Back to top

Researcher, Women's Rights in the Americas

This job is no longer available

São Paulo, Brazil
Full-time

Human Rights Watch’s Women's Rights Division seeks a highly qualified Researcher to investigate, analyze, and advocate against human rights abuses relating to women in the Americas. This position is within the thematic Women’s Rights Division, and the person in this role will be that division’s primary expert on the Americas (South and Central America and the Caribbean). The researcher will work to improve awareness and accountability for human rights violations against women in the region. This position reports to the Director of the Women’s Rights Division. The work will focus, at least initially, primarily on access to abortion in the region, including research in Ecuador and/or Peru.

This is a fixed term, two year position reporting to the Director of the Women’s Rights Division. The two year term has the possibility of extension, contingent upon available funding. This position will preferably be based in the Americas region or the United States.

Areas of Responsibility: 
  • Research, monitor and document human rights abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, security forces and others in the field;
  • Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies based on the findings; collect supporting documents and materials such as photographs and videos;
  • Assist in the development and implementation of local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices;
  • Respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community and take initiative to project concerns in public debate;
  • Place abuses within the broader political, social and economic contexts and present human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and the media;
  • Assist the Director of the WRD and HRW’s Development and Outreach Department in conducting fundraising;
  • Work closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local human rights organizations to ensure that HRW’s work complements and enhances their own work;
  • Liaise effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities;
  • Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events;
  • Travel domestically and internationally, as required, to conduct fact-finding missions;
  • Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the WRD; and
  • Carry out any other duties as required.
Educational Background: 
An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, women’s studies, journalism, law, social sciences, or related studies is required.
Skills/Experience: 
  • A minimum of three years directly related post-graduate experience working on women’s rights in the Americas at a national and regional level; experience living in the region is essential.
  • Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in the area of specialty is required.
  • Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses are required.
  • Ability to efficiently distil information about women’s rights in the region to focus time and effort on issues of greatest importance or issues that are most capable of being influenced is required.
  • Ability to identify and advise the Director in developing and implementing advocacy strategies in order to seize advocacy opportunities is required.
  • Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and familiarity with international human rights law is required.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish are required; proficiency in Portuguese and/or French would also be an advantage
  • Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent writing and editing skills, and a dynamic public speaking ability are required.
  • Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.
  • Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work under pressure are required.
  • Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.
  • Demonstrated ability to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use the media and electronic media to further advocacy goals is desirable.
Compensation/Benefits: 

Salary and Benefits: 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.

Organization Info

Human Rights Watch

Overview
Headquarters: 
New York, NY, United States
Annual Budget : 
$100-500M
Founded: 
1976
About Us
Mission: 

Human Rights Watch exposes human rights abuses like torture, violence against women, and child exploitation. In order to maintain our independence, we accept no money from any government. We rely solely on the generosity of people like you to defend human rights.

Connect With Us

Listing Stats

Post Date: 
Aug 2 2019
Active Until: 
Sep 2 2019
Hiring Organization: 
Human Rights Watch
industry: 
Nonprofit