Syria Researcher

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