Lebanon Researcher

Responsibilities:

1. Research, monitor and document human rights abuses in Lebanon by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, security forces and others in the field;
2. Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies on human rights concerns in Lebanon based on the findings; collect supporting documents and materials such as photographs and videos;
3. Work with the Beirut Director in the development and implementation of local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices in Lebanon;
4. Respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community and take initiative to project concerns in public debate;
5. 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;
6. Assist the Beirut Director and HRW’s Development and Global Initiative Department in conducting fundraising;
7. Work closely with 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. Work with the Beirut Director to develop and implement advocacy strategies related to research and reports on human rights concerns in Lebanon;
10. Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events;
11. Travel domestically and overseas, 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 Program; 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 Lebanon 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 Lebanon 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 and Arabic are required.
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.

Duration: Initial fixed-term employment for a two-year period. Renewable dependent upon availability of continued funding. 

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.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. We do not discriminate in hiring practices and actively seek a diverse applicant pool. We encourage candidates of all abilities, ages, gender identities and expressions, national origins, races and ethnicities, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with criminal records to apply. 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.