Video Producer/Editor and Videographer: Crisis and Conflict

FIXED-TERM, FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY

Video Producer/Editor and Videographer: Crisis and Conflict

Multimedia Division

Multiple Locations Considered

Application Deadline: November 20, 2022

Who we are:

Human Rights Watch (HRW) investigates and reports on human rights abuses happening in all corners of the world. We are roughly 500 people of 70-plus nationalities who work to protect the most at risk, from vulnerable minorities and civilians in wartime, to refugees and children in need. The Multimedia Division is where we craft our visual messaging and deliver it to our audiences in order to raise public awareness of the human rights violations HRW investigates and documents.

The opportunity:

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Video Producer/Editor and Videographer to work with our Crisis and Conflict Division to produce compelling stories and innovative video content to support HRW’s work on armed conflicts and other global crises.

The Crisis and Conflict Division documents, exposes, and advocates to end violations of human rights and the laws of war during armed conflicts and severe social or political unrest.

The role includes travel and filming in conflict zones to bring attention to under-reported crises, highlight the plight of marginalized people, advance rights-respecting legal norms, and press for justice to protect and promote human rights.

The position will ideally be based in one of HRW’s major offices in Europe, Africa or MENA, and reports to the Director of the Multimedia Division based in New York. This is a fixed-term, full-time position for two years (with possibility of extension).

Responsibilities:

1. Develop, research, film, storyboard, produce, and edit video and animated multimedia products for various platforms, including long form and social media content that will further HRW’s work and advocacy on armed conflicts and other global crises;

2. Make complex ideas simple through effective writing skills and visually compelling video content, ensuring HRW’s editorial standards and adhering to the highest journalistic practices;

3. Collaborate with HRW’s Crisis and Conflict Division team to develop multimedia and communications plans for reports and advocacy;

4. Liaise with partner organizations and media outlets on joint projects;

5. Travel and work from higher-risk crisis and conflict settings to film content as needed, while strictly adhering to HRW’s physical and digital safety and security protocols;

6. Manage and prioritize multiple simultaneous projects with careful attention to all details both in creative production and management of the work;

7. Project manage and oversee multimedia content produced by researchers and consultants worldwide;

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

9. Manage rights/permissions clearance of videos sourced from online media, content distribution, logging, archiving, footage, and other tasks related to production;

10. Manage the risk assessment process of projects;

11. Manage contracting, budgeting and expense tracking of projects;

12. Monitor video trends and emerging practices, and seek new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and the use of new technologies, tools, and styles in our video production;

13. Carry out other duties as required.

Qualifications*:*

Education: A bachelor’s and/or an advanced degree in Journalism, Media, English, Communications, or a related field is highly desirable. Candidates with equivalent training/experience and a passion for journalism and/or human rights work are also encouraged to apply.

Experience: A minimum three (3) years of experience in broadcast journalism, video production, or a similar field is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge*:*

1. Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English are required; proficiency in another language, such as Arabic, French, or Russian, is highly desirable;

2. Experience filming in higher-risk crisis and conflict settings is required;

3. Hostile Environment and First Aid Training (HEFAT), or other equivalent training, is highly desirable;

4. Demonstrated traits of tact, discretion, sound editorial judgment, and the ability to function in a confidential capacity are required;

5. Excellent storyboard drafting and editing skills and the ability to work effectively with multiple languages are required;

6. Knowledge of leading graphic, audio, and video tools including Adobe Suite, Premiere Pro, and After Effects, and working knowledge of Mac OS are required; Proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop are desired;

7, A track record in driving innovation and experience working with mixed multimedia video content, including 3D modeling and reconstructions, motion graphics, and other digital investigations techniques, are desired;

8. Excellent time-management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks while maintaining strong attention to detail are required;

9. Ability to multi-task multiple stories while also producing long-term projects, work under pressure, and thrive in a deadline-driven environment is required;

10. Self-motivation, creative problem-solving skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work well as a member of a team and self-teach new technologies are required;

11. Experience in the use of all types of video cameras and the knowledge of lighting and audio requirements for studio and field production are required;

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

13. Flexibility in responding quickly to events as they occur and producing excellent material under tight deadlines is required.

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

**How to Apply:**Please apply immediately or by November 20, 2022 by visiting our online job portal at https://careers.hrw.org/ and submitting a CV and cover letter, preferably as PDF files. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, or if you require disability-related accommodation to submit your application please email [email protected]. Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

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.