The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Research Assistant to assist in the monitoring and reporting of human rights violations in Jordan and other Middle East and North Africa countries. This is a fixed-term, full-time position for one year and will report to the Amman Office Director in the MENA Division. This position is based in HRW’s Amman office.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Provide research and advocacy assistance and administrative support to Researchers and the Office Director based in Amman;
- Develop contacts with government officials and other local actors, including using pre-existing networks among local rights activists and organizations 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;
- Assist the Office Director and Researcher in monitoring human rights conditions and documenting abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, and journalists; advise the Researcher on local media advocacy;
- Assist the Office Director and Researcher in following 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;
- Under the guidance of the Office Director and Researcher, provide written analyses and write-ups of interviews, and, when appropriate, first drafts of briefing papers, letters, news releases, submissions to international bodies, etc.;
- Assist the Office Director and Researcher in preparing reports for discussion with governmental officials, NGOs, IGOs and other external partners;
- Be a full partner with the Office Director and Researcher in managing local logistical issues, such as finding drivers, fixers, and translators;
- Advise the Office Director and Researcher on security issues, particularly in regard to research trips, 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 Researcher during meetings and interviews, as needed;
- Proofread translations of documents by other translators to ensure that all HRW documents in local languages are polished, accurate, and up to HRW standards;
- Provide administrative support (e.g., scheduling meetings, taking minutes, formatting and disseminating press releases and other publications, project management, recruiting and coordinating interns, coordinating mailings, processing divisional finances, and database and file management), arrange press conferences, handle external communications (responding to inquiries from and corresponding with the public, media, and NGOs), and assist with event planning;
- Travel throughout the MENA region, including to insecure areas, with the Researcher and independently, to conduct research; travel internationally as appropriate to attend specific trainings or planning sessions;
- Oversee relevant official HRW social media accounts in Arabic and English, including Facebook pages, Twitter handles, and Telegram channels, including outreach and coordination with other human rights activists on social media in the MENA region; and
- Perform other tasks, as may be required.
Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in international relations, law, journalism, social sciences, Middle Eastern studies, or a related field is required.
Skills/Experience:
- A minimum of one year of experience working in an office environment or assisting in relevant research is required.
- Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills, and ability to work well under pressure are required.
- Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with external partners are required.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Arabic are required.
- Strong initiative and follow-through and the capacity to think creatively and strategically are required.
- A demonstrated interest in and commitment to human rights issues is required.
- Experience working in the not-for-profit sector is desirable.
Compensation/Benefits:
HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers compensation and benefits consistent with local NGO salaries.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Jan 6 2019
Active Until:
Feb 7 2019
Hiring Organization:
Human Rights Watch
industry:
Nonprofit