FIXED-TERM, FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE LEAD
Information Technology Division
Multiple Locations Considered (Berlin Office Preferred)
Application Deadline: 10 December 2023

The Information Technology (IT) Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Project Management and Governance Lead to work within the Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) to support and project manage the IT team, as well as track technology and digital projects across HRW. The Project Management and Governance Lead will support the CIO in better-enabling HRW to align and support business change across the organization and implement its overarching digital and corporate strategy.

This new role will initially involve the development and rollout of a freshly structured approach to Project Management within the IT team and further developing technology governance across HRW. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping and driving organizational change.

This is a two-year, fixed-term position that will report to the Chief Information Officer and will ideally be based in the Berlin office, though one of HRW’s other European offices (Amsterdam, Brussels, Copenhagen, London, Stockholm) will also be considered.

The successful candidate may have the option to work remotely but will be expected to work from the office a few times a month. We aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both the recruitment and onboarding of this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project and Governance Management

1. Lead, oversee, and implement projects for the Office of the CIO including planning, prioritization, resource allocation, and tracking of project progress as well as inter-departmental coordination;

2. Liaise with project managers outside the Office of the CIO to ensure digital projects are consistently tracked in one place, identifying conflicts and key milestones to provide up-to-date reporting for the CIO and other stakeholders as needed;

3. Collaborate with the CIO and other stakeholders to develop and enhance governance structures, policies, and procedures;

4. Curate and standardize project management approaches, tools, and methods to ensure consistent and effective project execution across digital changes;

5. Work with project managers and other stakeholders to influence and assure the adoption of new approaches and ensure that cloud and digital initiatives are aligned with the organization’s overall IT and business strategies;

6. Identify, assess, and mitigate project and operational risks, working closely with project managers and stakeholders to ensure proactive risk management;

7. Establish performance metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and reporting mechanisms to evaluate project performance, identify areas for improvement, and communicate progress to leadership;

8. Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration and communication between departments; and

9. Stay informed about industry best practices, emerging technologies, and trends in IT project management and governance driving increased efficiency, collaboration, and project success.

Security

1. Understand the resource, planning, and security needs of the IT, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) teams and coordinate with the Information Security Director as it pertains to information security to ensure that change initiatives meet relevant standards.

Documentation & Change Management

1. Support smaller change projects such as the continuous improvement of existing infrastructure or digital tools, ensuring that change processes follow relevant guidelines and policies, and that change is well-managed;

2. Coordinate with, coach product teams, and oversee the creation and documentation of workflows, fostering operational efficiency;

3. Work with the broader IT team to facilitate change management and transition for IT projects, ensuring smooth transitions of systems into production, well-documented operational processes, and minimal disruption to operations; and

4. Carry out other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

HRW’s Information Technology team is especially interested in receiving applications from individuals who do not fit the traditional profile of security professionals. Candidates must be able to demonstrate a commitment to HRW’s Security values of creativity, consistency, compassion and competence.

Education: A level of education that when combined with your professional experience will adequately show you have the capability to contribute meaningfully to HRW’s information security program.

Candidates who have relevant academic degrees or certifications are encouraged to apply, but this is a plus – not a requirement.

Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience is required. Prior experience in the implementation of IT policies and procedures and in change management practices, including the ability to assess, plan, and execute organizational change initiatives related to IT projects and the conduct of business audits and requirements gathering is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Demonstrated experience in the monitoring of IT risk and security controls to ensure compliance and business cyber-resilience is required.

2. Demonstrated experience liaising with internal audit and other oversight units on enforcing compliance with company policies and best practices is required.

3. Practical experience in the implementation or use of document and/or records management systems such as SharePoint or similar technology is required.

4. Experience with Azure AD, Microsoft 365, and related apps and services is required.

5. Experience in project management tools and software to effectively plan, track, and report on project progress is required.

6. Critical thinking skills and taking a consultative and collaborative approach to problem-solving is required.

7. Ability to analyze, evaluate and determine information technology needs and planning to implement systems to meet those needs is required.

8. Ability to respectfully engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and from all organizational levels is required.

9. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and adjust to changing priorities is required.

10. Ability to make progress independently toward short- and long-term projects is required.

11. Ability to work collaboratively with both technical and non-technical staff is required.

12. Excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills is required.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers comprehensive compensation and benefits. HRW can offer a relocation assistance package and immigration support for this role if required, and people of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or before 10 December 2023 by visiting our online job portal at https://careers.hrw.org and submit a cover letter and resume or 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 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.