Research Assistant, Tunisia and Algeria

FIXED-TERM, FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
Research Assistant
Middle East and North Africa Division
Tunis Office
Application Deadline: May 22, 2022

The Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Research Assistant to support in the monitoring and reporting on human rights violations in Tunisia and Algeria. This is a one year fixed-term vacancy with the possibility of extension. The successful candidate will be based in Tunis and will report to the Tunisia/Algeria Researcher in the Division.

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 the Researcher on Tunisia and Algeria, and occasionally on other countries in North Africa under the supervision of other 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; facilitate meetings with NGOs, government officials, and individuals able to provide information regarding human rights abuses;
3. Assist the Algeria/Tunisia 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 Researcher on local media advocacy;
4. Assist the Researcher in following up on specific cases of human rights violations; assist in follow-up with authorities and with NGOs on strategic cases on which HRW is advocating for justice;
5. Under the guidance of the Researcher, 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 Researcher in preparing reports for discussion with governmental officials, NGO, IGO and other external partners;
7. Be a full partner with the Researcher in managing local logistical issues, such as finding drivers, fixers, translators;
8. Advise the Researcher on security issues, particularly in regard to field missions;
9. As appropriate, translate short documents from English to Arabic and from Arabic to English;
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. Provide administrative support such as scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, taking minutes, processing expenses, creating agenda, preparing background materials, conducting follow-up to meetings, and providing written updates;
12. Travel to the field, including to insecure areas, with the Researcher and independently, to conduct research; travel internationally as appropriate to attend specific trainings or planning sessions;
13. Operate in compliance with organizational regulations and rules, including the policies of applicable employee agreements;
14. Perform other tasks, as may be required.

Other: Applicants must possess valid work authorization in Tunisia.

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. 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 Tunisia and Algeria is highly desirable.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to human rights issues are required.
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills in Arabic, English, and French 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. A considerable network of contacts (lawyers, activists, journalists) in Tunisia and/or Algeria is 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.