Volunteer Placement - Environmental Advocacy Researcher

Progressio is looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to help us conduct research into water and human rights.

The project will begin with research and a literature review of existing work in this area – particularly focusing on the 11 countries in which Progressio works. It will also involve conducting interviews and speaking to some of our in country staff and Development Workers about current work on water and some of the issues that are emerging from that work, particularly with regard to water and human rights.

Placement description

The concept of water as a human right has been rising on the international agenda. However, there are different interpretations of how useful this approach is and what it means in theory and practice. This volunteer placement aims to investigate the concept of water as a human right both theoretically and how it is or could be practically applied, to be summarised into a report for internal use to guide Progressio’s advocacy on water.

Desired outcomes include:

- Summary of different theoretical approaches to the concept of water as a human right, including relationship to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, WHO standards and other possible approaches.

- Overview of key organisations or coalitions that use this concept for advocacy purposes, including their definition and application of the concept.

- Overview of government initiatives supporting the use of this concept, and which approach they take (e.g. Honduras).

- Review and summarise Progressio’s partner organisations’ work on water, with particular attention to how this concept is in use, including the activities of relevant Progressio Development Workers.

- Building on the above research, analysis of how a defined concept of water as a human right could be relevant to Progressio’s specific approach to water, including the work of partner organisations.

- Other administrative and/or research related tasks may also be requested on an ad hoc basis.

Person specification:

- Excellent research and writing skills

- Ability to work independently

- Interest in environment and development issues

- Good written and spoken Spanish desirable

Based in Islington, London, with the possibility to work from home for some of the placement.

Timescale
Approximately two days per week for four months (the arrangement of days are flexible). To start as soon as possible.

Allowance
Lunch allowance (£3.50 per day). Expenses incurred for travel to Progressio from within the London area will be reimbursed (you will need to provide receipts for this).

Support and supervision during the placement

The volunteer will be supported and supervised by the Environment Advocacy and Policy Officer.

Closing date for applications: 6 October 2009

Interviews: 12 October 2009

To apply, please email your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are applying, to petra@progressio.org.uk. Please specify 'Environment Researcher' in the subject line.