Directorship of the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights

The Bonavero Institute of Human Rights in the Oxford University Faculty of Law seeks to foster world-class research and scholarship in human rights law and, through its outreach programmes and public events, to improve the understanding of human rights both within and beyond the academy. The Bonavero Institute adopts a broad definition of human rights law to include international human rights law and practice, domestic human rights, the rule of law, constitutionalism and democracy. The Bonavero Institute is based at Mansfield College, which is central to its identity as inclusive and welcoming, and is an important factor in its ability to attract scholars and to host important events.

The Bonavero Institute is seeking to recruit a new Director. The successful candidate will have an outstanding record of leadership in the broad field of human rights law, with a proven commitment to building collaborative links between human rights practice and scholarship; substantial and significant research experience in Human Rights law, evidenced either by a doctorate in a field related to human rights law, whether in public law or public international law, or an equivalent established record of accomplishment in research or practice in a field related to human rights law; an intellectually ambitious research agenda, likely to make a substantial contribution to human rights scholarship during the tenure of the Directorship; ability to foster and sustain a vibrant and inclusive research culture and environment, which supports the production of high-quality research and impact by members of the Bonavero Institute; experience in fund-raising, and in liaising with major international donor organisations and demonstrated institutional leadership ability, including in particular the ability to foster teamwork, and to work constructively within a team, as needed in an academic environment.

The main duties of the Directorship are as follows: to provide academic and intellectual leadership to the Institute; to work with the Head of Research, Programmes Manager, and Institute Administrator, to develop a co-ordinated strategic plan for the Institute, including research, programmes and events; to promote the Bonavero Institute locally, nationally and globally, including by delivering public lectures and representing the Bonavero Institute at external meetings or seminars; to contribute to policy-making initiatives by national and global policymakers and engage with members of the judiciary and human rights practitioners, whether domestically or internationally; and to engage in their own world-class research in some aspect of human rights law that should be related to contemporary human rights problems in practice.

This is a permanent position, subject to the successful completion of an interim and final review during the first five years of appointment.  A competitive salary at professorial level will be offered and a non-stipendiary Professorial Fellowship at Mansfield College is attached to the Directorship.

If you would like to discuss this post, please contact either the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor John Armour (john.armour@law.ox.ac.uk), or Zoe Davis-Heaney, Institute Administrator for the Bonavero Institute (zoe.davis-heaney@law.ox.ac.uk). All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence and will not form part of the selection decision.

Questions about the application process should be addressed to the Law Faculty HR Manager, Emma Gascoigne (recruitment@law.ox.ac.uk). If you would like to find out more about joining the academic community at Oxford generally, you are welcome to contact Professor Anne Davies (anne.davies@law.ox.ac.uk), who will not be involved in the selection or interview process.

A copy of the further particulars and details of how to apply can be found via the 'Apply' button above. The closing date for applications is 12 noon (UK time) on Friday 7 March 2025. Interviews will be held in person at the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights on 1 and 2 May 2025

We are seeking someone who wishes to promote a diverse and inclusive academic and working environment.  Applications are particularly welcomed from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented in senior positions in Oxford.  The University of Oxford and Mansfield College are equal opportunities employers, and welcome applications from all, which will be considered on their merits.