Human Rights Watch (HRW) Abuja Job Vacancy for a Human Rights Researcher

Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. By focusing international attention where human rights are violated, we give voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable for their crimes.
Our rigorous, objective investigations and strategic, targeted advocacy build intense pressure for action and raise the cost of human rights abuse. For 30 years, Human Rights Watch has worked tenaciously to lay the legal and moral groundwork for deep-rooted change and has fought to bring greater justice and security to people around the world.

Job Title: Human Rights Researcher
Company: Human Rights Watch – Abuja (Nigeria)
Job Description
FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
NIGERIA RESEARCHER
Africa Division
(Abuja base preferred)

Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking a Nigeria Researcher with its Africa Division. The Researcher, ideally based in Abuja, will be responsible for developing and implementing a research and advocacy agenda focusing on human rights conditions in Nigeria. The position reports to the West Africa team leader in the Africa division.  jobs in abuja

Desired Skills & Experience Education:
 An advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, or social sciences is strongly preferred.
Experience: The candidate should have lived and worked in Nigeria, working on human rights issues country-wide for a minimum of 5 years.
 Location: Ability to be based in Nigeria, either in Lagos or Abuja (preferred).

Responsibilities:
1.Monitoring and documenting human rights abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including government, local media, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), journalists, diplomats, security forces and others in the field;
2.Conducting fact-finding missions in Nigeria;
3.Writing and publicizing reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies based on the findings of one’s research;
4.Developing and implementing local, regional, and international advocacy strategies to promote reform of abusive laws, policies, and practices in Nigeria and West Africa;
5.Responding promptly to queries from various advocacy targets as well as the media, public, and civil society colleagues;
6.Presenting human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and the media;
7.Working closely with colleague NGOs and local human rights organizations to engage in joint advocacy efforts and ensure that HRW’s work complements their own work;
8.Liaising effectively with HRW staff in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination of activities;
9.Traveling domestically and overseas for two or more weeks at a time, several times a year; and
10.Carrying out any other duties as required.
Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

Required Skills and Knowledge:
1.Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in Nigeria in a detailed, timely, and professional manner.
2.Ability to develop and implement realistic and effective local and international advocacy strategies and to respond to emergency situations.
3.Demonstrated ability to think strategically about the global and local media and to use both the traditional media and new media to further advocacy goals.
4.Knowledge of Nigerian legal system, as well as familiarity with international human rights law. Knowledge of the sub-regional body ECOWAS is highly desirable.
5.Solid field research and documentation skills.
6.Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Proficiency in French is desirable.
7.Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically.
8.Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with local partners, government officials, diplomats and external media partners.
9.Ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure with a broad range of people and as part of a team.
10.Ability to make sound decisions consistent with vision and mission of the organization.

Method of Application
Please submit a cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position, a curriculum vitae, a brief writing sample (unedited by others), and contact information for three references to [email protected].
 Please use “Nigeria Researcher REF: AFR-13-1008-A” as the subject of your email.
 Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only qualified candidates will be contacted.

 Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.