Officer, General Counsel and Administration

Job Posting Organization:
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization that was established to investigate and report on human rights abuses around the world. The organization is known for its rigorous research, incisive reporting, and impactful advocacy campaigns that aim to influence policy changes at both national and international levels. HRW operates in numerous countries and employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to promoting human rights and holding violators accountable. The organization values diversity and inclusivity, actively seeking to create a workforce that reflects the varied backgrounds and perspectives of the global community it serves.

Job Overview:
The Officer, General Counsel and Administration position at Human Rights Watch is a full-time role based in Washington, DC, primarily focused on providing administrative and paralegal support to the General Counsel’s office. This position is crucial for ensuring the legal oversight of the organization’s policies, compliance, risk management, and governance. The successful candidate will assist in a variety of corporate matters, including media law, intellectual property, and employment issues, while also supporting the Finance and Administration teams. This role is not an attorney position; rather, it is designed to facilitate the smooth operation of the legal office and ensure compliance with various legal standards. The candidate will work in a hybrid capacity, expected to be in the office 2-3 days a week, and will report directly to the General Counsel.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Officer, General Counsel and Administration include:

• Providing administrative and paralegal assistance to the General Counsel’s office, including coordinating meetings, managing calendars, and assisting with travel arrangements.
• Creating and maintaining filing and knowledge management systems for legal information.
• Supporting attorneys in addressing legal inquiries from HRW staff.
• Assisting with legal compliance and policy requirements, including sanctions and lobbying reporting.
• Supporting the legal registration of HRW’s international offices.
• Contributing to the protection of HRW’s trademarks and intellectual property.
• Conducting research on legal topics and drafting legal documents.
• Supporting compliance with global privacy laws.
• Coordinating legal services for HRW’s global staff, including training programs. 1
• Assisting in collective bargaining matters and recruiting legal volunteers. 1
• Ensuring the effective functioning of the Washington DC office, handling maintenance and compliance issues. 1
• Providing administrative support to the Chief Financial Officer, including scheduling and processing expenses.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent working experience.
• A minimum of three years of relevant work experience, preferably in a legal office setting.
• Outstanding organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; proficiency in additional languages is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration with diverse staff and external partners.
• Self-motivation and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. 1
• Proficiency in MS Office applications and the ability to learn new software quickly.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent working experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of legal and administrative tasks associated with the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant work experience. Prior experience in a legal office setting, including paralegal and administrative roles, is highly desirable. This experience is crucial for the candidate to effectively support the General Counsel’s office and manage the various responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered a plus, as it can enhance communication with HRW’s diverse staff and international partners.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a salary range of USD 66,000 – 68,000, along with competitive employer-paid benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. The application deadline is January 27, 202

• HRW encourages a diverse applicant pool and does not discriminate based on disability, age, gender identity, national origin, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. The organization values diversity and seeks to create an inclusive environment for all employees.