Fossil Fuels Researcher

FULL-TIME, FIXED TERM JOB VACANCY
RESEARCHER, FOSSIL FUELS
Environment and Human Rights Division
Multiple Locations Considered
Application Deadline: May 12, 2022

The Environment and Human Rights Program of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is searching for candidates for the fixed-term role of Fossil Fuels Researcher. As vulnerable communities around the world face growing consequences of environmental degradation, pollution, and climate change, the Environment and Human Rights Program works to protect the rights of people around the globe, especially the poor and marginalized.

This is a one year fixed-term role with the possibility of extension dependent on available funding. The Researcher may be based in any of HRW’s global offices, and reports to the Director of the Environment and Human Rights Program.

Due to COVID-19, many of our global offices are operating in reduced capacities. The successful candidate may be required to work remotely as local mandates necessitate. 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.

Responsibilities:

1. Research, monitor and document human rights abuses related to the exploration, extraction, production, transportation, marketing and combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including victims, witnesses, governments, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, security forces and others in the field and online (open source) information;
2. Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies based on the findings; collect supporting documents and materials such as photographs and videos;
3. Assist in the development and implementation of local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices;
4. Respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community and take initiative to project concerns in public debate;
5. 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;
6. Assist the Director of the Program and HRW’s Development and Global Initiative Department in conducting fundraising;
7. Work closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local human rights organizations to ensure that HRW’s work complements and enhances their own work;
8. Liaise effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities;
9. Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events;
10. Travel domestically and overseas, as required, to conduct fact-finding missions;
11. Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Program; and
12. Carry out any other duties as required.

Qualifications:

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a thoughtful researcher with experience at the intersection of human rights and the fossil fuel industry. This experience could come from a variety of previous roles including, but not limited to, journalists who have covered the impact of any of the various stages of the fossil fuel lifecycle on health or human rights, community activists, public or environmental health experts, academics, or oil and gas industry professionals.

Education: An advanced degree in international relations, journalism, law, history or social sciences or equivalent experience is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of three years of experience in human rights research related to the exploration, extraction, production, transportation, marketing, and combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) is required.

Required Skills and Knowledge:

1. Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in the area of specialty is required; ability to conduct remote sensing research in the area of specialty is desired.
2. Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses are required.
3. Ability to efficiently distil information about the country or thematic issue so as to focus time and effort on issues of greatest importance or issues that are most capable of being influenced is required.
4. Ability to identify and advise the Director/Department in developing and implementing advocacy strategies in order to seize advocacy opportunities is required.
5. Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and familiarity with international human rights law is required.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required; proficiency in another language is desirable.
7. 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.
8. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.
9. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work under pressure are required.
10. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.
11. Demonstrated ability to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use the media and electronic media to further advocacy goals is desirable.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and 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 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.