Information Security Officer

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY

INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER

Information Security Program 

Multiple Locations Considered (Berlin Office Preferred)

Application Deadline: 31 May 2023

The Information Security Program of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking an Officer to provide operational and administrative assistance and support to the Director of Information Security and the Information Security team. The Information Security Program supports HRW and makes informed decisions about the responsible use of technology and provides technical knowledge and expertise in areas such as targeted government hacking, censorship, surveillance, encryption, data privacy, and digital forensics.

This is a rare opportunity to learn about information security and build technical skills while applying a primarily administrative skill set. This is an excellent role for someone who is interested in developing information security technical skills and in building a career in protecting human rights defenders.

This full-time position will report to the Director of Information Security and will ideally be based in Berlin though one of our other European offices (Amsterdam, Brussels, Copenhagen, London, and Stockholm) would also be considered.

The successful candidate will be expected to work from the office a few times a month, though the successful candidate may choose to work from the office more often. We aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both the recruitment and onboarding of this position.

Responsibilities:

1. Operational Support 

• Organize and document security support operations and procedures; ensure these procedures are being followed by staff; and identify possible improvements in efficiency and efficacy;
• Support the team in monitoring and evaluation, including tracking, collating, and analyzing data on security incidents and other ongoing security ;
• Coordinate needs assessments, updates, and review of HRW security guidance, knowledge materials, playbooks, and management documents (i.e., work plans); and
• As requested, serve as point of contact and key coordinator for logistics between security and HRW offices and global staff.

2. Administrative Support

• Provide day-to-day administrative assistance to the Director of Information Security including but not limited to, scheduling meetings, managing calendars, processing invoices, taking minutes at team meetings, updating internal documents and reports; coordinating cross team collaboration efforts on specific projects; and documenting team processes, guidelines and tools;
• Maintain security asset purchasing, supply requests, tracking, and inventory management, including sat-phones, travel security kits, and other security hardware/software/accounts that are provided to staff on a temporary basis;
• Schedule, prepare for, and coordinate end-user security training and awareness raising activities including preparing materials and reserving meeting spaces;
• Assist with preparing, drafting, editing, formatting and/or distributing materials such as security guidance, policies & procedures, alerts, announcements, and narrative and statistical reports on security activities; and
• Create and maintain extensive filing and archiving systems and respond to requests for information.

3. Other

• Participate in special projects associated with the Safety and Security Team’s process of reviewing, revising and revamping its policies, procedures and systems;
• Support the recruitment and coordination of interns and fellows for the team; and
• Carry out other duties as required.

Qualifications:

HRW’s Information Security team is especially interested in receiving applications from individuals who do not fit the traditional profile of security professionals. Candidates must be able to demonstrate a commitment to HRW’s Security Values of creativity, consistency, compassion and competence.

Education: A level of education that when combined with your professional experience will adequately show you have the capability to contribute meaningfully to HRW's information security program.

Candidates who have relevant academic degrees or security certifications are encouraged to apply, but this is a plus - not a requirement.

Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge: 

1. Prior office/administration experience and strong organizational and time management skills with meticulous attention to detail are required.

2. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and the ability to synthesize content for public consumption is required.

3. Strong interest in information security and human rights is required; experience working with non-governmental organizations is desirable.

4. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well under pressure while juggling multiple tasks are required.

5. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.

6. 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 is required.

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

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. HRW offers a relocation assistance package and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by 31 May 2023 by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a letter of interest and a CV or resume. 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 disability-related accommodations during the application process, 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 actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. 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.