Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking applicants for the position of Senior Legal Advisor. The Senior Legal Advisor is one of a small group of international lawyers who comprise Human Rights Watch’s Legal and Policy Department. The department ensures that all HRW publications and advocacy interventions are consistent with international human rights and humanitarian law and HRW policies. The Senior Legal Advisor works with division directors, researchers and advocates at all levels, and at times on an emergency basis. The post is a key position within HRW, with direct responsibility for ensuring the high quality of HRW’s work.
This is a full-time position reporting to the Legal and Policy Director based in New York. The position will be based in one of HRW’s offices in North or South America (New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, São Paulo, or Toronto.)
- Provide advice on law and policy to HRW’s regional and thematic divisions primarily on the United States and the Americas.
- Review and provide substantive input on reports, media releases, dispatches, commentary, videos and other interventions.
- Help to develop the international legal dimension of HRW’s research and advocacy strategies.
- Represent HRW at expert meetings and conferences on international legal issues.
- Develop and apply the organization’s policies.
- Carry out other tasks as needed.
- Minimum 8 years in positions utilizing international human rights law. Knowledge of civil law legal systems, international humanitarian law, and refugee law is an asset. Human rights field research or advocacy experience is also an asset.
- A demonstrated commitment to the promotion of human rights.
- Demonstrated ability to think legally, analytically, strategically and effectively.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. Proficiency in Spanish or other languages is a plus.
- Capacity to appropriately plan and prioritize and to manage multiple, sometimes competing demands efficiently in a challenging, fast-paced environment are required.
- Ability to defend and explain complex issues and positions to staff and to advocate positions externally.
- Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW and outside the organization.
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.