The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) is looking for a six-months Research Assistant for its Access to Justice – Police Reforms Programme. The position would be based out of CHRI’s office in New Delhi.

About the Police Reforms Programme:

The police reforms programme at CHRI advocates for systemic reform of the police. The programme works with the police, governments, independent institutions, and civil society actors to improve policing, advocating for human-rights based, accountable police practices. We do this through a combination of research-based advocacy, legislative and policy analysis, monitoring of accountability bodies, public education, campaigning, civil society networking and working in partnership, and strategic litigation.

Terms of Reference

The Research Assistant will assist with ongoing research on issues relating to police accountability including police custody deaths. Specific responsibilities will include:

• Scanning news reports and systematically documenting (in an existing offline tracker) each reported instance of death in the custody of the police across the country, and contributing to identifying patterns and insights on the collated data;
• Compiling and summarising case law related to human rights violations and police accountability;
• Collating information received through Right to Information applications;
• Assist with preparing monthly and quarterly briefs, including developing infographics.

Essential Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in law or social sciences
• High levels of competence in research and analysis
• High levels of competence in the use of Ms- Excel
• Good computer skills, including internet based research
• Ability to articulate well in English
• Ability to read multiple Indian languages will be an advantage

Remuneration: Rs. 20,000 a month, subject to tax deductions as applicable by law

Duration: 6 months from the start date

Interested candidates should apply with:

• Updated Resume/CV;
• cover letter;
• one writing samples of 2-4 pages
• contact details of two referees

The deadline for applications is 31 March 2021, and should be sent by email to vinu@humanrightsinitiative.org. Please mention the position for which you have applied in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Kindly do not post the application.