Research Assistant, Colombia

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY

RESEARCH ASSISTANT, COLOMBIA

Americas Division

Colombia

Application Deadline: 29 September 2024

The Americas Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Research Assistant who will focus on improving human rights in Colombia. The Americas Division works to advance human rights in Latin American and the Caribbean and conducts a wide range of work, including investigation, report writing, advocacy and media work.

The Research Assistant will preferably be based in Colombia and will report to the North Andes Researcher. The successful applicant must be flexible and able to respond quickly to crises as they may occur, in coordination with Americas Division staff. The Research Assistant must have strong research and documentation skills and be capable of producing excellent written material under tight deadlines. A background in working on human rights concerns in Colombia is required. Excellent oral and written communications skills in Spanish and English are essential. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, well-organized, able to work quickly and well under pressure both independently and as a member of a team, and demonstrate a commitment to international human rights.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide research, advocacy, and administrative assistance to the Americas Division research staff and directors;

2. Develop contacts with government officials and other local actors, including using pre-existing networks among local rights activists and organizations to expand HRW’s monitoring capabilities and access to information; facilitate meetings with NGOs, government officials, and individuals able to provide information regarding human rights abuses;

3. Assist the Americas Division research staff and directors in monitoring human rights conditions and documenting abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, and journalists, and in fact-checking Human Rights Watch publications;

4. Assist the Americas Division research staff and directors in following up on specific cases of human rights violations, including interviews with family members; assist in follow-up with authorities and with local UN representatives on strategic cases on which HRW is advocating for justice;

5. Provide written analyses and write-ups of interviews, and, when appropriate, first drafts of briefing papers, letters, news releases, submissions to international bodies, etc., as requested;

6. Assist the Americas Division research staff and directors in preparing reports for discussion with governmental officials, NGO, IGO and other external partners;

7. Assist with local logistical issues, such as finding drivers, fixers, translators, as requested;

8. Translate documents to English or Spanish and review translations as needed;

9. Proofread translations of documents by other translators, for ensuring that all HRW documents are polished, accurate, and up to HRW standards;

10. Travel to the field, with the Americas Division research staff or directors, and independently, to conduct research; travel internationally as appropriate to attend specific trainings or planning sessions;

11. Work with staff in the Americas Division and in Advocacy and Communications Departments to implement media and advocacy strategies;

12. Support the division in responding to crisis including on other countries in Latin America; and

13. Perform other tasks, as may be required.

Qualifications:

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

Experience: A minimum of two years of relevant experience in human rights research is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in Colombia.

2. Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses. Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.

3. Ability to efficiently distil information so as to focus time and effort on human rights issues of greatest importance or issues that are most capable of being influenced.

4. Ability to identify and advise on strategies to conduct research and advocacy.

5. Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and familiarity with international human rights law.

6. Excellent oral and written communication skills in Spanish, English.

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 HRW, as well as with external partners.

9. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work under pressure.

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.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by 29 September 2024 by visiting our online job portal at 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.