Associate

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. Known for its rigorous research and advocacy efforts, HRW has been influential in shaping policies and practices related to human rights by holding governments and institutions accountable. The organization operates in numerous countries across the globe, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights. HRW's mission is to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld, and it engages in various activities including research, reporting, and advocacy campaigns to achieve this goal. The organization values diversity and inclusivity, actively seeking to create a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. HRW is committed to fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to the organization's mission.

Job Overview:
The Associate position within the Africa Division of Human Rights Watch is designed to provide essential administrative support to staff working on human rights issues across several African countries. This role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of the division's activities, which include human rights research, report writing, advocacy, and media engagement. The Associate will report directly to one of the three deputy directors of the Africa Division and will be expected to work from the Nairobi office at least 2-3 days per week, with the flexibility to work remotely for the remainder of the week. This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about human rights and are looking to contribute to meaningful work that impacts the lives of people in Africa. The successful candidate will be expected to manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining a high level of professionalism and attention to detail.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate position include:

• Providing day-to-day administrative support to the Africa Division staff, which encompasses scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, preparing for meetings, taking minutes, and maintaining filing and archiving systems.
• Assisting in the preparation, proofing, editing, formatting, and distribution of various documents such as news releases, reports, and web content.
• Supporting the vetting of documents and assisting with translations into English and Kiswahili.
• Planning and coordinating external engagements, including meetings and events with the advisory committee, and drafting necessary briefing documents.
• Managing the internal review process for Africa Division publications.
• Providing logistical support for staff traveling to East and Horn of Africa countries, including coordinating meetings and conducting interviews.
• Assisting with research, electronic clipping, and translations as needed.
• Supporting events such as news conferences and staff retreats.
• Assisting in the recruitment and mentoring of interns. 1
• Recording, tracking, and processing divisional finances. 1
• Maintaining communication between HRW offices, staff, and external partners. 1
• Performing other tasks as required by the division.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in human rights, international relations, social science, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with knowledge of French, Kiswahili, or another relevant language being desirable. A demonstrable interest in international human rights and sub-Saharan Africa is essential, along with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well under pressure while managing multiple tasks. Candidates should also exhibit sound decision-making abilities, the capacity to prioritize tasks with minimal supervision, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a global team. Proficiency in MS Office applications is required, and familiarity with Asana or other databases is a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in fields related to human rights, international relations, social science, or similar disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and the socio-political context in which HRW operates.

Experience:
A minimum of one year of relevant work experience is required for this position. This experience should ideally be in roles that involve administrative support, research, or advocacy within the context of human rights or international relations. Candidates with experience in sub-Saharan Africa or related fields will be viewed favorably, as this background will enhance their understanding of the challenges and dynamics faced in the region.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within HRW. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly French or Kiswahili, is considered advantageous and may enhance the candidate's ability to perform effectively in the role, especially in the context of engaging with diverse stakeholders in Africa.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Nairobi, Kenya. The successful candidate must possess valid work authorization for Kenya, as HRW is unable to sponsor work permits for this role. The gross annualized salary range for this position is between US $35,000 and $36,400, and HRW offers competitive compensation along with employer-paid benefits. The application deadline is set for May 25, 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. HRW is committed to diversity and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply, ensuring an inclusive recruitment process.