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JOB POSTING – PROGRAM OFFICER, FORENSIC TRAINING INSTITUTE
About Physicians for Human Rights
For more than 25 years, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) has used science and medicine to
document and call attention to mass atrocities and severe human rights violations. A Nobel Peace
Prize co-laureate, PHR was founded on the idea that health professionals, with their specialized
skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to stop human rights violations.
PHR’s investigations and expertise are used to advocate for persecuted health workers, prevent
torture, document mass atrocities, and hold those who violate human rights accountable. PHR
has worked in more than 60 countries and territories, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Burma,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Guatemala, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Libya, Mexico,
Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, and the United States.
PHR is poised for even greater growth and impact. As part of that strategy, we are excited to be
recruiting energetic, proactive and resourceful team players with a passion for human rights. We
moved our headquarters to New York City in 2014 and maintain a presence in both Boston, MA
and Washington, DC. For more information, please see our website at phr.org.
P OSITION S UMMARY
We are seeking a Program Officer to help launch and grow aspects of PHR’s Forensic Training
Institute. The Institute will increase the global capacity to collect, analyze and preserve credible
evidence to expose and stop human rights abuses. It will strengthen the ability of medical, legal
and law enforcement personnel to investigate torture, mass atrocities, sexual violence and
persecution of health care workers to seek redress via local, national and international justice
mechanisms. These front line human rights defenders will be equipped to use forensic science,
medical and public health strategies to hold human rights violators accountable for their crimes.
The position will be based in PHR’s New York City office and reports to the Institute Director.
The role is currently funded through June 2016 (with the goal of bringing in sustainable and longterm support).
R ESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE :
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Helps design and implements elements of PHR’s Forensic Training Institute with the goal
of increasing the number of medical, legal and law enforcement personnel with expertise to
undertake human rights investigations that can positively impact laws, policies and
practices in multiple regions.
Organizes logistics and co-leads field-based trainings. (Travel up to 25% time).
Assesses current training and capacity building programs and codifies best practices—
especially regarding adult learning pedagogy. Helps develop and launch new initiatives
around training of trainers and mentoring.
Works with PHR’s current training programs to create online training tools and remote
learning resources.
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Supports trainer recruitment and capacity building efforts to ensure that cultural
competency is achieved and sustained across the Institute. Helps identify new trainers and
mentors.
In collaboration with staff and trainers, reviews current environmental scan and
participant needs assessment practices and develops/implements improvements, as
required.
In collaboration with staff and trainers, assesses current curricula and improves/creates new
modules to address field-based needs.
Develops information technology systems for staff, trainers and trainees to access curricula
and resources. Helps improve internal coordination and collaboration.
Contributes to monitoring and evaluation efforts for Training Institute and individual
training programs.
Works with Development staff to cultivate potential donors, ensures that grant deliverables
are being met and grant reports are submitted in a timely fashion.
Develops and maintains field-based partnerships to benefit PHR’s work and that of its
trainees and constituents.
Qualifications:
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Advanced degree required; MPH, MSW, MIA, JD, EDM preferred.
International human rights/public health content experience required. Adult learning or
training experience required. Curricula development experience preferred.
Skill in project management needed. Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and adhere
to firm deadlines.
Demonstrated commitment to cultural competency. French, Arabic, Russian, Swahili,
Dari language capacity a plus. Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds
and experiences necessary.
Exceptional analytical, writing, and verbal skills; superior research skills.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, effectively and professionally with multiple
stakeholders and organizations.
Mature judgment, strong sense of integrity, ability to improvise and good humor a
necessity.
Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail and follow-through a must.
Computer/data base management skills needed; systems development experience preferred.
Willingness to travel internationally at least 6 times per year (usually for 4-7 days).
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send a cover letter, compensation requirements, resume, and writing sample of 1-2 pages to
resumes@phrusa.org. Include “Training Institute Program Officer” in the subject line. The
deadline to submit applications is April 30, 2015.
Physicians for Human Rights is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive
hiring and dedicated to diversity in its work and staff.