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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. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Note: The material contained in this communication comes to you from the Forced Migration Discussion List which is moderated by the Refugee Studies Centre (RSC), University of Oxford. It does not necessarily reflect the views of the RSC or the University. If you re-print, copy, archive or re-post this message please retain this disclaimer. Quotations or extracts should include attribution to the original sources. List archives are available at: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/forced-migration.html