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 of influential governments and international institutions.
HRW is seeking a researcher for its Europe and Central Asia Division. The researcher will have primary responsibility for monitoring violations of human rights in Russia, as well as secondary responsibility for monitoring violations in one or two other countries in the former Soviet Union, depending on the researcher's expertise and the Europe and Central Asia division's needs. The researcher will investigate human rights developments in Russia and other countries in order to publicize and curtail human rights abuses through writing and advocacy. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, taking testimony on human rights violations; writing reports, newsletters, and press statements on human rights concerns; bringing human rights violations to the attention of the governments of Russia and other countries; conducting advocacy with the governments of the United States, European Union (E.U.) and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (O.S.C.E.), and with international organizations; working with local groups and activists including through coalition work and campaigns with local groups; expanding contacts with government officials and human rights groups in the target countries, and international organizations based in the region, such as the O.S.C.E., the United Nations, and international financial institutions; and developing strategies together with relevant staff of HRW's Moscow, New York, Brussels, Geneva, and Washington, D.C. offices for putting pressure on the target countries to curb abuses. The organization would prefer for the researcher to be based in our office in Moscow, but will also consider applications from strong candidates who can only be based in one of HRW's other offices (New York, Washington, D.C., Brussels, London, Berlin or Geneva). Frequent travel in the region and to the United States and Europe for research, consultations, and advocacy is required.
Salary and Benefits: Human Rights Watch seeks exceptional candidates and offers competitive compensation and generous employer-paid benefits. HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining the necessary work authorization.
Additional Qualifications:
An advanced degree in international relations, related regional studies, journalism, law, or another related field; several years of human rights experience, ideally in one or more of the target countries; and a demonstrated commitment to international human rights. He or she should have a fluent command of Russian and excellent writing and communications skills in English. Familiarity with the institutions of the E.U. and the Council of Europe, as well as knowledge of the European Convention and Court of Human Rights and related case-law are strongly preferred.
How to Apply:
PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY (no calls or email inquiries, please) by emailing a letter of interest, resume, names and contact information for references, and a brief writing sample (unedited by others) no later than September 29, 2006 to eca@hrw.org. Please use “Russia Researcher Application” as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed. It is preferred that all materials be submitted via email. If emailing is not possible, send materials (please do not split a submission between email and regular post) to:
Human Rights Watch
Attn: Search Committee (Russia Researcher)
350 Fifth Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, NY 10118-3299 USA
Fax: (212) 736-1300
Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.