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FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
Senior Researcher, China
Asia Division
Multiple Locations Considered
Application deadline: Open until filled
The Asia Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking applicants for the position of Senior Researcher, China.
The Asia Division is one of HRW’s six regional research programs and is made up of about 30 staff, many of them based in the region and working in challenging environments. The Asia Division works to promote human rights in Asia by conducting human rights investigations, writing reports, advocating, and working with partners and media.
This position reports to the Deputy Director of the Asia Division based in Washington DC. The researcher will be responsible for developing and implementing a research and advocacy agenda on human rights conditions in China.
The full-time position will preferably be based within commuting distance of one of HRW’s offices, though locations in the Asia region may be considered. The role is expected to start in July 2026.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Education: A bachelor’s level degree, or equivalent working experience, is required. An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences, or related studies is desirable.
Experience: A minimum of six years of professional-level experience working on China is required. Experience working in or knowledge of China’s civil society, media, social media and government policies is preferred.
Related Skills and Knowledge:
Other: 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. HRW is unable to provide work visa sponsorship in the US and Taipei, candidates based in these locations must possess valid work authorization.
Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance. The salary range for this position if based in the US is USD $88,000 – 96,000.
How to Apply: We encourage you to apply immediately by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a cover letter and resume, preferably in PDF format. 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 require a disability related accommodation, please email recruitment@hrw.org. 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.
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FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
COORDINATOR
Middle East and North Africa Division
Beirut Office
Application Deadline: May 17, 2026
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a highly motivated Coordinator to provide administrative support to the Division. The Coordinator will provide a range of administrative and project management support to the division’s staff who are based in multiple locations and facilitate the production of research and advocacy products. We are looking for someone with strong organizational and communication skills, an ability to prioritize, and who is comfortable working in a dynamic and globally dispersed team. Knowledge of the political, socioeconomic, and human rights situation in Lebanon is highly desirable.
This position is full-time at 40 hours per week and will be based within commuting distance of HRW’s Beirut office. The coordinator will report to the MENA Director and will coordinate closely with the MENA Officer.
Responsibilities:
1. Provide day-to-day administrative support to MENA Division staff, including scheduling, making travel arrangements, assisting with expense reports, recording and processing divisional finances, preparing for and taking minutes at meetings, creating and maintaining extensive filing and archiving systems, and responding to requests for information;
2. Maintain communication between Human Rights Watch offices, global staff, and external partners;
3. Proofread, format, and/or distribute materials such as reports, news releases, tables, charts, briefing papers, letters, op-eds, web content, and coordinate the publication process and translations of the different products;
4. Shepherd MENA Division publications through the internal review process;
5. Assist with events such as advocacy meetings, staff meetings, MENA advisory committee meetings, news conferences, fundraising functions, and special events;
6. Coordinate and support advocacy work, including scheduling official meetings and meetings with partner organizations, managing subscriptions, and building and maintaining contact databases;
7. Assist with recruiting, coordinating, supervising, and mentoring of interns and recruiting MENA Division staff;
8. Provide research and advocacy assistance to the Lebanon Researcher as capacity permits;
9. Travel internationally as appropriate to attend trainings or planning sessions;
10. Operate in compliance with organizational regulations and rules, including the policies of applicable employee agreements; and
11. Perform other tasks, as may be required.
Qualifications:
Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent working experience in international relations, human rights, law, journalism, social sciences or studies relating to the country relevant to the function, is required.
Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience is required. Previous work, internship, or volunteer experience in administrative functions is advantageous. A background in human rights, law, political science, development, or journalism is strongly preferred.
Related Skills and Knowledge:
1. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and strong organizational 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. Prior office/administration experience with meticulous attention to detail is required.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Arabic are required.
5. Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, and excellent writing and proofreading skills are required.
6. Ability to prioritize with minimal supervision and work independently, as well as function as a member of a team with staff in multiple locations globally is required.
7. Experience working for an international human rights organization in a support function is highly desirable.
8. Proficiency in computer packages including MS Office applications is required.
9. Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to human rights issues are required.
10. Knowledge of the broader political, socioeconomic, and human rights situation in Lebanon is highly desirable.
11. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.
Other: Applicants for this position must possess valid work authorization in Lebanon.
Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits.
How to Apply: Please apply immediately by May 17, 2026, by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a cover letter and resume/CV. 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 a disability-related accommodation, please email recruitment@hrw.org. 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.
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FIXED-TERM, PART-TIME JOB VACANCY
ASSISTANT, YOUTH ADVOCACY
Student Task Force
Los Angeles Office
Application Deadline: June 7, 2026
The Student Task Force (STF) is a Human Rights Watch (HRW) sponsored youth leadership-training program that brings together high school students and empowers them to advocate for the human rights of children. HRW STF staff and STF teachers partner to mentor students in leadership skills and activism, fostering confidence and maturity among students, enabling them to become effective voices for change and social justice within their communities. For more information on the Human Rights Watch Student Task Force, please visit www.hrwstf.org.
HRW STF is seeking a Youth Advocacy Assistant to provide advocacy assistance to the team. The selected candidate must be available for 16 or 27 hours per week for the academic year, August 3, 2026 – May 28, 2027. Afternoon and early evening availability is strongly preferred. The position is based in the Los Angeles office and reports to the STF Associate Director.
The successful candidate will be encouraged to work from the office 2-3 days and must be based within commuting distance of the Los Angeles office.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience/training in a related field is desired. Those currently enrolled in university courses are encouraged to apply. Candidates with a passion for human rights work are encouraged to apply.
Experience: A minimum of one year of relevant work experience is preferred.
Related Skills and Knowledge:
Other: Applicants for this position must possess valid US work authorization. This position is part time (16 or 27 hours per week) and should start no later than Monday, August 3, 2026.
Salary and Benefits: The salary for this position is $22.76 an hour.
How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by June 7, 2026 by visiting our online job portal at https://careers.hrw.org/ and attaching a cover letter and resume, 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 accommodations during the application process, please email recruitment@hrw.org. 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.
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FULL-TIME VACANCY
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, ASIA MEDIA
Media Division
Multiple Locations Considered
Application Deadline: 14 May, 2026
Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking applicants for the position of Associate Director, Asia Media. We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about getting human rights issues in Asia on news agendas around the world and excited about working with journalists to tell stories that bring about positive change. You will be part of a global team planning the most effective way to raise awareness about human rights issues in more than 90 countries.
The Communications Department at HRW plays a crucial role in advancing human rights worldwide by effectively communicating and publicizing research findings, reports, and human rights abuses. The Media Division contributes to this work by maximizing strategic coverage of HRW’s research on traditional and emerging media platforms.
This is a full-time position that will report to the Communications Director based in New York and will be based in an Asian capital city with a strong media presence such as Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, Taipei, or Seoul. The applicant will work closely with colleagues across different time zones especially in Asia, Europe and North America.
Responsibilities
Qualifications
Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in communications, media, journalism, marketing, human rights, or similar related field is required. An advanced degree is desirable.
Experience: A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience working as a journalist or in close relation to the media is required.
Related Skills and Knowledge:
Other: Applicants for this role should possess valid work authorization for the location in which they would like to be based, HRW cannot sponsor work authorization for this position.
Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits.
How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by 14 May, 2026 by visiting our online job portal at https://careers.hrw.org/ and attaching a cover letter and a resume or CV, 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 accommodations during the application process, please email recruitment@hrw.org. 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.
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FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
SENIOR RESEARCHER
LGBT Rights Program
Multiple Locations Considered
Application Deadline: May 10th, 2026
The LGBT Rights Program of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Senior Researcher who will focus on advancing human rights related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. The LGBT Rights Program works to advance human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people globally and conducts a wide range of work, including investigation, report writing, advocacy and media work.
Located within a mainstream human rights organization, the LGBT Rights Program aims to strategically frame rights concerns related to SOGIESC within wider human rights frameworks and discourses. Its authority derives from its rigorous research standards and the ability to locate SOGIESC-related right violations within broader violations of civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights. We work strategically to defend rights gains at national and international level, while simultaneously advancing rights where there is the opportunity to do so.
The Senior Researcher reports to the Director of the LGBT Rights Program, based in Berlin. This full-time position will be preferably based within commuting distance of one of the following HRW offices: Amsterdam, Beirut, Berlin, Brussels, London, or Tunis. The successful candidate will be expected to work from the office on an as-needed basis.
Responsibilities:
Other: International travel will be required for research, team gatherings, or other work-related events. HRW may not be able to secure work authorization in all hiring locations, and the final hiring location will be dependent on HRW's ability to legally and safely employ staff in that location.
Qualifications:
Education: An Advanced degree or equivalent work experience in journalism, law, or related studies is required.
Experience: A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in SOGIESC-related human rights research is required.
Related Skills and Knowledge
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 where we have the ability to do so if required. Citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply. Applicants who identify as LGBTQI and have lived experience in the MENA region are highly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by May 10th, by visiting our online job portal at http://careers.hrw.org and attaching a cover letter and CV or resume, 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 a disability-related accommodation, please email recruitment@hrw.org. 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.
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FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
MANAGER, FINANCIAL PLANNING & ANALYSIS
Finance Division
Multiple Office Locations Considered
Application Deadline: 10 May, 2026
Human Rights Watch (HRW) seeks a Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) to strengthen our forecasting, planning, internal reporting, and decision-support capabilities in a complex, mission-driven, global organization. Reporting to the Deputy Director of FP&A based in Brussels, the FP&A Manager will partner closely with program and operations leaders worldwide.
The position will preferably be based in or near one of the following HRW offices: São Paulo, Washington DC, New York, Chicago, Miami, Toronto, London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Stockholm, Nairobi, or Johannesburg.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Education: A bachelor's degree in finance, Economics, Accounting, Data Analytics, or a related quantitative discipline, or equivalent experience required. A professional qualification (e.g. CIMA/ACCA/CPA) is preferred.
Experience: At least five years of progressive experience in FP&A, strategic finance, or closely related roles. Experience in nonprofit/NGO environments is preferred.
Related Skills and Knowledge:
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 in non-US locations, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply. The salary range for this position if based in the US is USD 80,000 – 88,000. If Toronto based is CAD 100,000-110,000. Other salary ranges vary based on location and are according to local markets and currencies.
How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by 10 May, 2026 by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a cover letter and a CV or resume. 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 accommodations during the application process, please email recruitment@hrw.org. 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.
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FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
Senior Legal Adviser
Legal and Policy
Multiple Office Locations Considered
Application Deadline: 11 May, 2026
The Senior Legal Advisor is one of a small group of international lawyers who comprise Human Rights Watch’s (“HRW”) Legal and Policy Department. The department ensures that all HRW publications and advocacy interventions are consistent with international human rights and humanitarian law and HRW policies. The Senior Legal Advisor works with division directors, researchers and advocates at all levels, and often on an urgent basis. The post is a key position within HRW, with direct responsibility for ensuring the reputation and high quality of HRW’s work.
This full-time position will be based in one of HRW’s offices preferably outside of the US: Amsterdam, Amman, Berlin, Beirut, Brussels, Chicago, Johannesburg, London, Miami, Nairobi, New York, Stockholm, Washington DC, Tokyo, and will report to the Director of Legal & Policy, based in New York. The successful candidate will need to work from the office on a needed basis.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Education: A degree in law is required.
Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years in positions utilizing international human rights law, including its practical application. Knowledge of fields such as human rights and technology and human rights and the environment are an asset. Knowledge of international humanitarian law, civil law legal systems, refugee and migrant law, and litigation experience are also an asset.
Related Skills and Knowledge:
Salary and Benefits: Human Rights Watch offers competitive salaries and comprehensive 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. If based in the United States, the salary range would be USD 165,000 and USD 180,000. Salary ranges outside of the United States vary based on location and are not a direct translation from USD.
How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by 11 May, 2026, by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a cover letter and a resume or CV. No calls or email inquiries, please. Applications must be complete to receive consideration, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, or if you require accommodations during the application process, please email recruitment@hrw.org. 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 research 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 governments and international institutions.
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FULL TIME JOB VACANCY
Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer
Executive Division
Multiple Locations Considered
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
The Role
The Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for ensuring that HRW’s mission is implemented efficiently, effectively, and with maximal impact by managing day-to-day internal operations, translating strategy into action, optimizing processes, managing resources, and ensuring highly effective and professional internal communications throughout the organization. By driving internal organizational operational excellence, the COO will enable the Executive Director (ED) to focus on external-facing and strategic matters, including fundraising, high-level advocacy, partnerships, board and stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategic planning. The COO works in close collaboration with the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director-Chief Program Officer as a senior member of the Executive Committee, ensuring operational excellence consistent with HRW’s mission, vision, and values. The COO, together with the rest of the Executive Committee, will ensure that HRW operates as a high-impact complex organization, with a strong commitment to sustained excellence, financial discipline, and a positive collaborative culture built on respect and trust.
The COO will directly supervise the following organizational functions Finance & Accounting, Global Financial Operations, Information Security & Technology, General Counsel, People& Culture, Real Estate, and Security. In addition, they will have oversight authority to ensure HRW’s compliance with the highest organizational management standards, including rigorous budgetary and financial accounting processes; professional conduct at all levels; and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the personal and professional growth of staff. Together with the Operations Leadership Team (OLT), which comprises the leaders of all the operations functions, the COO will ensure effective, transparent, and inclusive communication processes, including seeking input and feedback across HRW on the design and implementation of organization-wide policies and initiatives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Establishing a close partnership with the Executive Director and leading a clearly articulated operational strategy in support of HRW’s short- and long-term goals;
2. Focusing on outcomes and improvement to ensure that the management, staffing and culture of the organization’s operational backbone are aligned with HRW’s mission and values;
3. Working closely with the Executive Committee and senior leadership to ensure a culture of open and direct communication in a positive, fair and accountable workplace;
4. Ensuring consistent application of policies and practices, aligned with best practices, with the authority to assure appropriate accountability across the organization;
5. Working closely with the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Programs Officer (CPO) and Chief Development Officer, ensuring strong communication and collaboration between the operations, programmatic, development teams and implementation of all structures, systems and processes;
6. Optimizing resource allocations to drive organizational priorities while managing long-term financial stability of the organization, including investments;
7. Supporting the development and delivery of a technology strategy that delivers for both programmatic and operational needs in a cost-efficient manner;
8. Overseeing a modern and agile financial architecture to facilitate the optimization of annual financial planning;
9. Being accountable for leading the identification, evaluation, monitoring, and mitigation of organization-wide risk;
10. Ensuring that the organization attracts, supports, and retains a skilled, diverse, and high performing workforce. Special emphasis will be given to implementing HRW’s initiatives on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and staff care;
11. Overseeing rigorous management training for HRW’s managers globally. Ensuring opportunities for development, growth and training of colleagues at all stages of their careers;
12. Promoting a healthy organizational culture and helping staff build resilience and manage stress, leading by example. Developing supportive systems for managing work effectively across multiple time zones;
13. In collaboration with the Executive Committee, ensuring that HRW has effective strategic planning and implementation processes, including the setting of annual priorities and the alignment of financial tools;
14. Instituting proper monitoring and evaluation of performance throughout the organization; and
15. Performing other tasks as may be required
Candidate Profile
The Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO), reporting to the Executive Director (ED), will be a purpose-driven executive and critical strategic and operational partner, working closely alongside the Deputy Executive Director, Chief Program Officer, to lead organizational and cultural change in service of HRW’s mission.
While the ED will remain primarily externally and strategically focused—serving as the face, voice, and mission driver for HRW—the COO will bring the depth and breadth of experience needed to provide strong internal operational leadership and enhance the organization’s capacity to broaden HRW’s reach and impact domestically and globally.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE
1. 15 plus years of executive-level leadership in for-profit or non-profit organizations of comparable scale and complexity.
2. Demonstrated success working as part of a senior leadership team driving innovative operational strategy, moving fluidly between serving as a strategic adviser and thought partner to the Executive Director, Board and senior leaders, and leading the detail-oriented work of operations.
3. Strong track record of leading internal change management processes especially as it relates to organizational design, workforce management and culture, in addition to other areas of administrative oversight.
4. A sophisticated understanding of financial management and the application of data to decision-making; the ability to align systems, processes and objectives while encouraging individual initiative. Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
5. Proven experience in leading and motivating a diverse, high-performing workforce to achieve ambitious goals. Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and a strong track record of building effective relationships across geographies.
6. Deep, genuine commitment to the mission of human rights.
CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES
Strategic Leadership
1. Under the direction of the Executive Director, advances organizational change by partnering with the Executive Committee, senior leadership, and members of the Board of Directors to create realistic, measurable, and clearly articulated goals aligned with strategic priorities.
2. Brings an innovative and data-driven approach to problem-solving that builds resilience in processes, ensures predictability, and encourages transparency, teamwork, and accountability.
3. Identifies and communicates strategic risks in a continually evolving, geopolitical environment.
4. Analyzes the programmatic and operational activities and functions of the organization and, in conjunction with the management team, develops opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.
Driving Results
1. Communicates the executive leadership’s vision and strategy with enthusiasm and passion, frequently addressing long-term goals to reinforce the bigger picture and reviewing progress with both team members and leadership.
2. Incorporates best-in-class processes that deliver sustainable and significant productivity, leading by example, and driving results through transparent and consistent leadership.
3. Successfully balances the achievement of short-term goals with the advancement of long-term priorities and objectives to sustain organizational momentum; adaptable in complex, evolving situations, adjusts scope as needed and embraces change with agility and comfort amid ambiguity.
4. Identifies strategic changes and develops implementation plans that achieve buy-in across the organization.
People Leadership and Organizational Impact
1. Models the HRW’s values and norms, drawing on extensive experience to ensure the highest operational and management standards consistent with best practices for large, complex, international organizations.
2. Sets clear goals and fosters a culture that celebrates positive change and innovation, engaging others through thoughtful engagement and leadership.
3. Motivates, inspires, and mentors their teams, with a strong understanding of capability and potential, creating an environment to foster professional development for employees and promote individual growth.
4. Demonstrates respect for diversity in people, ideas, and backgrounds; promotes an organizational culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, managing performance in a fair, consistent, and transparent manner.
5. Cultivates energy, enthusiasm, commitment, and accountability among staff, creating a collaborative and motivating environment that strengthens organizational effectiveness.
6. Engages others in open dialogue, encourages constructive debate, actively listens, and adapts approach to influence diverse constituents in ways that address their interests and concerns.
LOCATION AND COMPENSATION
The position will be located in one of HRW’s global offices, with a strong preference for New York, Washington D.C., and London. Regardless of location, we anticipate that this role will require significant travel.
The estimated compensation for this position if based in the United States is $340,000 – 375,000. Compensation ranges in other locations vary according to the local market. Additionally, HRW offers comprehensive Total Rewards package.
Actual salary range will be dependent on the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors.
How to Apply or Nominate Candidates: If you wish to submit application materials or nominate someone to serve as the next Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Human Rights Watch, please email: HRWCOO@SpencerStuart.com.
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 ability, 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.
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