Research Assistant, Middle East and North Africa

FIXED-TERM, FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
Research Assistant
Middle East and North Africa Division
Amman Office (Remote)
Application Deadline: April 17, 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 the region. This is a one year fixed-term vacancy with the possibility of extension. The successful candidate will be based in Amman and will report to two Researchers in the Division.

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 Researchers;
2. Develop contacts with local actors and activists, 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 Researchers 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 Researchers on local media advocacy;
4. Assist the Researchers in following up on specific cases of human rights violations; assist in follow-up with authorities and with local UN representatives on strategic cases on which HRW is advocating for justice;
5. Under the guidance of the Researchers, provide written analyses and write-ups of interviews, and, when appropriate, first drafts of briefing papers, letters, news releases, submissions to international bodies, etc.;
6. Assist the Researchers in preparing reports for discussion with governmental officials, NGO, IGO and other external partners;
7. Be a full partner with the Researchers in managing local logistical issues, such as finding drivers, fixers, translators;
8. Advise the Researchers on security issues, particularly in regard to field missions, including by developing contacts in insecure areas who can provide timely and trustworthy advice on security conditions and precautions;
9. As appropriate, translate short documents from English to Arabic and from Arabic to English and interpret for the Researchers during meetings and interviews held in Arabic;
10. Proofread translations of documents by other translators, for ensuring that all HRW documents in Arabic are polished, accurate, and up to HRW standards;
11. Travel internationally as appropriate to attend specific trainings or planning sessions;
12. Operate in compliance with organizational regulations and rules, including the policies of applicable employee agreements; and
13. Perform other tasks, as may be required.

Other: Applicants must possess valid Jordanian work authorization; Human Rights Watch is not able to sponsor work authorization for this role.

Duration: This is a one-year initial fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent working experience, in international relations, law, journalism, social sciences or studies relating to the country relevant to the function is required.

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of experience working in an office environment or assisting in field research 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 are required.
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills in Arabic are required.
5. Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, and excellent writing and editing skills are required.
6. A dynamic public speaking ability is desirable.
7. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.
8. Experience working for an international human rights organization in a support function is highly desirable.

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.