Senior Researcher, Iran

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
SENIOR RESEARCHER, IRAN
Middle East and North Africa Division
Multiple Locations Considered
Application Deadline: January 1, 2025

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a senior researcher who will document and analyze human rights abuses in Iran and advocate for these abuses to end and be redressed. The MENA Division works to advance human rights in the region and conducts a wide range of activities, including investigation, report writing, advocacy, and media work. This position reports to a MENA Deputy Director based in New York. The successful candidate is expected to take up the role as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:

1. Research, monitor and document human rights abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including through interviews with victims and witnesses and the analysis of physical evidence or photographs and videos.
2. Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies based on the findings of your research.
3. Collaborate with colleagues in the multimedia team to produce videos and other visual materials that convey research findings and advocacy messages.
4. Develop and implement strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices.
5. Present human rights and humanitarian law issues to government officials and the media to promote civilian protection and reforms.
6. Identify and analyze key political and human rights trends and emerging issues.
7. Work closely with local and regional human rights organizations.
8. Respond promptly to queries from the media and public.
9. Respond to and anticipate news events to press human rights issues.
10. Liaise effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations.
11. Supervise a research assistant and oversee the work of consultants.
12. Establish clear work plans for staff and ensure proper guidance and support.
13. Contribute to internal HRW policy debates.
14. Assist with fundraising.
15. Travel domestically and internationally as required.
16. Deliver outputs in a timely manner and maintain consistency with the agreed strategy.
17. Cover research and advocacy issues on other MENA countries.
18. Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education: An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, Middle Eastern/Iranian studies, history, or social sciences or equivalent work experience is required.

Experience: A minimum of seven years of professional-level experience working on Iran, preferably in human rights or related issues, is required.

Required Skills and Knowledge:

1. Demonstrated ability to identify, research, analyze, and effectively communicate important human rights developments.
2. Ability to conduct interviews sensitively.
3. Ability to identify and advise on strategies for research and advocacy.
4. Knowledge of international human rights law.
5. Knowledge of rights issues relating to the Iranian context.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Farsi.
7. Ability to build and sustain partnerships with organizations.
8. Interpersonal skills for collaboration.
9. Ability to think strategically about media and policy environments.
10. Ability to maintain contacts with officials and experts.
11. Ability to multi-task effectively.

Salary and Benefits: HRW offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. The salary range for this role in the United States is USD 88,000 – 96,000. Salary ranges outside of the United States vary based on location.

How to Apply: Please apply by January 1, 2025 by visiting our online job portal at https://www.hrw.org/careers and attaching a letter of interest and resume or CV. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

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 is an equal opportunity employer.