Research Assistant, Iran

FIXED-TERM, FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY Research Assistant, Iran Middle East and North Africa Division Washington DC or London Application Deadline: June 19, 2022

The Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) Division of HRW is seeking a Research Assistant to support in the monitoring and reporting on human rights violations in Iran. This is a one-year fixed-term position with the possibility of extension dependent on funding. The successful candidate will be based in Washington DC or London and will report to the Iran Senior Researcher.

Due to COVID-19, however, many of our global offices are currently closed or operating in reduced capacities. The successful candidate may be required to work remotely initially or if local requirements mandate it. 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.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide research and advocacy assistance and administrative support to the Iran Senior Researcher; 2. Develop contacts with government officials and other local actors, including using pre-existing networks among local rights activists and organizations to expand HRW’s monitoring capabilities and access to information; facilitate meetings with NGOs, government officials, and individuals able to provide information regarding human rights abuses; 3. Assist the Iran Senior Researcher in monitoring human rights conditions and documenting abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, and journalists; advise the Senior Researcher on local media advocacy; 4. Assist the Iran Senior Researcher in following up on specific cases of human rights violations; assist in follow-up with authorities and with relevant UN representatives on strategic cases on which HRW is advocating for justice; 5. Under the guidance of the Iran Senior Researcher, regularly write concise, engaging, and legally accurate posts on Human Rights Watch’s Farsi social media accounts, ensuring that posts are accurate and content-rich with a consistent voice and messaging; 6. Assist the Iran Senior Researcher with developing a communications strategy; 7. Assist the Iran Senior Researcher in building and maintaining a Farsi media list, maintaining relationships with Farsi speaking journalists and influencers, and in pitching work in Farsi; 8. Under the guidance of the Iran Senior Researcher, provide written analyses and write-ups of interviews, and, when appropriate, first drafts of briefing papers, letters, news releases, submissions to international bodies, media advisories, infographics, and other HRW products; 9. Assist the Iran Senior Researcher in preparing reports for discussion with governmental officials, NGO, IGO and other external partners; 10. Proofread translations of documents by other translators, for ensuring that all HRW documents in Farsi are polished, accurate, and up to HRW standards; 11. Operate in compliance with organizational regulations and rules, including the policies of applicable employee agreements; and 12. Perform other tasks, as may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in international relations, law, journalism, communications, public relations, Middle East Studies, social sciences or studies relating to the country relevant or a related discipline, or equivalent working experience, is required.

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of experience working in communications or as a research assistant with an NGO is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work under pressure are required. 2. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with external partners and the media are required. 3. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Farsi are required. 4. Keen understanding of social media, especially how to communicate complicated information in a concise and clear manner. 5. 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. 6. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required. 7. Experience working for an international human rights organization in a support function is highly desirable.

Other: Applicants must possess valid work authorization in the location they would like to be based. Human Rights Watch is not able to sponsor work authorization for this role.

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

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.