The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Rights Program of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Researcher. The Researcher will be responsible for conducting a wide range of work, including investigation, report writing, advocacy, and media work focusing on LGBT rights in Africa. The Researcher reports to the Deputy Director of the LGBT Rights Program, based in New York. This full-time position will preferably be based in Africa.

Due to COVID-19, many of our global offices are currently operating in reduced capacities. The successful candidate may be required to work remotely if local mandates necessitate. We recognize that this moment, during the pandemic, is a uniquely difficult time for most people, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities, and we aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both the recruitment for and onboarding of this position.

Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement a research and advocacy agenda that focuses on improving respect for the human rights of LGBT people in Africa;

2. Monitor and document human rights practices by conducting fact-finding missions and collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, journalists, diplomats, security forces and others in the field;

3. Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, dispatches, and submissions to international bodies based on the findings of your research;

4. Develop and implement local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices;

5. Present human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and the media;

6. Respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community;

7. Work closely with colleague non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local and regional human rights organizations to ensure that HRW’s work complements and enhances their own work;

8. Liaise effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities;

9. Deliver outputs in a timely manner and being consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the LGBT rights program and the Africa Division;

10. Assist the LGBT Rights Program and the Development and Outreach Department in conducting fundraising;

11. Travel domestically and internationally, as required, in order to carry out research and advocacy;

12. Work flexible hours as needed to accommodate developing and urgent events; and

13. Carry out any other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education: An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, African studies or social sciences, or equivalent experience in human rights or related work, is required.

Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of directly related experience working on human rights, with a demonstrable knowledge of LGBT rights, is required.

Related skills and knowledge:

1. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is required. Fluency in French is highly desirable.

2. Ability to identify, prioritize, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments on LGBT rights issues in a timely and sophisticated fashion is required.

3. Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims of abuse, witnesses, and government officials, are required.

4. Ability to develop and implement realistic and effective local and international advocacy strategies and tactics in order to identify and seize advocacy opportunities is required.

5. Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, and the ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure with a broad range of people and as a part of a team are all required.

6. Ability to produce high-quality written material under tight deadlines, excellent editing skills, and a dynamic public speaking ability are all required.

7. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with local partners, government officials and external media partners are required.

8. Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and familiarity with international human rights law is highly desirable.

9. 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 strongly preferred.

10. Solid field research and documentation skills are highly desirable.

Salary and Benefits

HRW encourages applicants from or in the region and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. If based in the United States, the salary range for this position will be USD 77,000 – 85,000. Salary ranges outside of the United States vary based on location. Citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply; HRW offers a relocation assistance package and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required.

How to apply

Please apply immediately or by 30 November 2022 by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a letter of interest and resume or CV. No 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, or if you require a disability-related accommodation, 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.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

Human Rights Watch 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.

To apply for this role or for more information, please visit the HRW job portal.