Researcher at Human Rights Watch

Responsibilities

• Research, monitor and document human rights abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, security forces and others in the field;
• Conduct fact-finding missions in South Sudan and other countries, as needed and in collaboration with colleagues;
• Write and publicize reports, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies based on the findings of the research;
• Develop and implement local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices;
• Place abuses within the broader political, social and economic contexts and present human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and the media;
• Respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community and take initiative to project concerns in public debate;
• Work closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local human rights organizations to ensure that HRW’s work complements and enhances their own work;
• Liaise effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities;
• Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Africa Division;
• Assist the Africa Division and HRW’s Development and Outreach Department in conducting fundraising;
• Travel in the region and internationally, as required, in order to carry out research and advocacy;
• Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events; and
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education: An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences, or related studies is required.

Experience: A minimum of three years of experience in human rights, journalism, law, or related fields, including time spent working in South Sudan, is required.

Related Skills And Knowledge

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required; ability to speak Arabic or another local language is desirable.
• Significant knowledge of human rights and politics in South Sudan is required.
• Ability to identify and prioritize, research, analyze and effectively communicate human rights issues in a rigorous, timely and sophisticated fashion is required.
• Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims, witnesses, and government officials are required.
• Ability to develop and implement realistic and effective local and international advocacy strategies in order to identify and seize advocacy opportunities is required.
• Ability to produce high quality written materials under tight deadlines is required.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with international and African regional human rights laws are required.
• Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent writing and editing skills, and a dynamic public speaking ability are required.
• Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.
• Ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure with a broad range of people and as part of a team is required.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use traditional and social media to further advocacy goals are desirable.