Research Assistant - United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD), Washington, DC

Job Summary: The United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD) is looking for a Research Assistant in the Washington, DC area. As a member of a small team, the Research Assistant will be responsible for providing support to the management team in implementing the daily activities of the Global Disability Rights Library (GDRL) project, a joint initiative of USICD and the University of Iowa WiderNet Project.

Responsibilities may include identifying, adding, and cataloguing material on disability rights for the eGranary digital library; managing information resources in a range of formats; communicating with authors and publishers to request copyright permission for inclusion of their content in the digital library; communicating with volunteers assisting the project; scheduling meetings to be held remotely among a global group of participants; maintaining a database of partners and potential partners and collaborators for the GDRL Project; and providing other research and administrative support to the management staff as needed. More information about the GDRL project is available here:  http://usicd.org.

USICD's mission is to catalyze and help focus the energy, expertise and resources of the U.S. disability community and the U.S. government to optimize their impact on improving the lives and circumstances of people with disabilities worldwide, and to be an active member of the global disability rights movement. This position offers a unique opportunity to join a groundbreaking organization supporting the rights of people with disabilities in the U.S. and abroad.

Qualifications Summary: USICD seeks a dynamic, energetic researcher with prior training or experience in library and information science or management; excellent communication skills; experience with performing office coordination functions and with electronic communication; ability to work collaboratively and to take direction; and proficiency in computer software application.

A commitment to the advancement of people with disabilities and knowledge of disability cultures in the United States and internationally are desirable. Also helpful is a wide-ranging curiosity in all knowledge relevant to people with disabilities in developing countries and a commitment to disseminating this knowledge to support the efforts of disability rights advocates worldwide. First-hand experience with disability preferred.

Applicants: This employment opportunity is currently a part-time position under grant funding; however, additional funding support is being sought, and applicants seeking full and part-time employment are encouraged to apply. Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for three references. Electronic submissions by email are preferred.

Deadline: The position will remain open for applications until the position is filled.

Contact: Please send responses or inquiries to David Morrissey, Executive Director, at [email protected]