Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking an experienced professional to lead its new Crisis and Conflict division. The new division will merge and consolidate the work of three established HRW programs on emergencies, refugee rights and terrorism/counterterrorism.
The Director should be a dynamic and visionary leader with deep experience working in complex human rights environments. S/he will help set the strategic direction of the new division, motivate and manage experienced staff, and lead HRW’s work in crisis response, refugees and migration, and terrorism/counterterrorism. Responsibilities include developing effective research, advocacy and communications strategies to defend the human rights of people caught in armed conflict, political and security crises, the fight against terrorism, and situations with refugees, asylum seekers, and forced displacement in both acute and protracted situations.
The Director will have a senior public-facing role for HRW’s conflict and crisis work with government officials, international policy makers, the media, partner organizations, and donors. S/he will stand publicly with survivors of atrocities and human rights defenders, amplifying their voices and working in partnerships to achieve strategic goals.
The Director should have proven experience in the human rights dimensions of armed conflict, counterterrorism, and/or refugee policy. A background in international humanitarian law, human rights law, and/or refugee law is essential, as is an understanding of innovative technologies for safe and effective human rights research, such as remote sensing and open source investigations.
The Director should have experience in fundraising to maintain and expand the division’s work.
This position is based in one of Human Rights Watch major offices and reports to a Deputy Program Director.
- Oversee research and advocacy of the new division, setting strategic priorities, collaborating with other parts of the organization, developing and running projects;
- Manage a team of motivated and experienced researchers, experts and advocates, plus one associate;
- Help define a vision for HRW’s response to armed conflict and crises;
- Guide HRW’s work on issues related to refugees, migration and terrorism/counterterrorism in consultation with our experts;
- Help guide and incubate the use of new technological tools for human rights research;
- Be sensitive to the physical and psychological risks of working in emergency settings in order to support HRW’s staff, partners and interlocutors;
- Work with the Communications division to project a human rights perspective into media coverage of crises, refugee rights and issues related to terrorism/counterterrorism;
- Influence policy debates by providing press quotes, writing press releases, op-eds, and blog postings, and using social media;
- Represent the organization before national and international media and, in coordination with the Advocacy department, advocate with governments, armed groups, companies, and international organizations;
- Work with the Development department on fundraising by drafting reports to donors, promoting the work of HRW, and soliciting support from potential new sources;
- Communicate regularly with the Deputy Program Director and other HRW senior managers to ensure the program’s policies and objectives are aligned with the organization’s focus; and
- Travel on a frequent basis and work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events, as required.
Managerial Responsibilities
- Manage the division’s output and staff with the aim of maintaining and promoting unity, sense of purpose, and staff wellbeing within the division;
- Manage the division’s budget, in cooperation with the Finance department, to ensure adequate, efficient and timely oversight of resources;
- Establish clear work plans for staff, communicate priorities clearly and effectively, and provide oversight and take responsibility for delegated assignments;
- Ensure that the workload of staff is manageable and reporting lines are clear;
- Provide appropriate and timely feedback on staff performance and leadership on employee relations through effective communication, conflict mediation, guidance, coaching, and training, including with staff in supervisory positions;
- Work 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;
- Participate in trainings provided by HRW and other organizations, including on security, management, and stress and resilience; and
- Operate in compliance with HRW’s regulations and rules, including the policies of applicable employee agreements.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in international human rights issues, with at least 4 years in a management position is required.
- Excellent leadership skills and recognized management experience are required, including supervising a team of experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds, empowering staff growth and developing strong and collaborative relationships with colleagues from diverse cultural, geographical, economic, political and social contexts.
- Knowledge of and experience with armed conflicts, refugee rights and counterterrorism are required.
- A track record of working with civil society groups, including collaboration with communities facing social, cultural and/or economic exclusion is required.
- Ability to think strategically and creatively and work quickly and effectively under pressure is required.
- Ability to advocate effectively on complex international policy issues is required.
- Experience serving as a spokesperson, working with the media and cultivating relationships with journalists is required; experience using multimedia and social media for advocacy and outreach is highly desirable.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English are required; proficiency in other languages is highly desirable.
- Experience working in an international environment with diverse colleagues and partners is required.
- Successful track record in fundraising is desirable.
- 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 are required.
- Keen judgment and capacity to plan, organize, prioritize and manage multiple, sometimes competing demands efficiently in a challenging environment are required.
- Strong commitment to human rights is required.
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.