Derechos: Human Rights Listings

Researcher on South Africa/NGO Liaison
Africa Division
(Johannesburg Office)
Deadline for applications: November 30, 2006

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.

Description: Reporting to the South Africa Director, the Researcher/NGO Liaison will be based in Johannesburg and must be prepared to travel frequently around South Africa. As the NGO Liaison, s/he will work closely with relevant researchers in the Africa division of HRW in order to develop and implement an NGO capacity-building strategy appropriate for South Africa. Reporting to the South Africa Director, s/he will establish the necessary contacts with NGO partners identified in South Africa, and will maintain frequent contact with those NGOs in order to insure a regular exchange of information and expertise. S/he will reinforce the capacity of local NGOs by providing them with needed expertise, assisting them in developing advocacy strategies, and working with them to disseminate joint reports. The NGO Liaison will be responsible for designing and conducting workshops on human rights-related subjects such as human rights monitoring, report writing and advocacy. The NGO Liaison will also be responsible for advocacy and media efforts designed to protect the affected human rights activists.

Researcher responsibilities will include monitoring, investigating and documenting human rights violations and developing local and international advocacy strategies to bring violations to the attention of the government of South Africa and the international community; collecting and analyzing information on human rights developments from a wide variety of sources, including the local media, NGOs, journalists, diplomats, and others in the field; carrying out research missions as may be required; writing briefing memos, short reports, statements and press releases as needed in a concise and accurate manner, with a quick turnaround time; and responding to inquiries from the press, public, and colleagues in the human rights community.

Qualifications: This position requires a substantial background in human rights and policy analysis. The position combines elements of both research and advocacy and requires an individual who has particularly solid judgment and initiative and strong interpersonal skills. Candidates should have a background in human rights concerns in the country and region and excellent English oral and written communications skills. An advanced degree in international relations, journalism, law, history and/or the social sciences as well as experience in human rights work are required. Experience living or working in South Africa and fluency in other regional dialects are assets. A demonstrated commitment to international human rights is required. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, flexible, well-organized, able to work quickly and well under pressure both independently and as a member of a team, and capable of producing excellent written material in English under tight deadlines. As the NGO Liaison, s/he must be capable of running training sessions and guiding Human Rights Watch colleagues in the inclusion of trainees in planning and conducting fact-finding missions and advocacy campaigns.

Salary & Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants 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:

How to Apply:
PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY (no calls or email inquiries, please) by emailing together a letter of interest, resume, contact information for three references, and two original writing samples (unedited by others) no later than November 30, 2006 to vaughah@hrw.org. Please use “South Africa Researcher/NGO Liaison 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, fax or send materials (please do not split a submission between email and regular post) to:

Human Rights Watch
Attn: Search Committee (South Africa Researcher/NGO Liaison)
1630 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 500
Washington, DC 20009 USA

Fax: +1 202 612 4333

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

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Office Administrator
Johannesburg Office
Deadline for applications: November 30, 2006

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.

Description: The Office Administrator will provide support to HRW’s Operations department based in the New York headquarters. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

•Finance: managing budgets and bank accounts, processing payroll, paying bills, handling monthly accounting activities, and processing donations;
•Information Technology: maintaining and trouble-shooting the computer network, providing helpdesk support to local staff, and handling system back-ups and upgrades when necessary;
•Human Resources: advising on South African employment law, assisting with recruitment for South Africa-based staff, assisting with insurance policies and provision of staff benefits, supporting personnel administration; and
• Administration and Facilities: handling reception duties, establishing and managing the logistic and administrative aspects of the office, tracking attendance, overseeing general office maintenance including office supplies and stock, and answering general post, email and telephone inquiries.

Qualifications: The candidate must have solid office/administration experience, demonstrated organizational skills, and excellent computer skills. Experience in the administration of a small office is highly desirable. The candidate must have excellent written and spoken skills in English; fluency in other languages is a plus. The candidate must be self motivated, extremely well-organized, collegial, and able to function under pressure and handle numerous tasks simultaneously. S/he must be willing to take initiative, prioritize with minimal supervision, and work independently as well as function as a member of a team. Strong interest in international human rights is highly desirable. Current South African work authorization required for this position.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks outstanding candidates and offers competitive compensation and generous, prorated employer-paid benefits.

Additional Qualifications:

How to Apply:
PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY (no calls or email inquiries, please) by emailing together a letter of interest, resume, references, and a brief, unedited writing sample no later than November 30, 2006 to vaughah@hrw.org. Please use “Office Administrator—Johannesburg” 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, fax or send materials (please do not split a submission between email and regular post) to:

Human Rights Watch
Attn: Search Committee (Office Administrator, Johannesburg Office)
1630 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 500
Washington, DC 20009 USA

Fax: +1 202 612 4333

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.