Solutions Technologist

Job Posting Organization:
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights research and advocacy organization that was established in 197

• The organization is known for its in-depth investigations, incisive and timely reporting, and innovative advocacy campaigns. HRW operates in over 90 countries and employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. The organization is committed to ensuring that its workforce reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, and it actively seeks to include individuals from various backgrounds, including those who are traditionally underrepresented in the technology and human rights sectors.

Job Overview:
The Solutions Technologist position is situated within the Digital Investigations Lab of the Technology, Rights and Investigations Division at Human Rights Watch. This role is pivotal in enhancing the organization's capacity for tech-enabled investigations, which are essential for addressing human rights violations. The successful candidate will work closely with researchers to understand their workflows and collaborate with the Research Technologist and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Information Security and Technology department to design and implement tools that meet research needs while ensuring security and scalability. The position emphasizes the importance of integrating technology responsibly, automating processes, and developing workflows that facilitate rigorous human rights investigations. The Solutions Technologist will also be responsible for mainstreaming technology within the research teams, thereby enabling innovative and ambitious investigative work.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement and maintain new and existing tools and processes related to research, contributing to the growth of the technology tool base and writing clear documentation.
• Support the acquisition and analysis of data for human rights investigations, including scraping public information and creating machine-readable data.
• Collaborate with HRW’s Information Security and Technology department to ensure secure management of information and compliance with safety standards.
• Automate daily research processes within the Digital Investigations Lab, integrating open-source tools and developing scripts.
• Analyze data and present findings in accordance with HRW guidelines.
• Coordinate with colleagues globally to ensure effective delivery of activities in a fast-paced environment.
• Engage with researchers to adapt solutions to fit their workflows.
• Establish best practices for data storage, discovery, verification, and analysis.
• Develop internal standards for data acquisition, storage, and analysis. 1
• Deliver outputs in a timely manner, maintaining alignment with the division's strategy. 1
• Perform other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a level of education that, combined with professional experience, demonstrates the capability to perform the role of Solutions Technologist. Relevant academic degrees in computer science or security certifications are encouraged. A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in software development, data-systems design, or information technology is required, preferably within international human rights or journalism sectors. Candidates from underrepresented groups in technology and human rights are strongly encouraged to apply, even if they do not meet all qualifications.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have an educational background that demonstrates their capability to perform the role effectively. This may include degrees in computer science, information technology, or related fields. Relevant certifications in security or technology are also beneficial and encouraged for applicants.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in software development, data-systems design, or information technology. Experience in international human rights, journalism, or related organizations is preferred. The candidate should have a proven track record of building and maintaining technical tools and infrastructure, as well as experience in automating workflows and integrating technology into research processes.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills are desirable and can enhance a candidate's application, particularly if they relate to the regions where HRW operates.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term, full-time position for 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on funding and organizational needs. The role requires the candidate to be based within commuting distance of one of the specified HRW offices and to work from the office as needed. HRW offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits, with a salary range of USD 80,000 – 88,000 for positions based in the United States. Salary ranges in other locations will vary based on local market conditions. Applicants must possess work authorization for the office location they wish to be based in, as HRW is unable to provide sponsorship for work authorization.