Bono Olgado

Ghent University, a top 100 institution in Belgium, invites applications for a fully funded doctoral fellowship in the Department of European, Public and International Law. The position is based at the Human Rights Centre within the Faculty of Law and Criminology, renowned for its expertise in human rights law and interdisciplinary research. The successful candidate will join a collaborative research project focused on 'Innovation and documentation in transitional justice,' with a specific emphasis on grassroots initiatives documenting violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in the Philippines. The project aims to theorize the role of documentation in transitional justice, especially in contexts where formal mechanisms are absent and grassroots actors drive justice efforts. The research will employ a mixed-method, actor-oriented approach to analyze how documentation shapes transitional justice responses, moving beyond traditional frameworks to center the practices of those most affected by violence. The candidate will have the opportunity to contribute their own topical and methodological expertise, provided it aligns with the broader research logic for cross-case analysis. Co-supervised by Professor Dr. Tine Destrooper (Ghent University) and Professor Dr. Bono Olgado (HURIDOCS and University of the Philippines), the doctoral fellow will work closely with the Justice Visions team, the Human Rights Centre, and the Human Rights Research Network at Ghent University. The position requires on-site presence in Ghent due to the highly collaborative nature of the project. The initial contract is for 12 months, extendable up to 48 months upon successful completion of first-year requirements. The fellowship covers 100% of the net salary of an AAP member, is tax-free, and includes staff benefits such as training opportunities, generous holiday leave, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers. Applicants must hold a MA, MSc, or LLM in law, social sciences, anthropology, or a related field, preferably with a focus on human rights or transitional justice. Fluency in English and the language relevant to the case study is required. Candidates with familiarity with transitional justice practice, knowledge of the Philippines’ context, multidisciplinary training, and experience with legal and socio-legal research methods are preferred. The ability to work independently and collaboratively, strong academic writing and presentation skills, and willingness to relocate to Belgium are essential. To apply, submit a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, research statement, degree transcript, academic recommendation letter, and writing sample to [email protected] by March 15, 2026. The selection process includes a written assignment and interview. Ghent University is committed to diversity and encourages applications from minority and under-represented groups. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2026. This opportunity offers a unique chance to contribute to innovative research in transitional justice, engage with leading scholars, and develop expertise in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment at one of Europe’s premier universities.

Ghent University’s Human Rights Centre is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD fellowship as part of the Justice Visions project. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about human rights, transitional justice, and innovative documentation, with a particular focus on grassroots initiatives in the Philippines. The project is interdisciplinary, bridging law, social sciences, anthropology, and human rights practice, and aims to study the role of documentation in transitional justice, especially in contexts such as the extra-judicial killings under the Duterte administration. The selected PhD researcher will lead a case study on grassroots documentation initiatives, working closely with senior researchers, PhD peers, and the Justice Visions team. The research will employ both quantitative and qualitative empirical methods, with the expectation to present findings in academic and policy-relevant forums. The position is based at the Human Rights Centre, Faculty of Law and Criminology, Ghent University, Belgium, and requires on-site presence due to the collaborative nature of the project. Applicants must hold an MA, MSc, or LLM in law, social sciences, anthropology, or a related field by September 1, 2026. Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of languages relevant to the case study is advantageous. Candidates should have a strong interest or experience in transitional justice, human rights, or the Philippines context, and demonstrate strong academic writing and research skills. The ability to work collaboratively in an international, interdisciplinary team is essential. The university encourages applications from candidates belonging to vulnerable or minority groups and is committed to diversity and inclusion. The fellowship offers a full-time, fully funded position with approximately 100% net salary, 36 days of holiday plus bridge days, bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, and access to training, workshops, and Human Rights Centre resources. The initial contract is for 12 months, with a possible extension of 36 months upon satisfactory progress. The PhD researcher will be co-supervised by Prof. Dr. Tine Destrooper (Ghent University) and Prof. Dr. Bono Olgado (HURIDOCS and University of the Philippines), and will collaborate with the Justice Visions team and the Human Rights Research Network at UGent. To apply, candidates should prepare a single PDF containing a cover letter (max 500 words), CV (including publications and presentations), research statement (max 1,000 words), transcript of degree, one academic letter of recommendation, and a writing sample (up to 10,000 words). The PDF should be named LASTNAME_FirstName_Philippines and submitted to [email protected] by March 15, 2026. For further information or questions, applicants can contact [email protected]. Keywords: transitional justice, human rights, documentation, Philippines, law, social sciences, anthropology, grassroots initiatives.