Stephen and Janet Bear Post-Graduate Fellowship in Business, Law, and Human Rights

 

Brianna Nofil, T’12, holds a one-year post-graduate fellowship in Business, Law, and Human Rights. In this newly-created position, funded by Advisory Board Vice-Chair Stephen Bear and his wife Janet, Nofil will work closely with the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights (UNWG). The mission of the Working Group is “to promote the effective and comprehensive dissemination and implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.” The Working Group consists of five independent experts, one from each of the U.N.’s five regional groups, who work virtually with limited support from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva.

Nofil and approximately 30 graduating Duke seniors responded to the following ad announcing the position in spring 2012.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and creatively with limited instruction on multiple projects and deadlines and to proactively identify ways to support the missions of the Working Group and the Kenan Institute for Ethics. The UNWG’s priorities and work modalities will likely be in a constant state of evolution and its work will be highly scrutinized and politically sensitive. Effective research and writing skills are essential. A demonstrated interest in international issues and the intersection of business and human rights as well as experience working with a wide variety of stakeholders are welcome but not required qualifications. 

Responsibilities

 The responsibilities of the position are likely to evolve with the candidate, but are likely to include the following:

  • Coordinate global, multi-stakeholder dialogues and networks of scholars and students (undergraduate, professional, and Ph.D.) who research specific topics designated by the UNWG.
  • Identify best practices on the implementation of the Guiding Principles.
  • Assess relevant domestic legislation and policies.
  • Help plan annual forum on business and human rights.
  • Assess options at the national, regional and international levels for enhancing access to effective remedies available to those whose human rights are affected by corporate activities, including those in conflict areas.

Compensation

      • Receive a competitive fellowship, benefits, travel stipend, and an office at the Kenan Institute for Ethics.
      • Begin the Fellowship on July 1, 2013 and end on June 30, 2014.
      • Report to the UNWG and to the Kenan Institute for Ethics.

Eligibility and Application Process

  • Open to all graduating Duke seniors.
  • Applicants must submit a CV, one-page application (12 point Times Roman maximum) outlining their interest in, and preparation for, the Fellowship, a writing sample (less than ten pages; can be an excerpt), and two one-page letters of reference (one must be from a faculty member).
  • Applications must be submitted as hard copies in April 2013. References must be in signed and sealed envelopes. No late applications, separate cover references, or electronic applications accepted.

Contact Noah Pickus for more information.