Researcher, Myanmar

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY

Researcher, Myanmar

Asia Division

Multiple Southeast Asia Locations Considered

Final date to receive applications: 30 June, 2026

The Asia Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking applicants for the position of Myanmar Researcher to investigate, analyze, and advocate against human rights abuses in Myanmar and related regional issues.

The researcher will develop and implement a research and advocacy agenda on human rights issues related to Myanmar.

This full-time position reports to a Deputy Asia Director and will be based preferably in Thailand, although other locations in Southeast Asia may be considered. The role is remote and expected to start in September 2026.

• Research, monitor and document the human rights situation in Myanmar, as well as neighboring countries where rights abuses related to Myanmar are occurring, by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, media, academia, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, security forces and others. This includes the situation of Rohingya and other refugees from Myanmar;
• Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies; collect supporting documents and materials such as photographs and videos;
• Lead development and implementation of local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices in Myanmar;
• Respond to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community and take initiative to project concerns in public debates;
• Place abuses within the broader political, social and economic contexts and present human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, intergovernmental agencies, and the media;
• Work closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local human rights organizations to ensure that HRW’s work complements and enhances their own work without jeopardizing their security;
• Assist the Asia Division and HRW’s Development and Global Initiative Department in conducting fundraising;
• Liaise effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities;
• Travel internationally, as required;
• Deliver outputs in a timely manner and consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Asia division;
• Carry out other tasks as required.

Education:

An Advanced degree or an equivalent level of experience in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences, or related studies is required.

Experience:

A minimum of five years of professional-level experience working in or on Myanmar, with experience of human rights documentation, is required.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Burmese are required.
• Significant knowledge of human rights and politics in Myanmar and a strong understanding of regional dimensions of the human rights and humanitarian crisis is required. Familiarity with the situation of refugees from Myanmar is desirable.
• Ability to identify, prioritize, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in a rigorous, timely and sophisticated fashion is required.
• Ability to conduct interviews safely remotely and in-person with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses, is required. Experience conducting open source investigations is desired.
• Ability to produce high quality written materials under tight deadlines is required.
• Knowledge of and experience working in human rights and familiarity with international human rights law are required. Familiarity with international humanitarian law is desired.
• Initiative and follow-through, capacity to think creatively and strategically, including while under pressure, are required.
• Interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.
• Ability to be self-directed and multi-task effectively, including having strong planning and organizing skills, in order to execute responsibilities with remote supervision, is required.
• Ability to…