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Jillian Rafferty
Legal Fellow, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
Professional Background
Jillian Rafferty is an accomplished legal fellow currently making significant contributions at the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). She is known for her extensive work surrounding human rights and international law. Currently based in Geneva, Switzerland, Jillian frequently takes on research consultancy contracts, further establishing her expertise in the field. Notably, she served as a Summer 2019 intern at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which provided her with invaluable insights into international human rights frameworks and practices.
Her ongoing role as a Research Assistant for Bonnie Docherty at Harvard Law School's Human Rights Program is another highlight of her career. Here, Jillian combines her passion for human rights advocacy with a strong academic foundation, contributing to projects that influence legislative frameworks and human rights protections globally. Additionally, her involvement with the Program on International Law and Armed Conflict positions her at the intersection of humanitarian law and global conflict, allowing her to play a pivotal role in addressing these pressing issues.
Jillian has also made notable contributions at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, focusing on initiatives aimed at advocating for the rights and protection of civilians affected by armed conflict. Her professional experience includes previously working as a research assistant at the Carr Center for Human Rights at Harvard Kennedy School, reflecting her commitment to advancing human rights practices through research and policy innovation.
Before her impressive climb through academia and research, Jillian served as a research associate and program manager at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) within their Human Rights Initiative. In this role, she played a crucial part in developing a human rights approach to countering violent extremism, managing program budgets, coordinating large-scale projects, and preparing grant proposals. Furthermore, her experience at the CSIS’s Americas Program involved drafting publications, managing program budgets, and assisting the director in fulfilling program objectives, showcasing her strong project management skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team.
Earlier in her career, Jillian held vital roles at the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program under the guidance of Dr. James McGann. She took the lead in contributing to the flagship project, the Global Go-To Think Tanks Ranking, which underscores her analytical skills and understanding of global issues in think-tank environments. Academic rigor shines through in her roles, including her tenure as co-editor of "How Think Tanks Shape Social Development Policies", published by the University of Pennsylvania Press. Moreover, she was an integral part of the editorial team for the Foreign Policy Research Institute's quarterly journal, "Orbis", which has reached international audiences seeking insights on global political dynamics.
Education and Achievements
Jillian's educational journey is marked by excellence and unwavering dedication to the study of international relations and public policy. She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a Master of Arts in Public Policy from Harvard University, equipping herself with critical insights and the necessary legal framework to advocate for human rights effectively. Her studies at Harvard Law School prepared her for a professional path driven by advocacy, research, and public service.
Prior to her graduate studies, Jillian graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, complemented by minors in Economic Policy and Political Science. Her undergraduate thesis focused on foreign investment and corruption in Latin America, a topic that remains highly relevant in today's global landscape. While at Penn, Jillian also exhibited leadership abilities as the editor-in-chief of the Sigma Iota Rho Journal of International Relations, a role that allowed her to influence discourse in the field through academic publications.
Throughout her education, Jillian has illustrated her commitment to human rights and public service, accumulating a wealth of knowledge and practical experience that enhances her professional profile. Her scholarly contributions and hands-on experiences align perfectly with her career goals, demonstrating a clear trajectory of dedication to improving human rights conditions worldwide.
Achievements
Jillian Rafferty has established herself as a leading figure in the realms of law and international relations. Among her notable achievements is her impactful work with the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, where she leverages her legal skills to advocate for global peace initiatives and the protection of human rights. Her relationships fostered during her graduate studies at Harvard further enrich her professional network and capabilities.
Her tenure at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights not only provided her with an international perspective on human rights but also allowed her to engage with frameworks that govern human rights protection globally. Jillian's diverse roles at leading institutions, such as CSIS and the Carr Center for Human Rights, underscore her versatility and capacity to address multifaceted challenges in human rights and policy advocacy.
Moreover, her editorial roles, notably with the Foreign Policy Research Institute and her contributions to significant publications, reflect her ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, furthering the discourse in human rights and social policy.
Jillian Rafferty's impressive journey presents her as a passionate advocate dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights globally. Her academic background combined with her practical experience positions her as a thought leader in her field, contributing meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue around human rights, security, and international law. Jillian's dedication, scholarly contributions, and hands-on experiences will undeniably continue to inspire future generations within the realms of law and human rights advocacy.