GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL (GCC) COUNTRIES RESEARCHER

The Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking a Researcher to monitor the human rights situation in Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”) countries. The Researcher will be responsible for developing and implementing a research and advocacy strategy on GCC countries. Ideally, the position will be based in an HRW office in the MENA region. This position will report to the Director of the Middle East and North Africa Division

Responsibilities:

1. Research, monitor and document human rights abuses in GCC countries by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, journalists, diplomats, security forces, and others in the field;

2. Conduct fact-finding missions in GCC countries, as needed and as security permits;

3. Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to national and international bodies on human rights concerns in GCC countries as needed in a concise and accurate manner, with a quick turnaround time;

4. Develop and implement local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices in GCC countries;

5. Respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community;

6. Place abuses within the broader political, social and economic contexts and present human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and the media;

7. Work closely with colleague non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local human rights organizations to ensure that HRW’s work complements and enhances their own work;

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

9. Assist the Executive Director of the Middle East and North Africa Division and HRW’s Development and Outreach Department in conducting fundraising;

10. Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events;

11. Travel in the region and internationally, as required, to carry out research and advocacy;

12. Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the MENA division; and

13. Carry out any other duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education: An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, regional studies, journalism, law, or social sciences is required.

Experience: A minimum of three years of directly-related experience working on human rights or related issues in GCC countries or other parts of the Middle East and North Africa region is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in a timely and sophisticated fashion is required.

2. Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses are required.

3. Ability to efficiently distil information about GCC countries so as to focus time and effort on issues of greatest importance or issues that are most capable of being influenced is required.

4. Ability to produce excellent written material under tight deadlines is required.

5. Ability to identify and advise the MENA division in developing and implementing advocacy strategies to seize advocacy opportunities is required.

6. Ability to respond quickly to crises and conflicts as they may occur is required.

7. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required. Fluency in Arabic is strongly desired.

8. Strong interpersonal skills, to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with local partners, government officials, and others are required.

9. Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, and dynamic public speaking ability are required.

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

11. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.

12. Demonstrated ability to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use the media and electronic media to further advocacy goals is desirable.

13. Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and familiarity with international human rights law are preferred.

Other: S/he must be willing to travel frequently and be prepared to spend extensive periods in the field. This position will preferably be based in one of Human Rights Watch’s offices located in the Middle East region.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. HRW offers a relocation assistance package and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.