Researcher and Communications Manager

Location: Hybrid – 50% in-person in CLW’s U.S. office, 50% remote.

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

Work Visa: U.S. work visa required. CLW can assist with visa processing.

Salary: $54,000 - $80,000, commensurate to work experience and individual capabilities.

China Labor Watch (CLW) is looking for a researcher to document and analyze the state of labor rights in China and related global projects, including but not limited to worker rights protection, labor environment, wage payment, and occupational safety. The position aims to promote solutions to labor abuse and achieve policy and practice changes through research, advocacy, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

1. Research and Documentation. Collect and analyze information related to labor abuses, including through interviews with workers, union representatives, and eyewitnesses, as well as reviewing photographs, videos, and other evidence; monitor government policies, corporate actions, and news reports to identify key trends and issues; research the underlying causes of labor rights abuses and propose recommendations; assess the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and identify shortcomings in the protection of labor rights and interests; review the implementation of China's labor laws, and document and analyze gaps in the practical application of relevant laws and policies; assist the project officer in collecting evaluation information.
2. Reports and Dissemination. Draft high-quality survey reports, policy briefs, open letters, press releases, and opinion articles to increase the visibility of labor issues to the public and the international community; produce visual materials to communicate research findings; use social media and online platforms to expand the reach of labor rights information; write ad hoc reports and make policy recommendations on CSR and China's labor law enforcement; update CLW's social media accounts to share research findings, activity progress and related developments to expand public engagement.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation. Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to CLW’s programs; assess the effectiveness and impact of CLW’s program; review and design M&E systems; measure program outcomes and impacts and ensuring that project goals are met.
4. Advocacy. Develop and implement an effective advocacy strategy to drive improvements in policies, regulations and corporate behavior; interact with government officials, business executives and international organizations to promote accountability and protection of labor rights and interests; engage in dialogues with relevant stakeholders on CSR and labor law enforcement issues, and propose practical recommendations for improvement; promote corporate social responsibility and improve labor conditions in supply chain management through advocacy activities.
5. Collaboration and Partnerships. Establish partnerships with domestic and international labor organizations, community groups and trade unions to promote the protection of workers' rights and interests; participate in conferences, discussions, and activities on international platforms to expand CLW's influence; collaborate with policy makers, academic institutions, and NGOs on CSR and the implementation of China's labor laws.
6. Supervision and Team Management. Supervise the work of research assistants to ensure that research tasks are completed efficiently and provide guidance and feedback
7. Public Engagement and Response. Respond to inquiries from the media, the public and stakeholders to raise the social awareness of labor issues; plan public education activities to promote social understanding and support of labor issues; launch public initiatives to promote corporate accountability in response to the lack of corporate responsibility in the protection of labor rights and interests.
8. Communication. Plan and coordinate regular postings across all social media channels - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter accounts; manage and expand CLW's email list in Mailchimp; edit and distribute CLW's weekly newsletter updates; manage CLW's website.

Other Responsibilities

1. Assist with other CLW research and advocacy projects.
2. Assist with fundraising efforts, including writing project proposals and progress reports.
3. Undertake other tasks related to CLW's mission as needed.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

1. Demonstrated ability to identify, research, analyze, and effectively communicate important labor rights issues.
2. Prior knowledge and experience working in international human rights, and familiarity with China’s labor law and international human rights law.
3. Ability to identify and advise on strategies to conduct research and advocacy is required.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Mandarin, including dynamic public speaking skills and the ability to write accurate, persuasive, well-organized, analytical, and timely documents, are required.
5. Ability to build and sustain partnerships with human rights, community, and regional organizations on shared goals and objectives is required.
6. Demonstrated ability to think strategically about the global and national media and policy environments and how to use the media and electronic media to further advocacy goals is desirable.
7. Ability to multi-task effectively and work as a team, including good planning and organizational skills and an ability to work under pressure are required.

About China Labor Watch (CLW)

China Labor Watch (CLW) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting improved working conditions for Chinese laborers and supporting the protection of workers' rights. Since its founding in 2000, CLW has contributed to global labor rights change with in-depth research, public investigative reports, and strong international advocacy. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and work together for labor rights!

Please send applications via email to (amelia@chinalaborwatch.org). Please attach a cover letter in Chinese, a cover letter in English, and a resume, and mark the email title as "Researcher" (researcher). We will contact qualified applicants; please do not call to enquire. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.