Research Assistant, Russia

FIXED-TERM, FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY Research Assistant, Russia Europe and Central Division Multiple Locations Considered Application Deadline: June 8, 2022

The Europe and Central Asia Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Research Assistant to support in the monitoring and reporting on human rights violations in Russia and Belarus and other countries in the subregion when appropriate and necessary. This is a one year fixed-term vacancy with the possibility of extension. The Research Assistant will preferably be based in one of our European offices, but other locations may be considered, though the position cannot be based in Russia or Belarus. The Research Assistant will report to the ECA Associate Director.

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.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide research, advocacy assistance and administrative support to HRW’s regional researchers;
2. Develop and maintain 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;
3. Assist the researchers by monitoring human rights conditions and documenting abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources, through online and other desk research and also interviews;
4. Assist the researchers in following up on specific cases of human rights violations; assist in follow-up with authorities and with NGOs on select individual cases;
5. Under the guidance of the associate director, 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 in preparing for meetings with governmental officials, NGOs, international organizations, and other external partners; participate in such meetings when appropriate and prepare notes;
7. As appropriate, translate short documents from English to Russian and Russian to English;
8. Provide administrative support on research work such as scheduling meetings, taking minutes, creating agenda, preparing background materials, conducting follow-up to meetings, and providing written updates;
9. Travel with researchers and independently, to conduct research, trial monitoring, etc.;
10. Travel internationally as appropriate to attend specific trainings or planning sessions;
11. Operate in compliance with organizational regulations and rules, including the policies of applicable employee agreements;
12. Perform other tasks, as may be required;

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 year of experience working in an office environment or assisting in field research is required. A background in human rights, legal, political science, development, or journalism is strongly preferred.

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. Knowledge of the broader political and socioeconomic situation in Russia and Belarus is required.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to human rights issues are required.
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills in Russian and English are required.
6. Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, and excellent writing and editing skills are required.
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.
9. Considerable experience working with the human rights community lawyers, activists, journalists in Russia is highly desirable

Other: Applicants must possess work authorization for the country in which they would like to be based. HRW is unable to secure 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.