FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
Senior Legal Adviser
Legal & Policy
Multiple Locations Considered
Application Deadline: November 5, 2023

The Legal and Policy Department of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking applicants for the position of Senior Legal Adviser. The Legal and Policy Department ensures that all HRW publications and advocacy interventions are consistent with international human rights law and HRW policies. The Senior Legal Advisor is one of a small group of international lawyers who comprise HRW’s Legal and Policy Department and works with division directors, researchers, and advocates at all levels, and at times on an emergency basis. The geographical focus of the position will depend on the candidate’s expertise, geographic location, and current Legal & Policy staff assignments.

This full-time position will be based in one of HRW’s global offices preferably outside the United States and will report to the Director of Legal and Policy based in New York. We aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both the recruitment for and onboarding of this position.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide advice on international human rights and humanitarian law and HRW policy for its regional and thematic divisions;

2. Review and provide substantive input on reports, news releases, dispatches, commentary, videos, and other interventions;

3. Help develop and implement the international legal dimension of HRW’s research and advocacy strategies;

4. Represent HRW at expert meetings and conferences on international legal issues;

5. Develop and apply the organization’s substantive policies; and

6. Perform other tasks as may be required.

Qualifications:

Education: A degree in law is required.

Experience: Minimum eight (8) years in positions utilizing international human rights law. Knowledge of international humanitarian law, technology and rights, the environment and rights, and refugee law are an asset. Litigation and/or advocacy experience are also an asset.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Demonstrated commitment to the promotion of international human rights is required.

2. Demonstrated ability to think analytically, strategically, and effectively is required.

3. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. Proficiency in other languages is a plus.

4. Ability to 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 is required.

6. Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within HRW and outside the organization are required.

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.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by November 5, 2023, 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 [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 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.