FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY 
MEDIA ASSOCIATE
Media Division
Multiple Locations Considered
Application Deadline: 27 September 2026

The Media Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of Associate, to provide administrative and research assistance to the regional media team. The Media Division is part of the Communications Department, which shapes the organization's public voice and influence, ensuring our research and advocacy inform global debates, reach key decision-makers, and drive accountability for human rights abuses wherever they occur.

The successful candidate for this position will support the regional media teams in their efforts to drive strategic outreach with earned media around the world. Reporting to HRW’s Media Director, the successful candidate will be located near one of HRW’s global offices in Amman, Beirut, Johannesburg, or Nairobi with in-office presence expected 2-3 times per week. 

The Associate position is full-time and will occasionally require availability to work evenings and weekends with appropriate compensation.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide administrative support including budgets, travel and scheduling and performing other administrative duties as necessary;

2. Support regional media colleagues to regularly audit and maintain their media lists, including traditional press and emerging influential platforms such as newsletters and podcasts;

3. Handle and respond to queries from journalists and other media professionals, connecting them with relevant staff where appropriate; respond to queries from the public when needed;

4. Track, update, and relay important information between regional media teams and the broader communication department; 

5. Liaise with the HRW Press products pipeline, keep all publishing schedules and calendars up to date and relevant;

6. Compile and write media roundups and analyses for reports, news releases, and other products when needed;

7. Help organize events including partner meetings and news conferences, in person and online, across locations and time zones;

8. Assist with desk research tasks and provide support when necessary; 

9. Maintain communication among HRW offices, global staff, and external partners; and

10. Carry out other duties as required. 

Qualifications:

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in communications, journalism, social sciences, international relations, or related studies is required. 

Experience: A minimum of one year of relevant work experience is required. 

Related Skills and Knowledge:  

1. Prior office/administration experience and strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail are required.

2. Initiative, follow-through, ability to work independently, and excellent organizational skills are required.

3. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required; proficiency in other languages is highly desirable. 

4. The ability to work well under pressure and to manage multiple priorities while working effectively toward deadlines is required. 

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

6. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions and take initiative when appropriate is required. 

7. Proficiency in computer programs including MS Office applications is required.

8. Proofreading experience is desirable. 

9. An understanding of news cycles and international media outlets is preferred.

10. Demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues and the capacity to master and represent the mission and programs of HRW are highly desirable. 

Other: Please state in your application which location you are applying for. Applicants must possess current work authorization in that location, HRW is not able to provide work authorization sponsorship for this role.

Salary and Benefits:  Human Rights Watch offers competitive salary and comprehensive employer-paid benefits. 

How to Apply:  Please apply immediately or by September 27, 2026 by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org 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 accommodations during the application process, please email [email protected]. Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.