Research jobs at Human Rights Watch, Iraq

Position Title: Research Assistant

Key duties

In addition to reporting to Iraq Senior Researcher, the incumbent will perform the following functions

• Establish and maintain contacts with government officials and other local actors, including using networks among local rights activists and organizations, were safe enough to do so, to expand HRW’s monitoring capabilities and access to information.
• Facilitate meetings with NGOs, government officials, and individuals able to provide information regarding human rights abuses. Choose where it is safe enough to do so.
• Assist with monitoring human rights conditions and documenting abuses by collecting and analyzing information. Gather information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, and journalists, as requested by the Senior Researcher.
• Follow up on specific cases of human rights violations, including prison visits and interviews with family members; assist in follow-up with authorities and with local UN representatives on strategic cases on which HRW is advocating for justice, as requested by the Senior Researcher.
• Advise the Senior Researcher on local media advocacy.
• Under the guidance of the Senior Researcher, provide written analyses and write-ups of interviews. Also, when appropriate, first drafts of briefing papers, letters, news releases, submissions to international bodies, etc.
• Assist in preparing reports for discussion with governmental officials, NGOs, IGOs, and other external partners, as requested by the Senior Researcher.

Additional duties

• Manage local logistical issues, in conjunction with the Senior Researcher, such as finding drivers, fixers, and translators.
• Advise the Senior Researcher on security issues, particularly regarding field missions, including by developing contacts in insecure areas who can provide timely and trustworthy advice on security conditions and precautions.
• Translate documents from English to Arabic and from Arabic to English and interpret for the Senior Researcher. Similarly, provide linguistic assistance during meetings and interviews held in local languages.
• Proofread translations of documents by other translators. Ensure that all HRW documents in local languages are polished, accurate, and up to HRW standards.
• Furthermore, travel to the field, including to insecure areas, with the Senior Researcher, other researchers or staff, and independently, to conduct research; travel internationally as appropriate to attend specific training or planning sessions.

Required education and experience

In order to be eligible for the role, candidates should have the following qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or it’s equivalent in international relations, law, journalism, social sciences or relevant studies. In addition to that, a minimum of one year of experience working in an office environment or assisting in field research.
• A background in human rights, legal, political science or development is preferred.