Human Rights Watch (HRW), London and Paris
Researcher
Deadline for application: 15 October 2016

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.

The Europe and Central Asia Division of Human Rights Watch is seeking highly-qualified applicants for the position of Researcher on Counterterrorism and Extremism in Western Europe. The Europe and Central Asia Division is part of the Program Office. The Program Office consists of regional and thematic divisions and oversees research, reporting and various other work. The Researcher will investigate the human rights implications of counterterrorism and extremism in developments in Western Europe and the wider European Union as part of a small team. This position reports to the Deputy Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division, based in the London Office. This position will be based in London or Paris.
Responsibilities
• 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.
• Analyze the effects of counterterrorism laws and practices on people’s human rights, state responses aimed at countering violent extremism, and the human rights implications of electoral support for populist extremist parties and xenophobia in Western Europe and the wider European Union.
• 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.
• Monitor and respond to critical legislative and/or policy developments, including at the European Union level, and 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, European Union institutions, Council of Europe, other inter-governmental agencies, and the media.
• 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.
• Assist the Director of the Division and HRW’s Development and Global Initiative Department in conducting fundraising.
• Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events.
• Travel domestically and overseas, as required, for two or more weeks at a time, four to six times a year, and sometimes at short notice; spend time in HRW’s London, Berlin, and/or New York offices, particularly in the first year of employment, for purposes of orientation, training, and consultation with staff.
• Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Program.
• Carry out any other duties as required.

Duration
Initial fixed-term employment for a two-year period with the possibility of extension.

Qualifications
Education: An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, European studies, or social sciences is required. 

Experience: A minimum of three years of experience working on human rights or related issues in Western Europe, including time spent living and working in the region, is essential. 

Related skills and knowledge
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French are required; fluency in other European languages, including German, Italian, and Spanish is desirable.
• Policy expertise in some combination of counterterrorism, national security, countering violent extremism and the rise of populist extremist political parties in Europe is required.
• Ability to research and analyze complex human rights issues in a rigorous, nuanced and efficient manner is required.
• Ability to conduct field research and interview a wide range of people, including victims of abuse, witnesses, and government officials, is required.
• Ability to monitor and communicate important human rights developments and to identify and prioritize issues to work on is required.
• Ability to document human rights violations and produce high-quality written material under tight deadlines is required.
• Ability to identify advocacy opportunities and advise the Europe and Central Asia Division in developing and implementing advocacy strategies is required.
• Ability to work flexible hours and respond quickly to crises and conflicts as they occur is required.
• Strong initiative and follow-through, capacity to think creatively and strategically, ability to multi-task effectively, and ability to work under pressure are required.
• Strong interpersonal skills, in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with local partners, government officials, and others, are essential.
• Strong public-speaking skills are essential.
• Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is essential.
• Ability to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use the print and electronic media effectively to further advocacy goals is desirable.
• Familiarity with international human rights law is required.
• Knowledge of European Union institutions and civil law systems is desirable.
• Expertise in anti-discrimination and economic and social rights are desirable.

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. 

How to apply
Please apply immediately or by 11:59 PM ET on 15 October 2016 by visiting our online job portal. No phone calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, please email recruitment@hrw.org. Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

• Vacancy on HRW website.