve their active listening skills by interacting with and assisting other students in their job search.
- Critical Thinking – Students will collaborate with peers and gain analytical skills by evaluating current procedures and determining effectiveness through the use of data and research.
- Technology – Students will learn how to use Photoshop to create and design marketing materials. This position will teach students how to use office technology to improve efficiency and productivity on the job.
- Teamwork – Students will gain knowledge about other cultures through interacting with members of the community. This position will provide students with skills to help communicate with others how our choices impact our community.
APPLICATIONS AND DEADLINES
- HALO Trust Advocacy Assistant Application deadline: December 23, 2022
- Hours: 10-15 hours per week during regular business hours (8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.), depending on student availability. 15 hours preferred mid-February through March.
- Duration of internship: January 9, 2023- April 28, 2023.
- Applicants will be invited for two interviews, one at the Human Rights Center and finalists with HALO Trust.
- Apply via Handshake with the job posting #7210453.