Associate, Arms

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY

ASSOCIATE, ARMS

Crisis, Conflict and Arms Division

Washington, DC. Office

Application Deadline: May 23, 2024

The Crisis, Conflict and Arms Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking an Associate to provide administrative assistance and support to its Arms Program. The Arms Program documents the negative impacts of the use of weapons and promotes the establishment and implementation of international treaties and legal norms. It currently focuses on autonomous weapons systems (killer robots), cluster munitions, incendiary weapons, landmines, and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. 

This full-time position is based in our Washington, DC office and will report to the Division’s Deputy Director, also based in Washington, DC. 

The successful candidate may have the option to work remotely but will be encouraged to work from the office 2-3 days per week. We aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both the recruitment and onboarding of this position. 

Responsibilities:

1. Provide administrative support to staff based in multiple locations including scheduling, making travel arrangements, taking minutes at meetings, creating and maintaining filing and archiving systems, maintaining web pages, sending a monthly newsletter, processing incoming mail and email, updating contact databases, and responding to requests for information;  

2. Assist with preparing, drafting, editing, proofing, formatting, coding for the website, arranging translations, and distributing materials such as news releases, reports, briefing papers, fact sheets, op eds, letters, infographics, social media posts, maps, and other publications;

3. Conduct background research and monitor current events including by tracking media coverage; 

4. Liaise with HRW staff and shepherd publications through the internal review process. Develop and maintain strong communications among HRW staff, including other associates and support staff. Help facilitate timely and meaningful coordination across HRW offices, departments, and divisions;

5. Assist with providing advocacy support, including to global coalitions such as the Stop Killer Robots campaign, the Cluster Munition Coalition, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, and the International Network on Explosive Weapons, as well as partners such as the International Human Rights Clinic at Harvard Law School. 

6. Participate in external calls and in-person meetings, taking notes, developing advocacy materials and messaging, and carrying out joint activities; 

7. Serve as a member of the editorial team for the annual Landmine Monitor and Cluster Munition Monitor reports, including updating and editing country profiles, drafting and sending letters to governments, preparing overviews and factsheets, assisting with report production, and contributing to launch events; 

8. Assist with planning and executing virtual and in-person events, conferences and meetings with staff and partner NGOs;

9. Assist with the recruitment and mentoring of interns and with recruiting division staff; and

10. Carry out other duties as required.

Qualifications: 

We are eager to hear from all candidates who can perform the essential functions of this role even if they do not meet all our desired qualifications – particularly if they are from backgrounds underrepresented in the NGO sector. 

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in international relations, human rights, or a related field is required. 

Experience: A minimum of one year of relevant work experience is required. Experience in an international and/or nonprofit environment is preferred. 

Related Skills and Knowledge:  

1. Prior office/administration experience and strong organizational skills are required. 

2. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required. Proficiency in another language such as Arabic, Russian or Chinese is highly preferred.

3. Demonstrated interest in human rights is required. 

4. Strong interpersonal skills, timeliness, and ability to work well under pressure while managing multiple priorities are required.

5. Good problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.

6. Self-motivation and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision is required.

7. Proficiency in computer packages, including MS Office applications, is required.

Other: Applicants for this position must possess valid US work authorization; HRW is unable to sponsor work visas for this role.

Salary and Benefits: The salary range for this position is USD 58,000- 62,327. Human Rights Watch offers competitive salaries and comprehensive employer-paid benefits. 

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by May 23, 2024, by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a cover letter and resume, preferably as PDF files. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, or if you require a disability-related accommodation, please email recruitment@hrw.org. Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. We do not discriminate in hiring practices and actively seek a diverse applicant pool. We encourage candidates of all abilities, ages, gender identities and expressions, national origins, races and ethnicities, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with criminal records to apply. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.

Please apply immediately or by May 23, 2024, by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a cover letter and resume, preferably as PDF files. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.