Executive Director at Human Rights Watch

Responsibilities for the Executive Director Job

• Manage the division’s output and staff effectively with the aim of promoting and maintaining strong unity and sense of purpose within the program;
• Manage the division’s budget, in cooperation with the Finance Division and others in the division, to ensure adequate and timely oversight of resources and ensure that resources are allocated to maximize impact;
• Establish clear work plans for staff based in three continents and communicate priorities clearly and effectively and provide oversight and take responsibility for delegated assignments;
• Ensure that the workload of staff is manageable and the reporting lines are clear;
• Provide appropriate and timely feedback on staff performance and leadership on employee relations through effective communication, conflict mediation, guidance, coaching, and training, including with staff in supervisory positions;
• Operate in compliance with organizational regulations and rules, including the policies of applicable employee agreements; and
• Ensure the security of staff, information security, and security of interlocutors and partners in their work with HRW; ensure that staff receive appropriate training in security policies and procedures, and that relevant policies and procedures are implemented effectively; and oversee the security of offices under direct program supervision.

Executive Director Job Qualifications

• An advanced (graduate) degree in law, human rights, African studies, international relations, public policy or a relevant field is required.
• A minimum of 10 years of extensive, varied experience in human rights work concerning Africa or comparable work including investigations, reporting, and advocacy, with at least five years in a management position is required.
• Extensive knowledge of and substantive senior-level experience working on human rights in Africa is required.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively and work quickly and well under pressure are required.
• Capacity to serve as an effective spokesperson, advocate and activist is required.