FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
ASSOCIATE
Communications Division
Washington DC, Preferred
Application Deadline: May 7, 2024

The Communications Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking candidates for the position of Associate to provide editorial assistance and administrative support to the Communications team, part of the Media Department. The Media Department works to determine the best messages, the right audiences, and the best vehicle to raise public awareness of the human rights violations HRW investigates and documents.

The successful candidate for this position will assist the HRW Press Team with the range of materials being published by HRW daily along including copy editing and administrative duties. The Associate will ideally be based in our Washington DC office, but other US East coast locations will be considered, and reports to the Senior Communications Manager based in Washington DC. This position is full time and requires availability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

The successful candidate may have the option to work remotely but will be encouraged to work from the office 2-3 days per week. We aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both the recruitment and onboarding of this position. 

Responsibilities:

1. Copy edit, format, and distribute materials; assist with coordinating the review, production, translation, and distribution of reports, news releases, letters, charts, briefing papers, op-eds, other publications, and web content;

2. Track the editorial flow of research and media products;

3. Collaborate with other members of the HRW Press team based in the East Coast of the US, Europe, and Asia time zones on media roundups and analysis for reports, news releases, and other products when needed;

4. Handle and respond to queries from journalists and other media professionals, connecting them with relevant staff where appropriate;

5. Track, update, and relay important information between the United States and Australia teams;

6. Create and maintain extensive contact databases and filing and archiving systems;

7. Maintain the HRW Press pipeline, keep all publishing schedules and calendars up to date and relevant;

8. Maintain contacts with translators and update contact information as needed;

9. Provide administrative support including recording and processing divisional finances and translations invoices; responding to inquiries; making travel arrangements; and performing other administrative duties as necessary;

10. Maintain communication among HRW offices, global staff, and external partners; 

11. Assist with organizing events including press conferences and partner meetings; 

12. Assist with some desk research tasks and provide support to associated multimedia projects when necessary; and

13. Carry out other duties as required. 

Qualifications:

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

Experience: A minimum of one year of relevant work experience is required. 

Related Skills and Knowledge

1. Copy-editing or sub-editing experience in AP Stylebook is required.

2. Prior office/administration experience and strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail are required.

3. Initiative, follow-through, ability to work independently, and excellent organizational skills are required.

4. Proficiency in other languages is highly desirable. 

5. The ability to work well under pressure and to manage multiple priorities while working effectively toward deadlines is required. 

6. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within Human Rights Watch as well as with external partners are required.

7. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions and take initiative when appropriate is required. 

8. Proficiency in computer programs including MS Office applications is required.

9. An understanding of news cycles and international media outlets is preferred.

10. Demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues and the capacity to master and represent the mission and programs of Human Rights Watch are highly desirable. 

Other: Candidates must possess valid U.S. work authorization; HRW is unable to sponsor work visas for this role.

Salary and Benefits: The salary range for this position is USD 58,000- 62,327. Human Rights Watch offers competitive salary and comprehensive employer-paid benefits.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by May 7, 2024 by visiting our online job portal at www.hrw.org/careers and attaching a letter of interest and a CV or resume. 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-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.

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