The Asia Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking a highly-qualified applicant for the position of Program Officer. The Asia Division is a part of the Program Department which consists of regional and thematic divisions and oversees research, reporting and various other work. The Asia Division works to advance human rights in Asia and conducts a wide range of work, including investigation, report writing, advocacy and media work. The position will be based in the Tokyo office and reports to the Japan Director, who primarily works to encourage the Japanese government to prioritize human rights in its foreign and domestic policies and practices. This position may be part-time (20 hours per week) or full-time (40 hours per week) based on availability and mutual agreement.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Establishing and maintaining regular contacts and effective working relationships with relevant government officials, and members of the Japanese media and international media in Japan, as well as business, academic, and civic communities;
- Assisting with advocacy efforts, such as preparing, drafting and presenting research findings and policy recommendations to advocacy targets, keeping abreast of policy developments, providing a timely synthesis of those policy developments, and advising on emerging advocacy opportunities toward the Japanese government;
- Drafting, preparing, formatting, and/or distributing HRW documents;
- Writing and publicizing briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, web content, and submissions to international bodies; collecting supporting documents and materials such as photographs and videos, both in English and Japanese;
- Assisting with monitoring and documenting the human rights situation in Japan by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, media, academia, NGOs and others;
- Responding to and anticipating news events in order to press human rights issues;
- Responding to inquiries from policy makers, the press, and NGO partners in both English and Japanese;
- Doing outreach work through media, SNS communication including Japanese Facebook and Twitter, and giving public speeches to advance advocacy goals as well as to raise the profile of HRW in Japan in both English and Japanese;
- Maintaining communication among all staff locations and HRW offices;
- Assisting with research for HRW reports and other publications, and translation of documents;
- Serving as the point of contact for key donors and assisting with fundraising efforts in Japan, including its annual dinners;
- Recruiting, coordinating, and managing interns;
- Maintaining files, contact lists and databases;
- Providing administrative support to the Japan Director; and
- Performing other tasks as assigned.
Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in international studies, social science, political science, Asian studies, or a related field is required.
Skills/Experience:
Experience:
- A minimum of three years of related work experience is highly desirable.
Related Skills and Knowledge:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Japanese are required.
- Strong and consistent leadership and creativity to pursue challenging advocacy goals is required.
- Capacity to serve as an effective spokesperson, advocate and activist is required.
- Ability to advocate effectively on complex domestic and international policy issues is required.
- Interpersonal and organizational skills to work effectively and collaboratively within HRW as well as with external partners are required.
- The ability to work well under pressure and make strategic decisions while juggling multiple tasks simultaneously are required.
- Self-motivation with proven initiative and follow-through are required.
- Strong commitment to human rights is required.
- Strong computer skills, including MS Office applications, Salesforce, and knowledge of social media are required.
- Track record of policy, legal, and/or social work experience in Japan with proven success is desirable.
Compensation/Benefits:
- HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits.
How to Apply:
Additional Information:
- Applicants for this position must possess current Japanese work authorization valid for a minimum of two years from start date.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Dec 15 2017
Active Until:
Jan 14 2018
Hiring Organization:
Human Rights Watch
industry:
Nonprofit