Job Description
Position(s): Junior Research Fellow
Organization: Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB)
Location: Global
Deadline: Ongoing
In a world that increasingly prioritizes sustainability and social justice, the call for equitable and just transitions is becoming ever more critical. As nations and corporations strive to shift towards greener economies, the need to ensure that these transitions are carried out in a manner that respects human rights is paramount. This is where the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) steps in, advocating for excellence in human rights practice amid evolving business landscapes.
Excitingly, the IHRB is currently on the lookout for a passionate and dedicated individual to join their team as a Home-based Just Transitions Junior Research Fellow. This position not only offers the chance to contribute to meaningful change but comes with a competitive salary of £1,725 per month.
What Does the Role Entail?
The Just Transitions Junior Research Fellow will play a crucial role in advancing IHRB’s mission to promote human rights in the context of environmental sustainability. The core responsibility of this position revolves around conducting thorough research on the intersection of human rights and climate change. As a Junior Research Fellow, you will support projects that bridge the gap between business practices, government policies, and human rights obligations during the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Your research will contribute to important discussions on how industries can transition responsibly while ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left behind. This role is ideal for individuals eager to make an impact, drawing on rigorous analytical skills and a keen understanding of human rights frameworks as they relate to climate change.
About the Just Transition Programme
The Just Transitions Programme seeks to contribute to a wider understanding of just transitions through research and testing effective approaches for companies and governments to integrate the voices and concerns of those impacted by climate-related policy and action at every level. Our foundational report, Just Transitions for All: Business, Human Rights and Climate Action, set out the benefits of approaches that considers all the salient rights of workers, communities, and consumers affected by transitions, as well as those facing the impacts of climate change. IHRB’s four essential elements for safeguarding the “just” in just transition offer further context and guidance for how to combat the confusion and risk of co-option that is growing as the concept gains popularity.
IHRB’s junior research fellowship offers a 6-month placement suitable for incoming professionals, applicants who might be returning to work, or transitioning into a new field. This initiative aims to create a pathway for individuals to gain experience while actively contributing to IHRB’s mission.
- In particular, the Just Transitions Junior Research Fellow will support the Just Transitions Programme team to implement a number of multi-year policy-influencing, and ecosystem-building research projects, including, but not limited to:
- The Cost of Green Conflict: The growth of renewable energy around the world is bringing with it significant distress, disruption, and dissent from indigenous groups, communities, and workers. This two-year project will seek to evidence and quantify the operational, reputational, and opportunity costs to renewable energy companies across a mix of green technologies when they fail to secure or maintain their social licence to operate.
- Just Stories: Narratives illustrating the benefits of meaningful engagement between public and private enterprises and workers, communities, and indigenous groups are rare to non-existent within the net-zero agenda. The JUST Stories project will highlight change-makers – from transitioning institutions and the frontline groups most affected – who are finding ways of doing things differently, working in meaningful partnership to navigate the social, environmental, and economic trade-offs involved in the race to net-zero.
- Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP): Just Energy Transition Partnerships are fast becoming a go-to model for catalysing national-level decarbonisation initiatives. They represent the nexus of the financing and social imperatives at the heart of achieving net-zero. Our work on JETPs analyses the human rights risks and social opportunities associated with private sector involvement in JETP. We recently completed a pilot study in South Africa, the first JETP country and most advanced in terms of implementation and planning. We aim to expand work to other JETP countries in 2025, starting with Indonesia, and then Senegal.
What You Will Do
Reporting to the Just Transitions Programme Manager, and working closely with the Head of Just Transitions and wider Just Transitions project teams, the Just Transitions Junior Research Fellow will support the full suite of programme functions, including but not limited to:
- Desk research & literature review: Supporting desk review of sustainability science and policy literature on a range of questions related to responsible corporate climate action. For example, the research related to renewables company involvement in local conflict at project sites; examples of meaningful engagement within decarbonisation initiatives across a diversity of sectors and geographies; how various JETP countries are shaping the role of business in key policy instruments; specific financial instruments aligned with just transition principles.
- Stakeholder mapping & supporting interviews: Supporting lead researchers with mapping key stakeholders and transcribing a series of in-depth and confidential interviews with corporate, finance, legal, and sustainability professionals across a range of sectors, in particular renewable energy for the Cost of Green Conflict project.
- Project communications: Supporting the team with developing the Just Transitions Newsletter
Alongside the tasks outlined above, the Just Transitions Junior Research Fellow will be invited to attend internal management meetings where appropriate, gaining insights on pertinent business and human rights issues as well as valuable mentoring and networking opportunities with IHRB staff and partners.
Who Should Apply?
The Just Transitions Junior Research Fellow position is perfect for recent graduates or early career professionals with a background in human rights, environmental studies, social sciences, or related fields. Ideal candidates will possess:
- Academic Background: A degree (or equivalent experience) in human rights, environmental policy, sociology, or a related discipline.
- Research Skills: Strong research and analytical capabilities, with experience in qualitative and quantitative methodologies being advantageous.
- Passion for Human Rights and Sustainability: A genuine interest in social justice, corporate responsibility, and sustainability, along with an understanding of the complexities surrounding climate change and human rights.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex topics into accessible language for a variety of audiences.
- Initiative and Team Spirit: A proactive attitude towards problem-solving and a willingness to collaborate within a diverse team of professionals.
Why Work with IHRB?
The IHRB is at the forefront of integrating human rights into global business practices. As a Junior Research Fellow, you’ll be joining a respected organization known for its thought leadership and collaborative approach. The IHRB places a strong emphasis on fostering a supportive environment where innovation and creativity are encouraged.
Working from home, you’ll benefit from the flexibility to balance your work life with personal commitments, all while engaging in meaningful research that promotes justice and equality. Additionally, this position can serve as a stepping stone in your career, providing valuable experience and networking opportunities in the human rights and sustainability sectors.
How to Apply?
Are you ready to contribute to a just and equitable future? If you are excited about human rights and sustainability and meet the qualifications outlined above, the IHRB wants to hear from you!
To apply for the Just Transitions Junior Research Fellow position, submit your CV and a compelling cover letter highlighting your relevant experience, skills, and passion for the role. Make sure to address your understanding of just transitions in relation to human rights and why you believe you would be a good fit for the organization.
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Conclusion
This is not just a job—it’s an opportunity to be part of a transformative movement towards a just and sustainable future. The IHRB is committed to building a world where human rights are upheld and corporate practices are aligned with social justice and environmental stewardship. If you’re eager to contribute your talents and make a real difference, consider applying for the Just Transitions Junior Research Fellow position today. Let your passion for human rights inspire genuine change in our rapidly evolving world.
