The Middle East and North Africa (“MENA) Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking a Research Assistant to assist in the monitoring and reporting of human rights violations in Tunisia and Algeria. This fixed-term position is based in Tunis and will report to the Tunisia and Algeria Researcher based in the Tunis office.

1. Provide research assistance and administrative support to the Researcher on Tunisia and Algeria;
2. Develop contacts with government officials and other local actors, including using pre-existing networks among local rights activists and organizations to expand HRW’s monitoring capabilities and access to information; facilitate meetings with NGOs, government officials, and individuals able to provide information regarding human rights abuses;
3. Assist the Researcher in monitoring human rights conditions and documenting abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including the government, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, and journalists;
4. Assist the Researcher in following up on specific cases of human rights violations; assist in follow-up with authorities and NGOs on strategic cases on which HRW is advocating for justice;
5. Under the guidance of the Researcher, provide write-ups of interviews, and, when appropriate, first drafts of briefing papers, letters, news releases, submissions to international bodies, etc.; prepare written summaries and synthesis of research for incorporating into HRW publications;
6. Assist the Researcher in preparing reports for discussion with governmental officials, NGOs and other external partners;
7. Be a full partner with the Researcher in managing local logistical issues, such as finding drivers, fixers, translators;
8. Advise the Researcher on security issues, particularly in regard to field missions;
9. Assist with translations from English to Arabic and from Arabic to English;
10. Travel to the field, including to insecure areas, with the Researcher and independently, to conduct research; travel internationally as appropriate to attend specific trainings or planning sessions;
11. Provide administrative support such as scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, taking minutes, processing expenses, creating agenda, preparing background materials, conducting follow-up to meetings, and providing written updates; and
12. Perform other tasks, as may be required.

Education: A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in international relations, law, journalism, social sciences or relevant studies is required.

Experience: A minimum of one year of experience working in an office environment or assisting in field research is required. A background in human rights, legal, political science or development is preferred.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Demonstrated interest in human rights issues in Tunisia and/or Algeria is required.
2. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work under pressure are required.
3. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with external partners are required.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French and/or Arabic are required.
5. Excellent computer skills and internet/social media research skills are required.
6. Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent writing and editing skills, and a dynamic public speaking ability are required.
7. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with function is required.
8. Experience working for an international organization in a support function is highly desirable.

Other: Applicants for this position must possess current work authorization in Tunisia for at least one year.

Duration: Fixed-term employment to start immediately through June 30, 2018.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers compensation and benefits consistent with local NGO salaries.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately by visiting our online job portal at https://careers.hrw.org/opportunities/show/?jobid=1483. 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, 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 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.

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.