The Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Deputy Director. This position, one of three deputies for the division, reports to the Executive Director of the division and assists the Director in setting strategic goals and priorities for the division.
Areas of Responsibility:
Strategic
- Assist the Director in developing and executing effective research, advocacy, and communications strategies for the MENA division;
- Assist the Director in overseeing both the day-to-day and longer-term research on human rights issues in MENA. Facilitate the response to emergencies, the publication of analytical and credible reports, the development of advocacy materials, and the use of these products to generate domestic and international pressure to curb human rights violations;
- Assist the Director in supervising the work of MENA division researchers, including supporting the advocacy and communications efforts of researchers in MENA countries;
- Edit the high volume of work produced by researchers, including press releases, op-eds and reports on tight deadlines; and
- Respond to and/or anticipate new events and developments in order to press human rights issues and advise HRW’s senior management in the effective response and advocacy strategy.
Representational
- Represent HRW with international, regional, national, and local media through interviews and the writing of editorials or other advocacy materials;
- Interact regularly with HRW staff across all departments to ensure effective coordination and delivery of program activities, in keeping with the organization’s focus, including with human resources, finance, and the security team;
- Conduct advocacy with high-level officials from governments, armed groups, companies, and intergovernmental agencies to effect policy change;
- Coordinate with key colleagues in allied organizations and NGOs;
- Travel, as required, to accompany researchers on fact-finding missions and to conduct advocacy or other Human Rights Watch business; and
- Assist the Director in achieving fundraising goals, recruiting new donors, and reporting back to donors in a timely manner.
Managerial
- Lead, motivate, and mentor direct-reports, including communicating clear expectations, setting performance objectives, providing regular and timely constructive feedback, ensuring balanced workload, providing guidance on professional growth, and monitoring staff well-being as it pertains to stress and resilience issues and self-care
- Assist the Director in editing the high volume of program output on tight deadlines and managing staff located in multiple locations globally;
- Assist the Director in working with HRW’s security team to protect the physical and digital security of our staff, partners and interlocutors; ensure that staff receive appropriate training in security policies and procedures, and that relevant policies and procedures are implemented effectively;
- Assist the Director in regularly monitoring the budget and ensure that resources are allocated appropriately; and
- Assist the Director to establish clear work plans and manageable workload for staff and communicate priorities clearly and effectively. Provide oversight and take responsibility for delegated assignments
- Assist the Director in ensuring that the management, staffing, and culture of the division are suitably aligned with evolving goals, and strategic ambitions;
- Assist the Director in ensuring a culture of open and direct communication and information sharing and a positive, fair, and accountable working environment both within the division and between the division and other parts of the organization;
- Assist the Director in managing the implementation of performance management processes that measure and evaluate progress against operational goals for the division;
- Assist the Director in creating an environment in which staff within the division feel empowered, are encouraged to speak out about their experiences, and able to learn from one another, including through staff meetings and by encouraging participation in organization wide task forces and working groups;
- Assist the Director in ensuring consistent application of approved policies and practices across the division; and
- Participate in trainings provided by HRW and other organizations, including on security, management, and stress and resilience.
Educational Background:
An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, or social science is required.
Skills/Experience:
- A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in international human rights or related work, including investigations, reporting, and advocacy, with at least five years in a management position and fundraising experience, is required.
- Excellent leadership skills and recognized management experience, including supervising a team of experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds, empowering staff development and developing strong and collaborative relationships with colleagues from diverse cultural, geographical, economic, political and social contexts;
- Extensive knowledge of human rights issues in the MENA region;
- Relevant international field experience and familiarity with human rights research methodologies;
- A track record of working with civil society groups, including collaboration with communities facing social, cultural and/or economic exclusion;
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and work quickly and effectively under pressure;
- Ability to advocate effectively on complex international policy issues;
- Track record of dealing with the media and cultivating relationships with journalists and experience using multimedia and social media for advocacy and outreach;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Arabic;
- Ability to defend and explain complex issues and positions to internal and external audiences, including senior officials in governments and intergovernmental bodies;
- Ability to think creatively, initiate projects, and follow through on plans;
- Strong editing skills;
- Ability to work collegially in a demanding, diverse and fast-paced environment and strong interpersonal skills to work with partner organizations, government officials, private companies and other interlocutors;
- Capacity to appropriately plan, prioritize and manage multiple, sometimes competing, demands efficiently in a challenging, fast-paced environment.
Compensation/Benefits:
Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Jul 27 2019
Active Until:
Aug 27 2019
Hiring Organization:
Human Rights Watch
industry:
Nonprofit