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:

1. Research, monitor and document the human rights situation in China by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, media, academia, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, security forces and others;
2. Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies to disseminate our research findings and policy recommendations for addressing human rights abuses;
3. Identify and highlight key political and human rights trends and emerging issues, and analyze abuses within the broader political, social, and economic context to highlight factors contributing to abuses and avenues for effective change;
4. Respond to and anticipate news events in order to press human rights issues; to assess when and where to make public interventions such as op-eds; and think creatively about using multimedia and social media to communicate our positions in clear and compelling ways and to advance advocacy;
5. Project Human Rights Watch’s concerns into public debates and to generate tangible pressure on human rights abusers and to find innovative approaches in light of the obstacles and resources available;
6. Conduct media interviews and high-level advocacy on Human Rights Watch’s research findings and recommendations with policymakers, diplomats, and others;
7. Contribute to internal HRW policy debates on issues relevant to their expertise on China;
8. Assist the Director of the Division and HRW’s Development and Outreach Department in conducting fundraising;
9. Present human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and the media;
10. Work closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local human rights organizations to ensure that HRW's work complements and enhances their own work without jeopardizing their security;
11. Liaise effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities;
12. Travel internationally, as required;
13. Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events;
14. Deliver outputs in a timely manner and consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Asia division; and
15. Carry out any other duties as required.

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:

1. Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in China is required.
2. Ability to conduct interviews safely remotely and in-person with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses, is required.
3. Ability to identify and advise on strategies to conduct research and advocacy is required.
4. Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights, familiarity with international human rights law and a deep commitment to the advancement of human rights are required.
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Mandarin are required.
6. Initiative and follow-through, capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent editing skills, and dynamic public speaking skills are required.
7. Interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.
8. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having strong planning and organizing skills, and ability to work under pressure are required.
9. Ability to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use the media and electronic media to further goals are required.
10. Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events is required.

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.

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 

1. Develop and implement overall strategy in getting HRW coverage for Asia-related work in the international, regional, and local media, as well as getting other HRW work placed in Asia-based media.
2. Identify opportunities for media and advocacy outreach in Asia based on programmatic interest and advocacy goals; respond to media queries and liaise with media in Asia and assist with general media response during crises;
3. Draft and edit pitch materials to reporters, editors, television and podcast producers, newsletter authors, influencers, and other content producers;
4. Pitch HRW’s reports, op-eds, and other materials to key media outlets in Asia, foreign correspondents covering the region, and key individuals with influential audiences, such as podcasters, vloggers, newsletter writers, and other influencers;
5. Maintain a calendar of key advocacy and news pegs in Asia and follow news developments in the region to identify opportunities for advocacy and media outreach;
6. Draft and edit HRW media products to fit house style and prepare for distribution;
7. Maintain HRW’s media and influence networks in Asia, through regular meetings with journalists, editors, influencers, content producers, outreach trips, and regular phone and email contact;
8. Organize news conferences, media interviews, and briefings for HRW staff;
9. Conduct regular research and horizon scanning to ensure HRW is at the cutting edge of communications in the region, and is present on the most influential platforms and channels;
10. Serve as thought partner and work with researchers and directors to cultivate relationships with journalists and content producers;
11. Work closely with Asia-based communications colleagues to develop and hand over communications products to teams in other time zones, ensuring seamless continuity through a follow-the-sun model.
12. Compile monthly analytics for the Comms Department;
13. Develop a strategy to grow and amplify HRW’s social media presence in Asia; suggest social media posts to promote Asia-related work;
14. Operate in compliance with organizational regulations and rules, including the policies of applicable employee agreements; and
15. Carry out any other tasks as required.

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:

1. Expertise on the media landscape in Asia is required.
2. Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English and at least one major Asian language are required.
3. Ability to identify and advise the Communications Director/Communications Department in developing and implementing advocacy strategies to seize advocacy opportunities is required.
4. Ability to effectively communicate complex human rights developments and the work of HRW is required.
5. Initiative and follow through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent writing and editing skills, and a dynamic public speaking ability are required.
6. Interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.
7. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work pressure are required.
8. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.
9. Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and familiarity with international human rights law is highly desirable.

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.

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:

1. Research and investigate the rights of persons identifying as LGBTQI in the MENA region in line with the priorities of the LGBT Rights Program;
2. Conduct trauma-informed interviews in a time-efficient manner with a wide range of people, including directly impacted people who identify as LGBTQI, family members, community members, and others. Conduct effective interviews with government officials, local media, NGOs, witnesses, journalists, and others in the field;
3. Research, monitor, and document SOGIESC-related human rights abuses, legal and policy developments by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources;
4. Write and/or produce and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to national and international bodies based on the findings;
5. Develop and implement research-based advocacy strategies to change laws, policies, and practices, designed to respect the rights of people identifying as LGBTQI; directly and/or through coalition partnerships.
6. Place abuses within the broader political, social and economic contexts and present human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, partner organizations, inter-governmental agencies, donors and the media;  
7. Respond to and/or anticipate news events to assess if, when and where to make public interventions; if appropriate advance coverage of SOGIESC-related rights issues and work creatively to use technology, campaigns, communications and social media to generate public support for human rights issues and further advocacy goals;
8. Assist the LGBT Rights Program and HRW’s Development and Outreach Department in conducting fundraising;
9. Work closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local human rights organizations to ensure that HRW’s work complements and enhances their own work;
10. Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Program;
11. Advance the LGBT Rights Program team’s work, including through innovative and creative research and advocacy projects and plans;
12. Supervise junior staff as needed;
13. Work collaboratively across HRW’s programmatic divisions and support their work and interventions on SOGIESC-related rights; and
14. Perform other tasks, as may be required. 

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 

1. Knowledge of and experience working in the MENA region is required. Lived experience in the MENA region is desirable.
2. Ability to envision and identify strategic research and advocacy projects related to SOGIESC and human rights and execute them with initiative, follow-through, creativity, strategic insight and minimal supervision is required.
3. Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including survivors and witnesses, is required. Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the structural barriers that inform the lived experiences of people identifying as LGBTQI in all their diversity are required.
4. Experience and familiarity with laws governing SOGIESC, international human rights law, and human rights research is required.
5. Ability to write and edit accurate, persuasive, well-organized, analytical, and timely reports and media products, grounded in a legal and policy analysis of human rights related to SOGIESC, is required.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills (including editing skills) in English and Arabic are required.
7. Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent writing and editing skills, and a dynamic public speaking ability.
8. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within the LGBT Rights Program and HRW more broadly, as well as with local partners, government officials, media, and other external partners is required.
9. Ability to effectively organize work, including having good planning, organizational, and project management skills and ability to work under pressure are required.
10. 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.
11. Demonstrated ability to supervise junior team members and foster team dynamics that reflect the values of equity, diversity and inclusion.

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. 

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:

1. Lead components of the annual budgeting cycle, forecasting, and multi-year planning across divisions and functions.
2. Build trusted partnerships with program leadership, country office administrators, Development, and Accounting to understand needs and translate them into clear analyses and recommendations.
3. Deliver timely, accurate internal reporting and decision support (e.g. budget vs. actuals, headcount/FTE and vacancy savings, funding gap views, scenario analyses).
4. Develop and maintain financial models and forecasting tools; improve processes, data flows, and controls that underpin planning and reporting.
5. Support and build dashboards and self-service analytics (e.g. Power BI) and help define the FP&A data model and metric definitions.
6. Advance continuous improvement initiatives (automation, standardization, documentation) in partnership with technology, accounting, and Program departments.
7. Work in partnership with the Deputy Director to provide advice on strategy development and its implementation. Identity, propose and develop opportunities and areas of interest for the department.
8. Help shape and monitor financial KPIs tied to operational and strategic plans; prepare concise narratives for senior leadership and the Board.
9. Support revenue planning in coordination with the Grants and Development teams to help inform budgeting and multi-year financial models.
10. Communicate complex financial insights clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences.
11. Demonstrate inclusive behavior and consistently adhere to HRW’s internal values.
12. Perform additional tasks as required by the FP&A Deputy Director.  

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: 

1. Strong financial modeling, budgeting, and analytical skills with a proven ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights.
2. Strong Excel and data literacy; experience with BI/visualization tools (e.g. Power BI) and familiarity with planning tools is a plus.
3. Experience with NetSuite and Salesforce (or similar ERP/CRM) preferred.
4. Understanding of grants/donor-restricted funding, multi-currency consolidations, and project/departmental reporting in mission-driven organizations preferred.
5. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to tailor messages for non-financial audiences and senior stakeholders; strong presentation and writing skills.
6. Proven ability to operate in a distributed, international environment; self-starter who can prioritize and drive to deadlines with minimal supervision.
7. Commitment to HRW’s mission and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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.

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.

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:

1. Provide advice on international human rights law and HRW policy for HRW’s regional and thematic divisions. The geographical focus of the position will depend on the candidate’s expertise and experience, geographic location, and existing Legal & Policy staff assignments.
2. Review and provide substantive input on reports, news releases, dispatches, commentary, letters, videos and other interventions.
3. Help to develop and implement the international legal dimension of HRW’s research and advocacy strategies.
4. Assist in the HRW’s strategic litigation work.
5. Represent HRW at expert meetings and conferences on international legal issues.
6. Develop and apply the organization’s policies.
7. Carry out other tasks as needed.

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: 

1. A strong personal commitment to the promotion of international human rights.
2. Demonstrated ability to think analytically, strategically and effectively.
3. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. Proficiency in other languages is a plus.
4. Capacity to appropriately plan and prioritize and to manage multiple, sometimes competing demands efficiently in a challenging, fast-paced environment are required. 
5. Ability to defend and explain complex issues and positions to staff and to advocate positions externally.
6. Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within HRW and outside the organization.

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.