Human Rights Watch is seeking a Researcher to monitor the human rights situation in Yemen and Kuwait. This position will report to the Director of the Middle East and North Africa ("MENA") Division.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and document human rights abuses in Yemen and Kuwait by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, journalists, diplomats, security forces, and others in the field;
- Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to national and international bodies on human rights concerns in Yemen and Kuwait as needed in a concise and accurate manner, with a quick turnaround time;
- Develop and implement local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices in Yemen and Kuwait;
- Respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community;
- 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;
- Work closely with colleague 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;
- Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events;
- Travel domestically and overseas, as required, to conduct fact-finding missions;
- Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the MENA division; and
- Carry out any other duties as required.
Experience
- Education: An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, regional studies, journalism, law, or social sciences and/or extensive experience in human rights or related work are required.
- Experience: Minimum three years of directly-related experience working on human rights or related issues in Yemen, Kuwait, or the Middle East and North Africa region.
Skills
- Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in a timely and sophisticated fashion is required.
- Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses are required.
- Ability to efficiently distil information about Yemen and Kuwait so as to focus time and effort on issues of greatest importance or issues that are most capable of being influenced is required.
- Ability to produce excellent written material under tight deadlines is required.
- Ability to identify and advise the MENA division in developing and implementing advocacy strategies in order to seize advocacy opportunities is required.
- Ability to respond quickly to crises and conflicts as they may occur.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required; proficiency in Arabic is desirable.
- Ability to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use the media and electronic media to further advocacy goals is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and familiarity with international human rights law is preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills, in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with local partners, government officials, and others.
- Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, and a dynamic public speaking ability are required.
- Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work under pressure are required.
- Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use the media and electronic media to further advocacy goals is desirable.
Other
S/he must be willing to travel frequently and be prepared to spend extensive periods in the field. This position will be based in one of Human Rights Watch's offices located in the Middle East region.
Salary and Benefits
HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
Submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, salary requirements, a brief writing sample (unedited by others), and contact information for three references to menajobs@hrw.org. Please use "Yemen Researcher Ref MENA-12-1043-D" as the subject of your email.
