Researcher, South Sudan – Human Rights Watch

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Researcher, South Sudan – Human Rights Watch

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Application Deadline: February 9, 2024

Overview:

The Africa Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW“) is actively seeking dynamic and passionate individuals to join our team as a Researcher for South Sudan. This challenging yet rewarding role involves comprehensive research, fact-finding missions, and advocacy initiatives to promote human rights in South Sudan. If you are committed to making a positive impact, possess a strong background in international relations, journalism, law, or related studies, and have a minimum of three years of relevant experience, we invite you to apply for this full-time position based in our Nairobi office.

Responsibilities:

1. Research and Documentation:

• Collect and analyze information from diverse sources to document human rights abuses.
• Utilize information from governments, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, and security forces.

2. Fact-Finding Missions:

• Conduct fact-finding missions in South Sudan and other countries in collaboration with colleagues.

3. Report Writing and Publicity:

• Write and publicize reports, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies.

4. Advocacy Strategies:

• Develop and implement local, regional, and international strategies to address abusive laws, policies, and practices.

5. Contextualization of Abuses:

• Place abuses within broader political, social, and economic contexts and present human rights concerns to various stakeholders.

6. Media Interaction:

• Respond promptly to media queries, engage in public debates, and initiate proactive communication about human rights concerns.

7. Collaboration:

• Work closely with NGOs and local human rights organizations to enhance collective impact.

8. Coordination:

• Liaise effectively with HRW staff worldwide to ensure coordination and delivery of activities.

9. Timely Deliverables:

• Deliver outputs in a timely manner aligned with the Africa Division’s strategy and priorities.

10. Fundraising:

• Assist in fundraising efforts for the Africa Division and HRW’s Development and Outreach Department.

11. Travel:

• Travel regionally and internationally for research and advocacy purposes.

12. Flexibility:

• Be prepared to work flexible hours to address developing and urgent events.

13. Other Duties:

• Perform additional duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences, or related studies.

Experience:

• Minimum of three years of experience in human rights, journalism, law, or related fields, including experience working in South Sudan.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; ability to speak Arabic or another local language is desirable.
2. Significant knowledge of human rights and politics in South Sudan.
3. Ability to identify, prioritize, research, analyze, and effectively communicate human rights issues.
4. Conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims, witnesses, and government officials.
5. Develop and implement realistic and effective local and international advocacy strategies.
6. Produce high-quality written materials under tight deadlines.
7. Knowledge of international and African regional human rights laws.
8. Strong initiative, creativity, strategic thinking, writing/editing skills, and dynamic public speaking ability.
9. Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration within HRW and with external partners.
10. Ability to work effectively under pressure with diverse teams.

Salary and Benefits:

HRW offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits.

How to Apply:

Apply immediately or by February 9, 2024, by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant for Researcher, South Sudan:

1. Demonstrate In-Depth Knowledge: Showcase your profound understanding of human rights issues in South Sudan, emphasizing your awareness of the political, social, and economic contexts.
2. Highlight Advocacy Experience: Provide examples of your successful development and implementation of advocacy strategies, emphasizing their impact on changing laws, policies, or practices.
3. Effective Communication Skills: Emphasize your excellent oral and written communication skills, showcasing your ability to produce high-quality materials under tight deadlines.
4. Multilingual Proficiency: If applicable, underscore your language proficiency, especially in English and Arabic, to enhance your effectiveness in diverse contexts.
5. Collaborative Approach: Demonstrate instances where you worked collaboratively with NGOs and local human rights organizations, underlining your ability to complement and enhance collective efforts.
6. Flexibility and Initiative: Share experiences where you demonstrated flexibility, willingness to work flexible hours, and took initiative in responding to developing and urgent events.
7. Global and Local Media Acumen: If applicable, highlight your strategic thinking regarding global and local media environments, and how you leverage traditional and social media for advocacy.
8. Fundraising Contributions: Detail your involvement in fundraising efforts, showcasing your ability to contribute to the financial sustainability of the Africa Division.
9. International Experience: If you have international experience, whether in the region or beyond, emphasize its relevance to the role’s demands.
10. Passionate Commitment: Convey your passion for promoting human rights, aligning your personal values with the mission and goals of HRW.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER – Researcher, South Sudan

Dear Hiring Committee,

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Researcher position for South Sudan as advertised on your online job portal. My extensive background in international relations, coupled with three years of hands-on experience in human rights advocacy, positions me as a strong candidate for this role.

In my previous role at [Previous Organization], I successfully developed and implemented advocacy strategies that led to a tangible change in oppressive laws affecting vulnerable communities. My ability to work under pressure, collaborate with diverse teams, and deliver timely outputs aligns perfectly with the demands of this role.

During my tenure in South Sudan, I gained a deep understanding of the complex human rights landscape in the region. I conducted fact-finding missions, collaborating with local NGOs to enhance the impact of our collective efforts. My multilingual proficiency in English and Arabic further facilitated effective communication with various stakeholders.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Africa Division of Human Rights Watch, leveraging my skills in research, advocacy, and strategic communication. My commitment to promoting human rights aligns seamlessly with HRW’s mission, and I am eager to bring my passion and expertise to this impactful role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences can contribute to the continued success of HRW.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name] [Your Contact Information]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Why is South Sudan a Focus for HRW? HRW focuses on South Sudan due to the region’s significant human rights challenges, including conflict-related abuses, political instability, and the need for sustained advocacy to address systemic issues.

2. How Does HRW Ensure Objectivity in Research? HRW maintains objectivity by collecting information from diverse sources, including governments, NGOs, victims, and witnesses, ensuring a comprehensive and unbiased understanding of human rights situations.

3. Can Applicants Apply If They Don’t Speak Arabic? While proficiency in Arabic is desirable, it is not mandatory. However, applicants are encouraged to highlight language skills that enhance their effectiveness in the South Sudan context.

4. What Is the Role of International Advocacy in HRW’s Strategy? International advocacy is crucial for HRW to address human rights issues effectively. The Researcher will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategies that resonate at both local and international levels.

5. How Does HRW Collaborate with Local Organizations? HRW collaborates closely with local NGOs and human rights organizations to ensure that its work complements and enhances existing efforts, fostering a collaborative and impactful approach.

6. What Is the Significance of Fact-Finding Missions? Fact-finding missions are essential for gathering firsthand information, understanding the nuances of human rights abuses, and building a robust foundation for HRW’s advocacy initiatives.

7. Can Applicants Apply if They Lack Experience in South Sudan? While previous experience in South Sudan is beneficial, HRW values diverse perspectives. Applicants with relevant human rights experience and a commitment to understanding the local context will be considered.

8. How Does HRW Contribute to Fundraising Efforts? The Researcher will actively contribute to fundraising efforts by engaging with HRW’s Development and Outreach Department, showcasing the impact of their work and garnering support for the Africa Division.

9. Is Travel Required for the Position? Yes, travel within the region and internationally is required to conduct research and advocacy. Applicants should be prepared for flexibility in working hours to accommodate travel demands.

10. What’s HRW’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion? HRW is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment. As an equal employer, HRW does not charge any application/recruitment fee.

Possible Researcher Interview Questions With Answers:

1. How Do You Stay Updated on Human Rights Issues in South Sudan? I stay updated through continuous monitoring of reliable news sources, engaging with local communities, and maintaining networks with NGOs and human rights organizations active in the region.

2. Can You Provide an Example of a Successful Advocacy Strategy You Implemented? In my previous role, I developed an advocacy strategy that led to the repeal of discriminatory laws affecting marginalized communities. This involved collaboration with local organizations and strategic engagement with policymakers.

3. How Would You Handle Media Queries About Sensitive Human Rights Issues? I would approach media queries with transparency, ensuring accurate information dissemination while respecting the sensitivity of the issues. Balancing public awareness and privacy is crucial.

4. Describe a Challenging Fact-Finding Mission You Undertook. During a fact-finding mission in [specific region], I faced challenges accessing certain areas. However, by building trust with local contacts and leveraging diplomatic channels, we successfully gathered crucial information.

5. How Do You Prioritize and Communicate Human Rights Concerns to Different Stakeholders? I prioritize by assessing the urgency and impact of each concern. Effective communication involves tailoring messages to resonate with government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and the media.

6. How Do You Ensure Your Advocacy Strategies Are Culturally Sensitive? Cultural sensitivity is paramount. I engage with local communities, collaborate with cultural experts, and adapt strategies to respect and align with the cultural nuances of the region.

7. Share an Example of a Successful Collaboration with Local NGOs. In [specific project], I collaborated with local NGOs to address a pressing human rights issue. Our joint efforts resulted in policy changes that positively impacted the affected community.

8. How Would You Handle Urgent and Developing Events Requiring Immediate Action? I am accustomed to working under pressure. I would prioritize tasks, mobilize resources efficiently, and collaborate with the team to ensure a swift and effective response to urgent events.

9. Can You Provide an Instance Where You Used Traditional and Social Media for Advocacy? In [specific campaign], I strategically used traditional media for widespread coverage and social media for targeted engagement. This approach amplified our message and garnered public support.

10. How Would You Contribute to HRW’s Fundraising Efforts for the Africa Division? I would leverage my experience to articulate the impact of our work, creating compelling narratives for potential donors. Engaging with HRW’s Development and Outreach Department, I would actively participate in fundraising initiatives.

Best wishes on your application, and thank you for considering Human Rights Watch as your career destination. We look forward to welcoming the best talents committed to promoting human rights in our team.

Human Rights Watch is an equal employer and does not charge any application/recruitment fee.