WGGA team is seeking a research assistant to help work on the designing of an Early Warning System project co-financed by the Open Society Foundations and the IIE-Scholars Rescue Fund. This is a fantastic introduction to the world of gender in academia and gender mainstreaming and an opportunity to contribute to the development of a scalable project.
About WGGA
Women and Gender in Global Affairs (WGGA) is an interdisciplinary, international network of academic scholars and centers focused on human rights and gender in global affairs. The WGGA was established in response to the attacks on academic gender studies that have accompanied the rise of illiberal movements and governments. These instances have undermined academic freedom and human rights relating to freedom of expression and equality in education and have taken a variety of forms, from the de-legitimation of gender programs to their outright closure, from the marginalization of scholars and researchers to their physical and psychological endangerment.
As a crisis mitigation strategy, WGGA is exploring the creation of an Early-Warning System to provide information, resources and support to gender scholars potentially facing illiberal attacks. We would like to launch our work with a pilot in Latin America, although ultimately, we intend to include other regions. The pilot in Argentina and Brazil will allow us to test some hypotheses of the Early-Warning System.
About Internship
The research internship is open to graduate students who are in their first year of studies, preferably from Latin America. This is an ideal position for someone with excellent qualitative and quantitative research skills, and a background in gender studies, human rights, international relations, law, or international development who is looking to gain experience in expanding gender academy through research and advocacy.
Through this research internship, we’re hoping to provide a high caliber learning experience. With the completion of our internship program, you will take away many in-demand job skills. This position will also put you in contact with a wide array of gender scholars around the world, giving you a jump start on networking opportunities.
This is a 3-month, part-time (10-15 hours per week), paid internship opportunity.
Primary Responsibilities:
We want experienced, motivated, and committed students to join us to do research and help us in the early stages of designing an Early Warning System for the gender academy.
- Help conduct and analyze a survey of Latin American scholars regarding threats to – and support for – the gender academy.
- Participate in research/critical discussions of the forms that “attacks” on the gender academy may take
- Conducting research online, in periodicals and other literature, and in person
- Synthesizing and analyzing research findings
- Participate in document coding (after appropriately trained)
- Communicating regularly with and reporting to both EWS Data Research Lead and Project Manager
- Drafting reports both for internal and external purposes
- Assist in the general conduct of this project.
Qualifications:
- Current student at Columbia University working towards a graduate degree in gender studies, human rights, data analytics or other related fields and residing in the United States
- Proactive and highly organized with an aptitude for working in a high-paced, remote environment. This means being able to take on multiple projects, work independently, manage your time to meet deadlines
- Detail oriented, high sense of responsibility, and good team player
- Experience in the conducting surveys and desk research
- Excellent writing skills
- Language: Fluency in Portuguese and/or Spanish is required
- Programs and software: knowledge of SPSS or STATA is an advantage
- Enthusiasm for the mission of WGGA Network.
How to Apply:
Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible, with preferred deadline being October 30th, as we will review applications and make offers on a rolling basis. All interviews will be conducted remotely by video conference.
Please apply by filling-in this form: https://forms.gle/nRN1vdb1nFW5Wggs5
Your application should include:
- A cover letter explaining your interest in this position and detailing your experience.
- A current resume or CV summarizing your related work experience and background.
- One or two writing samples. The samples should be no longer than ten pages each, and at least one should contain survey analysis. If either sample was drafted in part or edited by anyone other than you, please explain the drafting and editing process.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, please email womenandgenderinglobalaffairs@gmail.com, including “WGGA Intern” in the subject line.
