Researcher, Tech and Human Rights

FIXED-TERM, FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY

Researcher, Tech and Human Rights

Technology and Human Rights Division

Multiple Locations Considered

Application Deadline: 24 October 2022

The newly founded Tech and Human Rights Division at Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Researcher on technology and human rights with a focus on the complex ways in which technology and data are used and misused in the context of political processes and throughout electoral cycles. The Tech and Rights Division investigates how companies, governments, and other powerful actors develop and use technology in ways that impact peoples’ rights. We conduct research that helps to establish and vigorously defend the rights, norms and rules that govern powerful technologies and its use.

The Researcher will split their role between two functions: (1) One of our key strategic priorities for 2022-2023 is the intersection of commercial data exploitation and democracy. The researcher will be responsible for identifying advocacy opportunities to follow up on a report that will be published in the last quarter of 2022. They will also lead on scoping and planning out new research opportunities and producing analytical written products to further research and advocacy goals in collaboration with colleagues in the division and beyond. (2) Since technology and rights is a truly cross-cutting issue, which touches on many of HRW’s areas of work, the Tech and Rights Division works in partnership with Human Rights Watch’s thematic and regional researchers. All researchers in the technology and rights division offer technical expertise on questions related to technology and human rights, including on research methodologies, as well as regional and international human rights standards and advocacy initiatives.

This is a six-month fixed term, full-time position for parental leave coverage. This position will report to the Director of the Technology and Human Rights Division who is based in Berlin, Germany, and will collaborate with the other team members- a Program Manager, a Senior Researcher- as well as colleagues in regional and thematic divisions. This position may be based in any location that HRW has an office. We are looking for a candidate who can start at their earliest convenience but can start no later than mid-January 2023.

Due to Covid-19, many of our global offices are operating in reduced capacities. The successful candidate may be required to work remotely if local mandates necessitate. We recognize that this moment, during the pandemic, continues to be 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 human rights, technology and democracy by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including victims, witnesses, governments, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, companies, and others in the field and online (open source) information;

2. Write and publicize research, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies and develop other briefings as may be required;

3. Coordinate with key colleagues within HRW and externally with allied organizations and NGOs;

4. Advise and support other programs of work that includes a component of tech and human rights;

5. Keep abreast of pertinent advocacy and policy developments and advise colleagues of important changes;

6. Liaise effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities;

7. Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Division; and

8. Carry out any other duties as required.

Qualifications:**

Candidate Profile

Candidates who are traditionally underrepresented in the technology and/or human rights sectors (such as people who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women, migrants, people with disabilities, or people who have other related lived experiences) are enthusiastically encouraged to apply if they feel they have the ability to succeed in this role, even if they do not have all the skills and qualifications listed below.

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

Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of experience in human rights research related to technology and rights is required.

Required Skills and Knowledge:

1. In-depth knowledge and experience researching the intersection of human rights, technology and democratic institutions, including platform accountability and commercial data exploitation is required. Familiarity with cybercrime laws and surveillance is desired.

2. Solid knowledge of research methods, and research design, specifically about researching large-scale socio-technical systems is required .

3. Ability to quickly read up on and synthesize new information is required.

4. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with external partners are required.

5. Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically is required.

6. Excellent writing and editing skills in English, are required.

7. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work under pressure are required.

8. Experience working with colleagues, staff, and partners from diverse backgrounds in a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team environment is required.

Other: Candidates must possess valid work authorization for the location in which they will be based; we are unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this role.

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

**How to Apply:**Please apply immediately or by 24 October 2022, by visiting our online job portal at https://careers.hrw.org and attach a cover letter and resume/CV. We anticipate interviews for the position will begin the week of 31 October. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you have difficulty completing your application submission, or if you require a disability-related accommodation to submit your application, please reach out to [email protected].

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.