Researcher, Disability Rights

London, England, United Kingdom;
Multiple Locations Considered;
Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya;
New York, New York, United States;
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The Disability Rights Division (DRD) of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Researcher to investigate, document, and report on disability rights issues globally and to advance priority research topics as defined by HRW’s Global Strategy. The position will report to the Director of the Disability Rights Division, and will be based within commuting distance of one of HRW’s offices in in Nairobi, New York, Toronto or London, with other locations with HRW offices considered.

• 1. Research, monitor and document disability rights abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, survivors, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, security forces, technology companies and others in the field;
• 2. Monitor and document developments affecting people with disabilities by collecting and analyzing information from a wide range of sources.
• 3. Research, analyze, and draft written materials for internal and external use, including reports, submissions to international bodies based on the findings, briefing papers, press materials, and other advocacy outputs.
• 4. Assist in the development and implementation of local, regional, and international advocacy strategies aimed at reforming abusive laws, policies, and practices affecting people with disabilities.
• 5. Support divisional leadership in strategic planning processes, including contributing to annual planning, the World Report review process, and the division’s implementation of Human Rights Watch’s global strategy.
• 6. Identify and work closely with non-governmental organizations focused on advancing disability rights to ensure that HRW’s work complements and enhances their own work, and actively explore partnerships;
• 7. Review and edit written products produced within the organization - including reports, press releases, dispatches, op-eds, letters, and World Report chapters - to ensure accuracy and consistency with disability rights standards and Human Rights Watch style; provide disability rights analysis and expertise to researchers and teams working on related issues across the organization;
• 8. Monitor and analyze emerging issues affecting the rights of persons with disabilities, including developments in technology, artificial intelligence, social protection, care and support services, humanitarian crises, health, education, and other cross-cutting human rights concerns including in contexts of rising authoritarianism;
• 9. Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events;
• 10. Travel domestically and overseas, as required, to conduct fact-finding missions;
• 11. Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Program; and
• 12. Perform other responsibilities, as may be required.

People with disabilities, and those from backgrounds traditionally under-represented in the human rights sector, are strongly encouraged to apply if they believe they can perform well in this role, even if they do not meet all of the below-listed qualifications. Human Rights Watch is committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and, for successful candidates, throughout employment to ensure an accessible and inclusive workplace.

An advanced (graduate) degree or equivalent work experience in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences, or related studies is required.