Senior Researcher jobs at Human Rights Watch, United Kingdom

Key duties

• Monitor, research, and document human rights abuses 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 and remotely.
• Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies based on research findings.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the multimedia team to produce videos and other visual material that conveys research findings.
• Assist in the development and implementation of local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices. Also, respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community;
• Present human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and the media.
• Identify and highlight key political and human rights trends and emerging issues, and analyze abuses within the broader political, social, and economic context to highlight factors contributing to abuses and avenues for effective change.
• Project Human Rights Watch’s concerns into public debates and to generate tangible pressure on human rights abuses. Works to find innovative approaches in light of the obstacles and resources available.
• Respond to and/or anticipate news events in order to press human rights issues; to assess when and where to make public interventions such as op-eds; think creatively about using the web and social media to generate public support for human rights issues and further advocacy goals.

Additional duties

• Contribute to internal HRW policy debates on issues relevant to their expertise and areas of focus.
• Likewise, oversee the work of researchers and research assistants, participate in security meetings, and edit reports and other material by other researchers and assist and advise them on missions.
• Enhance the organization’s capacity to respond to crises by providing training and advice on conflict field operations and related planning and policy development.
• Assist the director of the division and HRW’s Development and Global Initiative Department in conducting fundraising.
• Similarly, 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.
• Also, travel domestically and overseas, as required, to conduct and lead fact-finding missions, including in conflict areas.
• Deliver outputs in a timely manner and maintain consistency with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Program.
• Ready and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events.
• Furthermore, carry out any other duties as required.

Education and experience

In order to be fit for the role, an incumbent must have the following education and qualifications

• Advanced University degree in international relations, related studies, journalism, law, or social sciences is strongly preferred.
• In addition to that, minimum of seven years of relevant experience in field research and documentation skills.
• Similarly, must be expert in experts in their field who are consulted by policymakers, journalists, academics, activists, and others interested in the country or theme they cover.