Researcher at Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch is a nonprofit, nongovernmental human rights organization made up of roughly 400 staff members around the globe. Its staff consists of human rights professionals including country experts, lawyers, journalists, and academics of diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Established in 1978, Human Rights Watch is known for its accurate fact-finding, impartial reporting, effective use of media, and targeted advocacy, often in partnership with local human rights groups.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Researcher

Location: Nigeria

Job Description

• The Africa Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking applicants for the position of Researcher on Nigeria.
• The Africa Division works to promote human rights in Africa and conducts a wide range of work, including human rights investigations, report writing, advocacy, building local partnerships, and media work.
• The Researcher will be responsible for developing and implementing a research and advocacy agenda on human rights conditions in Nigeria.
• The position reports to the Executive Director of the Africa Division and will preferably be based in Nigeria but other locations, especially in the region, may be considered.

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;
• Conduct fact-finding missions in Nigeria and other countries, as needed;
• Write and publicize reports, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies based on the findings of the research;
• Develop and implement local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices;
• Place abuses within the broader political, social and economic contexts and present human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and the media;
• Respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community and take initiative to project concerns in public debate;
• 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;
• Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Africa Division;
• Assist the Executive Director of the Africa Division and HRW’s Development and Outreach Department in conducting fundraising;
• Travel domestically and internationally, as required, in order to carry out research and advocacy;
• Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events; and
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Education: An advanced (graduate) degree in International Relations, Journalism, Law, Social Sciences, or related studies is required.
• Experience: A minimum of three to five years of experience in human rights research, including time spent working in Nigeria, is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is required; ability to speak a local language is desirable.
• Ability to identify and prioritize, research, analyze and effectively communicate human rights issues in Nigeria in a rigorous, timely and sophisticated fashion is required.
• Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims, witnesses, and government officials are required.
• Ability to develop and implement realistic and effective local and international advocacy strategies in order to identify and seize advocacy opportunities is required.
• Ability to produce high quality written materials under tight deadlines is required.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with international human rights law are required.
• Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent writing and editing skills, and a dynamic public speaking ability are required.
• Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.
• Ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure with a broad range of people and as part of a team is required.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use traditional and social media to further advocacy goals is 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.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• 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, please email: [email protected] Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.