The Business and Human Rights Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Researcher and Advocate on Digital Rights to investigate, analyze, and advocate against human rights abuses related to online activities. The role of the Researcher and Advocate will include documenting and conveying the rights implications of various forms of technology used by governments and private sector actors around the world, including the human rights impacts on free expression and privacy.
We welcome applications from people who have demonstrated familiarity with the impact of technology on potentially vulnerable communities, including those who have a background in a field such as law, journalism or the social sciences as well as those with a background in engineering or computer science.
The preferred locations for this position are New York, Washington, DC, London, Toronto, or San Francisco. Other major HRW offices may be considered.
- Research, document, and analyze policies and practices related to the use of technology that raise human rights concerns, particularly in the areas of online content regulation, surveillance, encryption and internet governance;
- Collect and analyze information on digital rights abuses from a wide variety of sources, including governments, media, the private sector, academia, NGOs, victims of abuses, open-source information, technologists, and others;
- Interview persons whose rights have been harmed, as well as related professionals and experts;
- Draft and publish our research findings and policy recommendations for preventing or ending technology-related human rights abuses;
- Work with colleagues in the communications division to develop innovative multimedia and social media strategies to communicate our positions in clear and compelling ways and to advance advocacy;
- Develop and implement advocacy strategies in collaboration with HRW colleagues to change or prevent abusive government laws, policies and practices and promote new laws or regulations that protect laws online; Press companies to end abusive practices and build human rights protections into their products, services and operations; Articulate how existing human rights standards should apply to emerging technologies;
- Build partnerships across key communities, including other human rights NGOs, groups representing vulnerable populations, data scientists, computer scientists, technologists, industry leaders and academics;
- Project concerns about human rights online into public debates internationally through clear and prompt responses to queries from policymakers, the media, social media and colleagues in civil society;
- Work collaboratively with an international team of researchers, media experts and advocates and collaborate with a supportive and diverse team; Expand HRW’s work on digital rights through internal collaboration with colleagues in Human Rights Watch;
- Travel domestically and internationally, as required, to conduct research, media work and advocacy;
- Occasionally assist the Division and HRW’s Development and Outreach Department to conduct fundraising; and
- Perform other duties as required.
- A minimum of three to five years of relevant human rights experience is required, and a focus on digital rights is desirable.
- Relevant experience includes research, writing, analysis, advocacy, or community organizing related to the impact of censorship, surveillance, or the human rights implications of internet regulation – particularly on vulnerable communities.
- We would consider experience as an investigative reporter, social scientist, or lawyer on these issues as relevant and valuable.
- Candidates may also explain why their other experience would help lead to success in this position.
The below offers a list of the kinds of qualifications that we will be looking for when evaluating applications. If you believe you currently have skills that are analogous and transferable rather than digital rights-specific skills, please explain this in your cover letter.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required. Proficiency in other languages is highly desirable.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and in a culturally sensitive manner with a range of vulnerable or marginalized groups, in partnership with other organizations and others relating to digital human rights issues.
- Ability to explain (verbally and in writing) complex technical subjects clearly, compellingly and respectfully to non-specialist audiences, including policymakers, the public and specialists in non-technical fields.
- Knowledge of and experience in international human rights law.
- Ability to multi-task effectively, including having strong planning and organizing skills, and ability to work well under pressure.
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.