EU Director at Human Rights Watch

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
EU DIRECTOR
Advocacy Department
Brussels Office
Application Deadline: February 28, 2022

Position Overview:

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking applicants for the position of European Union (EU) Director to develop and implement advocacy strategies before the EU, its key organs and institutions, as well as its member states, on the full range of countries and EU foreign policy issues addressed by the organization. Serving as a key advocacy strategist, the EU Director will ensure the highest standards of quality and efficacy for HRW’s diverse advocacy efforts and help transform HRW’s research into concrete improvements in human rights practices within the EU, its member states, or by leveraging the EU’s foreign and security policy. The position is based in Brussels and reports to the Chief Advocacy Officer.

Due to COVID-19, many of our global offices are operating in reduced capacities. The successful candidate may be required to work remotely as local mandates necessitate. We recognize that this moment, during the pandemic, is a uniquely difficult time for most people, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities, and we aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both the recruitment for and onboarding of this position.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide overarching vision for HRW’s advocacy before the EU, its key organs and institutions, as well as its member states, and determine advocacy priorities on human rights issues;
2. Lead HRW’s advocacy before the EU, including with key officials in the Council and Commission, the Peace and Security Committee, COREPER II and (as needed) COREPER I, and with key members of the European Parliament and their staffs;
3. Lead, in close coordination with the CAO, the EU-related engagements by HRW advocates based in or deployed to EU capitals;
4. Coordinate and collaborate closely with the Advocacy Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division on all ECA-related advocacy;
5. Provide EU political analysis, perspective, and guidance to the organization;
6. Collaborate with the various parts of HRW to identify and create opportunities that support their advocacy efforts involving the EU and its member states; host researchers, other HRW colleagues, and partners for timely meetings on particular issues;
7. Coordinate, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of HRW’s advocacy with the EU;
8. Work with non-governmental organizations, foreign embassies, think tanks and other key actors on collaborative advocacy efforts; and regularly represent the organization in public events whether on panels, forums, dinners, or press conference;
9. Support HRW’s efforts to engage EU-based media regarding our work; engage regularly with Brussels based press corps including editorial boards and investigative journalists; write op-eds and provide quotes as needed;
10. Respond to and/or anticipate relevant news events and policy debates by inserting HRW’s voice, research and strategic messaging at events, debates, and discussions;
11. Coordinate talking points and provide analysis for various global events and meetings related to EU policy and core human rights concerns;
12. Lead, motivate, and mentor a small staff on HRW’s Brussels advocacy team, including communicating clear expectations, setting performance objectives and a clear division of labor; providing regular and timely constructive feedback, ensuring a balanced workload, providing guidance on professional growth, and monitoring staff well-being as it pertains to stress and resilience issues and self-care; and
13. Carry out other duties as may be required.

Qualifications:

Education: A graduate degree in in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences or equivalent work experience is required.

Experience: A minimum of ten years of policy advocacy work experience is required. Previous experience working in or with EU institutions is preferred.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Substantial knowledge of EU governance, and direct experience working within or with EU institutions is strongly desired.
2. Significant human rights experience and expertise, and a demonstrated commitment to human rights.
3. Must be an effective, concise public speaker and possess excellent speaking, writing, and editing skills in English. Language skills in German or French are advantageous.
4. Good judgment and excellent analytical and strategic-thinking capabilities.
5. The ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure; the capacity to pay close attention to detail while working in a fast-paced environment and juggling multiple tasks.
6. Strong coordination skills and the ability to work effectively independently, as part of a team, and in partnership with other organizations.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and generous employer-paid benefits. HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

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.