The Africa Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Researcher on Sudan. The Africa Division works to promote human rights in Africa and conducts a wide range of work, including human rights investigations, report writing, advocacy, building local partnerships, and media work. The Assistant Researcher will assist in monitoring and reporting on human rights concerns in Sudan. This is a fixed-term, full-time position for two years. The position reports to a senior staff member within the Africa Division and will preferably be based in East Africa, but locations outside the region may be considered.
- Assist team in monitoring and documenting human rights abuses in Sudan by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including government actors, local media, NGOs, journalists, diplomats, security forces, and others in the field;
- Establish and maintain contacts with a variety of local actors, including local rights activists and organizations to expand HRW’s monitoring capabilities and access to information;
- Research and draft reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to national and international bodies on human rights concerns, as needed, in a concise and accurate manner, with a quick turnaround time;
- Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices;
- Working closely with colleagues in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local human rights organizations to ensure that HRW’s work complements and enhances their own work;
- Liaising effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities;
- Being prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events;
- Traveling regionally and internationally, as required, to conduct fact-finding missions;
- Delivering outputs in a timely manner and maintaining consistency with the agreed strategy and priorities of the division; and
- Carrying out any other duties, including occasional administrative tasks, as required.
A minimum of three years of experience assisting in field research or providing substantive support to field research on human rights issues is required.
Related Skills and Knowledge:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Arabic are required.
- Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work under pressure are required.
- Strong knowledge of the human rights situation in Sudan is required; experience working in the country is strongly preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively on a team, as well as with external partners are required.
- Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent writing and editing skills, are required.
- Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.
- Experience working for an international human rights organization in a support function is highly desirable.
HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. HRW offers a relocation assistance package and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
Initial fixed-term employment for a two-year period. Renewable dependent upon availability of continued funding