Israel / Palestine Researcher

The Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Israel/Palestine Researcher.

The Researcher will be responsible for developing and implementing a research and advocacy strategy on Israel/Palestine.  Ideally, the position will be based in Jerusalem or Ramallah.

Responsibilities:

1. Research, monitor and document human rights abuses and laws-of-war violations by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, security forces and others in the field;
2. Conduct research in Israel/Palestine as needed and as security allows;
3. Manage research consultants in Israel/Palestine, including assigning, directing, and ensuring the quality of the consultants’ work and its incorporation into written products;
4. Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, opinion pieces, and submissions to local, regional, and international bodies based on the findings of your research;
5. Develop and implement local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices;
6. Present human rights and humanitarian law issues and concerns to Israeli, Palestinian and foreign government officials, armed groups (to the extent possible), key players, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, public forums, and the media to promote civilian protection and human rights reforms;
7. Work closely with local and regional human rights organizations to ensure that the work of HRW in Israel/Palestine complements and enhances their own work;
8. Respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community and take initiative to project concerns in public debate;
9. Liaise effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities;
10. Travel domestically and internationally, as required, in order to carry out research and advocacy; and
11. Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education: An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, history, social sciences, or a related field is required.

Experience: A minimum of three years of experience working on human rights issues or humanitarian law, ideally in the Middle East and/or North Africa, is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
2. Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in Palestine is required.
3. Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses, is required.
4. Ability to identify and advise on strategies to conduct research and advocacy is required.
5. Ability to produce high-quality written material under tight deadlines is required.
6. Strong initiative and follow-through, capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent editing skills, and dynamic public speaking skills are required.
7. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.
8. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having strong planning and organizing skills, and ability to work under pressure are required.
9. Ability to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use the media and electronic media to further goals are required.
10. Frequent travel and the ability to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events are required.
11. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is essential.
12. Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and familiarity with international humanitarian law is strongly preferred.

Salary and Benefits:  HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits.  HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

Location: Middle East and North Africa Division (Jerusalem or Ramallah base preferred)

Application deadline: 12 July 2015

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.

Read more and apply here.