Associate, Asia

Job Posting Organization:
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization that was established to conduct in-depth investigations and provide incisive reporting on human rights issues globally. The organization is known for its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, which have successfully influenced the policies and practices of governments and international institutions regarding human rights. HRW operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights. The organization values diversity and actively seeks to create an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Overview:
The Associate position in the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch is designed to provide essential administrative assistance and programmatic support to staff engaged in addressing human rights issues across Asia. The Asia Division is involved in a variety of activities, including conducting investigations, writing reports, engaging in advocacy, and managing media relations. The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with the Asia Director and other team members, contributing to the overall mission of advancing human rights in the region. This full-time role requires the candidate to be based within commuting distance of the London office, with an expectation to work from the office 2-3 days per week. The anticipated start date for this position is around September 2026, allowing for a thorough onboarding process and integration into the team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: providing day-to-day administrative support to the Asia Division staff, particularly the Asia Director; scheduling meetings and preparing for them, including taking minutes; making travel arrangements and processing expenses; creating and maintaining filing and archiving systems; maintaining databases for country advocacy contacts; coordinating translations and vetting documents; responding to information requests; preparing, proofreading, editing, formatting, coding, and coordinating various materials such as news releases, reports, op-eds, multimedia content, and social media posts; attending and representing HRW at meetings and events; conducting desk research and monitoring news; assisting with the planning and execution of events; acting as a liaison with HRW offices and external partners; assisting in the recruitment and mentoring of interns; tracking and processing divisional finances; and performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in fields such as human rights, international relations, social science, or a related area. A minimum of one year of relevant work experience is required, along with prior office or administrative experience. Strong organizational skills are essential, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Fluency in an Asian language is preferred but not mandatory. A strong interest in Asia and international human rights is crucial, and experience related to Asia is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and the capability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. The ability to make sound decisions, prioritize tasks with minimal supervision, and work both independently and as part of a global team is required. Proficiency in MS Office applications and strong analytical skills, including data analysis, are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in relevant fields such as human rights, international relations, social science, or a related discipline. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and the operational needs of the Asia Division.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of relevant work experience. This experience should ideally be in an administrative or support role within a similar field, providing the candidate with the necessary skills to manage the diverse responsibilities associated with the Associate position. Experience in human rights advocacy or related areas is highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's ability to contribute effectively to the team.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required. While fluency in an Asian language is preferred, it is not a strict requirement. Candidates who possess language skills relevant to the Asia region will have an advantage in this role, as it may enhance communication and understanding of regional issues.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in London, England, and applicants must possess current valid work authorization in the United Kingdom, as Human Rights Watch is unable to sponsor work permits for this role. The gross annualized salary range for this position is between GBP 37,000 and GBP 38,000, and the organization offers competitive compensation along with employer-paid benefits. Applications are encouraged to be submitted as soon as possible, with a final deadline of 24 July 202

• The application process requires candidates to submit a letter of interest and a resume or CV through the HRW online job portal. HRW emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply, ensuring an inclusive hiring process.