Iraq Researcher(Additional Mena Country Coverage Possible)

The Middle East & North Africa (“MENA”) Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Iraq Researcher. The Researcher will be responsible for developing and implementing a research and advocacy strategy on Iraq, and possibly an additional MENA country. Ideally, the position will be based in HRW’s Beirut or Amman office and the candidate should expect to spend extensive periods of time in Iraq. Responsibilities: 1. Research, monitor and document human rights abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, security forces and others in the field; 2. Conduct fact-finding missions in Iraq and other MENA countries, as needed and if security permits; 3. Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies based on the findings of your research; 4. Develop and implement local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices; 5. Present human rights and humanitarian law issues and concerns to government officials, armed groups (to the extent possible), key players in the Iraq crisis, opinion leaders, intergovernmental agencies, and the media to promote civilian protection and human rights reforms; 6. Work closely with local and regional human rights organizations to ensure that the work of HRW regarding Iraq complements and enhances their own work; 7. Respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community and take initiative to project concerns in public debate; 8. Liaise effectively with relevant HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities; 9. Travel domestically and internationally, as required, in order to carry out research and advocacy; and 10. Perform other duties as required. Qualifications: Experience: A minimum of three years of experience working on human rights issues or humanitarian law, ideally in the Middle East and/or North Africa, is required. Required Skills and Knowledge: 1. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; Arabic language skills strongly preferred. 2. Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in Iraq. 3. Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses. 4. Ability to identify and advise on strategies to conduct research and advocacy. 5. Ability to produce high-quality written material under tight deadlines. 6. Strong initiative and follow-through, capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent editing skills, and dynamic public speaking skills. 7. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners. 8. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having strong planning and organizing skills, and ability to work under pressure. 9. Ability to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use the media and electronic media to further goals. 10. Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent situations. 11. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions. 12. Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and familiarity with international humanitarian law.