The Senior Counsel with HRW's Terrorism and Counterterrorism Program will have principal responsibility for investigating and analyzing U.S. counterterrorism policies and practices, developing HRW's response to them, and communicating HRW's policy recommendations to officials in the executive and legislative branches of the US government. The Senior Counsel will draft legal and advocacy documents targeted at government officials, the press, and the general public. S/he will also undertake research and prepare reports documenting U.S. counterterrorism practices. S/he will lead advocacy efforts relating to U.S. counterterrorism policies and practices with U.S. officials in Washington, DC, including by engaging new constituencies and building new alliances. The aim of this work is to maximize pressure for counterterrorism policies that respect internationally recognized rights. The position will be based in HRW's Washington, DC Office.
Salary and 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 necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.
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.
HRW's Terrorism and Counterterrorism Program monitors human rights and international humanitarian law violations associated with terrorism and government counterterrorism efforts.
Qualifications: The successful
candidate will be a lawyer with senior-
level advocacy and policy experience
working on counterterrorism, human
rights, and/or criminal law issues.
Exceptionally strong analytical,
research, writing, and speaking skills
are required. Applicants must have an
outstanding track record of effective
advocacy, strategic thinking, initiative,
and follow-through. Direct experience
in government agencies, legislative
staff, or private organizations that work
to influence U.S. government policy is
preferred.
Fluency in oral and written English
and a U.S. law degree are required. A
background in international human
rights and/or humanitarian law is
desirable. The Senior Counsel must
be able to work in a demanding fast
paced environment, juggle multiple
tasks, and work collegially in a diverse
professional environment.
PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY by emailing in a single submission: a letter of interest describing your experience, your resume, salary requirements, names or letters of reference, and a brief writing sample (unedited by others) no later than May 15, 2009 to tctjobs@hrw.org. Please use "Application for Senior Counsel Ref TCT-09-1011-F" 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 (Senior Counsel Ref TCT-09-1011-F)
350 Fifth Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, NY 10118-3299
Fax: (212) 736-1300