FIXED-TERM, FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY

Designer

Digital Division

Multiple Locations Considered (London Preferred)

Application Deadline: September 30, 2022

The Digital Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking an experienced designer who specializes in cartography and data visualization to join our Visual Content team. This is a one-year, fixed-term position that will preferably be based in London, or a similar time zone. The Designer reports to the Director of Publications and Information Design based in New York.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) advances human rights worldwide by investigating wrongs, exposing facts, offering solutions, and challenging those with power to respect rights. The Media Department creates and implements communications strategies to expand support for human rights, increase media coverage and influence in key markets, and reach new audiences.

Due to COVID-19, many of our global offices are currently operating in reduced capacities. The successful candidate may be required to work remotely in the interim. 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. We anticipate that the successful candidate will begin this position by January 2023.

Responsibilities:

1. Design maps, data visualizations, and other visual outputs for web, videos, and social media channels that complement and enhance HRW’s research and advocacy;

2. Respond to requests for maps and visual outputs for daily news and long-form editorial content;

3. Conduct basic data research and management to inform and develop visual content;

4. Exercise strong visual and journalistic judgement to ensure quality of outputs meets HRW visual, ethical, and legal standards; and

5. Perform other tasks as may be assigned.

Qualifications:

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience, preferably in graphic design, journalism, or a related field is required. An advanced (graduate) degree is a plus.

Experience: A minimum of five years producing and designing visual content, preferably in a news or editorial environment, is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Expertise in cartography and GIS tools such as QGIS is required.

2. Experience with data management and statistical modeling is preferred.

3. Familiarity with front-end web development, including Javascript, HTML and CSS is preferred.

4. Familiarity with Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, Blender or other 3D graphics software is a plus.

5. Experience working in a content management system is required.

6. Strong understanding of typography, layout, color, and user-centered design is required.

7. Proven ability to think analytically and creatively to design engaging visual content from dense inaccessible information is required.

8. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required; proficiency in Arabic or Chinese is highly desirable.

9. Self-motivation and ability to take initiative, prioritize with minimal supervision, and work well in a fast-paced environment with team members in multiple locations are required.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by September 30, 2022, by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a cover letter and a resume, preferably as PDF files. No calls or email inquiries, please. Note that applications must be complete to receive considerations, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission or require accommodations during the application process, 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.

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.