Counsel, International Justice Program

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY

COUNSEL

International Justice Program

Multiple Locations Considered

Application Deadline: November 6, 2022

The International Justice Program at Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking applicants for the position of Counsel. The International Justice Program, which falls within the Legal & Policy Department, champions fair justice for victims and survivors of serious crimes under international law. We support national and international efforts to hold perpetrators to account in trials before courts of law, advance innovative and practical pathways to justice, and urge governments, intergovernmental organizations, and other actors to ensure no one is above the law.

Our experience shows justice takes time and faces steep odds. We nurture the relationships and expertise to sustain our work in the long-term, provide leadership, and work together with colleagues and partner organizations around the globe to bring prospects for justice closer in view.

This position is full-time and reports to the Director of the International Justice Program based in Washington D.C. The position will preferably be based in one of HRW’s major offices.

Due to COVID-19, many of our global offices are operating in reduced capacities. The successful candidate may be required to work remotely as local mandates necessitate. We recognize that this moment, during the pandemic, is a uniquely difficult time for most people, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities, and we aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both the recruitment for and onboarding of this position.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES*:*

1. Contribute to HRW’s work to champion victims’ access to justice for serious international crimes, including pushing forward specific justice goals as well as the broader development of international legal institutions;

2. Conduct legal research and write news releases, opinion pieces, policy papers and reports. Areas of focus may include building partnerships within the international justice movement; national prosecutions of serious international crimes, victims’ rights; defense rights; and reparations proceedings;

3. Conduct advocacy in line with identified goals, including the preparation of written advocacy materials;

4. Assist in the development and implementation of research, advocacy, and communications strategies; and

5. Carry out other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS*:*

Education: A law degree or an advanced degree in international justice is preferred; an equivalent level of experience and/or training is required.

Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of practical experience relevant to international criminal law is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Extensive knowledge of international criminal law issues and deep commitment to human rights is required.

2. Exceptionally strong research, analytical, writing, editing, and presentation skills are required.

3. Proven track record of first-rate written products and editing experience are required.

4. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required; professional competency in additional languages preferred.

5. Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within HRW and in a diverse environment, as well as with other organizations in the human rights and international justice movement is required.

6. Capacity to appropriately plan and prioritize and to manage multiple, sometimes competing demands efficiently in a challenging, fast-paced environment are required.

7. Ability to travel internationally 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. If this position were to be based in the United States, the salary range would be USD 77,000- 85,000. Salary ranges outside of the United States vary based on location.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by November 6, 2022 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 accommodations during the application process, please email [email protected]. 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.