The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (“LGBT”) Rights Program of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking a Research Assistant to assist in the monitoring and reporting of human rights violations affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in the Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”). This fixed-term position for one year is based in Beirut and will report to the Senior Researcher on LGBT Rights based in the New York office.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Provide research assistance and administrative support to the Senior Researcher on LGBT Rights;
- Develop contacts with government officials and other regional, national and local actors, including using pre-existing networks among rights activists and organizations to expand HRW’s monitoring capabilities and access to information regarding human rights abuses;
- Assist the Senior Researcher in monitoring human rights conditions and documenting abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including victims of abuses, local LGBTI communities, NGOs, media, and governments;
- Assist the Senior Researcher in following up to verify specific cases of human rights violations;
- Under the guidance of the Senior Researcher, provide write-ups of interviews, and, when appropriate, first drafts of briefing papers, letters, news releases, submissions to international bodies, etc.; prepare written summaries and synthesis of research for incorporating into HRW publications;
- Assist the Senior Researcher in preparing reports for discussion with governmental officials, NGOs and other external partners;
- Be a full partner with the Senior Researcher in managing local logistical issues, such as finding drivers, fixers, and translators;
- Advise the Senior Researcher on security issues, particularly in regard to research trips;
- Assist with translations from English to Arabic and from Arabic to English;
- Travel throughout the MENA region, primarily with the Senior Researcher but with the possibility of some independent travel, to conduct research; travel internationally as appropriate to attend specific trainings or planning sessions;
- Provide administrative support such as scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, taking minutes, processing expenses, creating agenda, preparing background materials, conducting follow-up to meetings, and providing written updates; and
- Perform other tasks, as may be required.
Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in international relations, law, journalism, social sciences, gender studies or relevant studies is required.
Skills/Experience:
- A minimum of one year of relevant work experience is required. Previous work, internship, or volunteer experience on issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity and human rights is highly desirable.
Related Skills and Knowledge:
- Demonstrated interest in human rights issues affecting LGBTI people in the MENA region 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. Language skills in French are highly desirable.
- Excellent computer skills and internet/social media research skills are required.
- Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, and excellent writing and editing skills are required.
- Ability to make sound decisions consistent with function is required.
Compensation/Benefits:
HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers compensation and benefits consistent with local NGO salaries.
How to Apply:
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Feb 10 2018
Active Until:
Mar 10 2018
Hiring Organization:
Human Rights Watch
industry:
Nonprofit