F/T Position Available: Refugee Policy Director (New York or Geneva Office)
Deadline for applications: April 30, 2005
Since its founding in 1978, Human Rights Watch has become the largest U.S.-
based 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 of the U.S., other influential governments,
and international institutions.
Description: The Refugee Policy Director will report to the Program Director
of HRW and will be based preferably in our New York or Geneva office.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- guiding HRW in (i) selecting priorities among competing research and
advocacy opportunities in the field of forced displacement and (ii) analyzing
events and policy debates so as to ensure effective HRW advocacy strategies to
promote the rights of forcibly displaced persons;
- monitoring developments in the legal frameworks applicable to forcibly
displaced persons and changes in the policy approaches of governments and
agencies responsible for meeting the humanitarian needs and protecting the
rights of all categories of forcibly displaced persons;
- providing regional and thematic divisions, in particular staff working on
the rights of displaced persons, with a complete and up-to-date set of legal
and policy standards to use when investigating and advocating against rights
abuses of the forcibly displaced;
- acting as a principal advocate and spokesperson for HRW on refugee and IDP
issues, including writing and editing press releases, strategically-placed op-
eds and short articles; speaking with the media; representing HRW on refugee
and IDP issues before international institutions such as UNHCR and its ExCom,
relevant UN agencies, the IOM, the EU and other major regional
intergovernmental fora, as well as single influential/donor governments;
- providing advice to HRW staff on the human rights standards relating to
asylum seekers, refugees, IDPs, the stateless, and all who are forcibly
displaced including reviewing documents to ensure that they conform to
international standards concerning refugees and internally displaced;
- building alliances and networks with other NGOs and advocacy groups working
to further the rights of the forcibly displaced; and
- identifying and accessing funding sources to expand the work of HRW in
relation to the rights of the forcibly displaced (and migrants) over the
coming 5 years.
Qualifications: The successful applicant will have a demonstrated ability to
advocate effectively at all levels with relation to a wide range of topics and
regions; proven analytical and strategic planning skills of the highest
quality; sound knowledge of all international law applicable to monitoring and
defending the rights of the forcibly displaced, including but not limited to
humanitarian law, refugee law, and international human rights law; familiarity
with the policies, operating procedures, and standards applicable to
international, intergovernmental, and non-governmental agencies working with
forcibly displaced populations; significant field experience working alongside
refugees and/or IDPs in support of their rights; preferably some experience
with refugee status determination procedures and standards (e.g. through legal
casework) in an industrialized state; functional knowledge of UNCHR’s ExCom
and other major international fora presenting opportunities for advocacy on
behalf of forcibly displaced persons; experience dealing with the media and
drafting press releases; basic fundraising and budgeting experience; and
willingness to travel. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and well-
organized with sound judgment, excellent research, communication, interviewing
and advocacy skills, the ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure
and to collaborate effectively with others, and a demonstrated commitment to
international human rights.
Salary and Benefits: Human Rights Watch seeks exceptional candidates and
offers competitive compensation and generous employer-paid benefits. HRW will
pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining
necessary work authorization.
PLEASE APPLY BY APRIL 30, 2005 (no calls or e-mail inquiries, please) by
sending a letter of interest, resume, references, and a brief writing sample
(original and unedited by others) to:
Human Rights Watch
Attn: Search Committee (Refugee Policy Director)
350 Fifth Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, NY 10118-3299 USA
Fax: (212) 736-1300 • Email: [log in to unmask]
Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.
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