Senior Researcher, Israel/Palestine

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, HRW has been influential in shaping policies and practices of governments and international institutions regarding human rights. The organization operates globally, with a presence in multiple countries and regions, and employs a diverse workforce committed to promoting human rights and social justice. HRW's mission is to protect human rights and hold abusers accountable, ensuring that the voices of the oppressed are heard and that justice is served. The organization is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, reflecting the varied backgrounds and experiences of its employees.

Job Overview:
The Senior Researcher for Israel/Palestine will play a crucial role in documenting and analyzing human rights abuses in the region. This position is part of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Division of HRW, which is responsible for advancing human rights in the MENA region through various activities such as investigation, report writing, advocacy, and media engagement. The successful candidate will be tasked with developing and implementing a comprehensive research and advocacy agenda aimed at improving respect for human rights in Israel/Palestine. This includes conducting thorough research, monitoring human rights violations, and advocating for policy changes to address these issues. The Senior Researcher will also be expected to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and the media, to promote human rights reforms and ensure that HRW's findings are effectively communicated to the public and decision-makers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a research and advocacy agenda focused on improving respect for human rights in Israel/Palestine;
• Research, monitor, and document human rights abuses and laws-of-war violations by collecting and analyzing information from various sources;
• Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, and submissions to international bodies;
• Develop recommendations for rights improvements and implement advocacy strategies;
• Present human rights issues within broader political and social contexts to various stakeholders;
• Generate public pressure on human rights abusers through media engagement;
• Conduct media interviews and high-level advocacy;
• Contribute to internal HRW policy debates;
• Respond to queries from the media and public; 1
• Collaborate with NGOs and other organizations; 1
• Liaise with HRW staff globally; 1
• Oversee junior researchers and assist in their professional development; 1
• Support fundraising efforts; 1
• Work flexible hours as needed; 1
• Travel for fieldwork and advocacy; 1
• Deliver outputs in line with MENA division priorities; 1
• Cover research issues on other MENA countries; 1
• Perform other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, Middle Eastern studies, history, or social sciences, or have equivalent work experience. A minimum of seven years of experience working on human rights issues or humanitarian law, particularly in the Middle East and/or North Africa, is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to identify, research, analyze, and communicate important human rights developments effectively. They must also have experience conducting sensitive interviews with survivors and witnesses of rights violations, as well as knowledge of international human rights law and humanitarian law as it pertains to the region. Strong oral and written communication skills in English are essential, along with proficiency in at least one relevant language, such as Arabic or Hebrew. Candidates should also have the ability to build partnerships with various organizations and possess strong interpersonal skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, Middle Eastern studies, history, or social sciences is required. Equivalent work experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in understanding human rights issues, international law, and the socio-political context of the MENA region.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of experience working on human rights issues or humanitarian law. This experience should ideally include work in the Middle East and/or North Africa, providing the candidate with a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced in the region. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting research, advocacy, and engagement with various stakeholders in the human rights field.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in at least one language relevant to the Israel/Palestine context, such as Arabic or Hebrew, is highly desirable. This linguistic capability will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and employer-paid benefits. HRW offers relocation assistance and will help employees obtain necessary work authorization if required. The organization encourages applications from candidates of all nationalities and backgrounds, emphasizing its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The successful candidate will be expected to work flexible hours and may need to travel domestically and internationally for fieldwork and advocacy meetings. HRW is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on disability, age, gender identity, national origin, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record.