Angola: Researcher

Position Available as of January 2004:
Researcher on Angola
Africa Division
(F/T for 1 year, with possibility of extension)
Founded in 1978, Human Rights Watch monitors and promotes human rights in some 70 countries worldwide. It is 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 policies of abusive governments and forces as well as influential governments and international institutions. The Africa division monitors sub-Saharan Africa.

Description: This is a full-time appointment for an initial period of one year as of January 2004, with the possibility of extension. The researcher will be based in one of HRW’s offices (New York, Washington DC, London or Brussels) and should be prepared to travel frequently to the region to monitor violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Angola. Responsibilities include:
• Monitoring, investigating and documenting human rights abuses, and developing local and international advocacy strategies to bring violations to the attention of the government of Angola and the international community;
• Collecting and analyzing information on human rights developments from a wide variety of sources including the local media, NGOs, journalists, diplomats, and others in the field;
• Carrying out one or more research missions to Angola, as may be required;
• Writing briefing memos, short reports, statements and press releases as needed in a concise and accurate manner, with a quick turnaround time;
• Responding to inquiries from the press, public, and colleagues in the human rights community;
• Working closely with Angolan human rights organizations to ensure that the work of HRW complements and enhances their own work.

Requirements: The person in this position must be flexible and able to respond quickly to crises and conflicts as they may occur, producing excellent written material under tight deadlines. An advanced degree in international relations, journalism, law, history or the social sciences are required. The successful applicant should have substantial knowledge of human rights issues and public and international affairs, professional experience working on human rights or humanitarian issues, and significant experience in and knowledge of political developments in Angola and southern Africa. Candidates should have excellent oral and written communications skills in English; fluency in Portuguese is an asset. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, well organized, able to work quickly and well under pressure both independently and as a member of a team, and demonstrate a commitment to international human rights.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and generous employer-paid benefits. HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining necessary U.S. work authorization; non-US citizens are encouraged to apply.

APPLY IMMEDIATELY by e-mailing together a letter of interest, resume, references, and a sample of original, unedited writing (no calls, please) to [email][email protected] If e-mailing is not possible, mail materials together to Human Rights Watch, Attn: Search Committee (Angola Researcher), 1630 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Suite 500, Washington, DC 20009, Fax: 1 202 612 4333. (Please do not split a submission between e-mail and post.)

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.