HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

Human Rights Watch defends the rights of people worldwide. They scrupulously investigate abuses, expose the facts widely, and pressure those with power to respect rights and secure justice. Human Rights Watch is an independent, international organization that works as part of a vibrant movement to uphold human dignity and advance the cause of human rights for all.

Associate, General Counsel's Office

NEW YORK, NY
Supervisor: General Counsel
Job Theme: Human Rights, Policy & Leadership


JOB DESCRIPTION

The General Counsel’s Office at HRW is responsible for legal oversight of the organization's corporate matters, such as issues of internal governance and policy, a wide range of media law, foreign operations, tax, insurance and contract review, litigation and international and domestic employment matters, including labor relations. The General Counsel’s Office seeks an Innovator to take a leadership role in several long-term projects that involve working with stakeholders across the organization.

  • First, the Innovator will be charged with tracking trends in the litigation to which HRW is a party or a witness and identifying opportunities for HRW to participate in cutting-edge litigation matters.
  • Second, the Innovator will support HRW’s effort to protect the right to privacy in the digital age, particularly with the regard to the nuances of GDPR compliance at an international NGO.
  • Finally, the Innovator will participate in an upcoming organization-wide effort to ensure that HRW lives its values both internally and externally, in the form of a comprehensive policy review and ethics audit.
  • The Innovator will be an active member of the General Counsel’s office and will provide administrative support to the team.

DESIRED SKILLS

  • Prior office/administration experience and outstanding organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail are required.
  • Sound judgment, a willingness to take on responsibilities, and ability to problem solve and self-teach new topics are required.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required; proficiency in other languages is a plus.
  • Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within Human Rights Watch as well as with external partners are required.
  • Self-motivation and the ability to prioritize with minimal supervision and work independently as well as function as a member of a team are required.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and to manage multiple priorities while working effectively toward deadlines is required.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and information security is required.
  • Proficiency in various computer packages, including MS Office applications and ability to quickly learn other applications are required.
  • Interest and familiarity with international human rights and digital privacy issues is desirable.

Associate, Washington Advocacy Team

WASHINGTON, D.C.
Supervisor: Washington Director
Job Theme: Human Rights, Tech Access


JOB DESCRIPTION

The Human Rights Watch Washington Advocacy team leads the organization’s work to influence United States foreign policy. This position reports to the Washington Director and supports other members of team.

The position’s responsibilities are two-fold:

1. To provide day-to-day support to the Washington advocacy team. These duties may include administrative tasks, research, preparing and distributing written products (e.g. reports, letters, briefing papers, talking points, dispatches, web content), coordinating internal and external meetings, monitoring and tracking policy developments, and assisting with developing advocacy strategies.

2. To spearhead the research of and writing on policy issues as determined by current events. These projects will be coordinated between the Innovator and Washington director, taking into consideration the candidate’s expertise and interests and the needs of the advocacy team.

DESIRED SKILLS

  • Knowledge of or experience with the US government including Congress, State Department, and/or other branches of government is required.
  • Initiative, follow-through, ability to work independently, and excellent organizational skills are required.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
  • Strong research and analytical skills with the natural curiosity and creativity needed to conduct online research are required.
  • The ability to work well under pressure and to manage multiple priorities while working effectively toward deadlines is required.
  • Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within Human Rights Watch as well as with external partners are required.
  • Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions and take initiative when appropriate is required.
  • Demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues and the capacity to master and represent the mission and programs of Human Rights Watch are highly desirable.