Coordinator Position with Human Rights Watch for May or Recent Grad

Coordinator Position with Human Rights Watch for May or Recent Grad

Position description

The Advocacy Department of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking a Coordinator to provide administrative and research assistance to the team based in Washington, DC. The Washington Advocacy Department works to advance human rights as a core component of US foreign and defense policies, as well as in close coordination with US domestic policy. This position reports to the Washington Director and also supports other members of the department. HRW anticipates that the successful candidate will take up this position in late spring/early summer 2017.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Washington Advocacy Division such as scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements for research and advocacy trips, recording and processing departmental finances, preparing for and taking minutes at meetings, updating staff profiles on HRW’s website, and maintaining and expanding databases and filing systems;
2.  Coordinate and support US government advocacy, including scheduling official meetings, managing subscriptions, building and maintaining contact databases, and responding to internal and external requests for information;
3. Coordinate and support outreach to foreign embassies, UN bodies, and other relevant entities in the Washington area;
4. Prepare, draft, edit, format, and distribute materials such as news releases, reports, letters, briefing papers, talking points, background research, congressional hearing questions, dispatches, web content, op-eds and other publications, as needed;
5. Conduct spot research on a broad range of topics and occasionally undertake larger research projects;
6. Assist in developing and implementing advocacy strategies on specific countries/thematic issues with US executive branch; collaborate with HRW staff to identify and create opportunities that support their advocacy efforts in DC and provide timely information on developments and negotiations within the US government in order to seize advocacy opportunities;
7. Monitor and track policy developments, congressional news, and information services; track key US policy debates including legislative analysis;
8. Attend external working-group meetings and represent HRW at meetings and events, including with researchers and other colleagues when they come to town;
9. Assist with planning and executing special events, roundtables, trainings, and other events;
10. Assist with recruiting, coordinating, and mentoring of interns and assist with recruiting division staff, as needed; and
11. Carry out other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education: A bachelor’s degree in international relations, area studies, political science, journalism or a related field is required.

Experience: A minimum of two years of relevant work experience is required. Previous experience working in or with the US government is a plus.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Prior office/administration experience and strong organizational skills are required. 
2.  Knowledge of or experience with the US government including Congress, State Department, and/or other branches of government is required.
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required; fluency in another language is a plus.
4. Strong research and analytical skills with the natural curiosity and creativity needed to conduct online research are required.
5.  Strong interpersonal skills and significant level of independent judgment and discretion, as well as tact, diplomacy, and maturity in dealing with colleagues at all levels of the organization are required.
6. Self-motivation and the ability to prioritize with minimal supervision and work independently as well as function as a member of a team with staff in multiple locations globally are required.
7.  Ability to work well under pressure while juggling multiple tasks simultaneously are required.
8. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.
9. Proficiency in computer packages including MS Office applications is required.
10.  Interest in international relations and/or human rights is required and knowledge of international humanitarian law is preferred.

Other: Applicants for this position must possess current US work authorization valid for a minimum of two years from start date.

Salary and Benefits: Salary range starts at $48,762. Human Rights Watch offers comprehensive employer-paid benefits, including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, an outstanding retirement savings plan and twenty (20) days of vacation per year.

Apply here.