Associate, Communications at Human Rights Watch

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY

ASSOCIATE

Communications Division

Multiple Locations Considered (Berlin, Brussels, or London preferred)

Application Deadline: 11 April 2022

The Communications Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of Associate, to provide administrative assistance to the Communications team, part of the Media Department. The Media Department works to determine the best messages, the right audiences, and the best vehicle to raise public awareness of the human rights violations HRW investigates and documents.

The successful candidate for this position will assist the HRW Press Team with the range of materials being published by HRW daily along with other administrative duties. The Associate will be based in one of our European offices, with preference to be based in Berlin, Brussels or London and will report to the Media Manager, based in New York. This position is full time and requires availability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Due to COVID-19, many of our global offices are operating in reduced capacities. The successful candidate may be required to work remotely if 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 administrative support including recording and processing divisional finances; agenda setting, scheduling, preparing for, and taking minutes at meetings; responding to inquiries; and performing other administrative duties as necessary;
2. Handle and respond to queries from journalists and other media professionals, connecting them with relevant staff where appropriate; maintain the press desk inbox; respond to queries from the public when needed;
3. Track, update, and relay important information between the European and United States teams;
4. Create and maintain extensive contact databases and filing and archiving systems;
5. Maintain the HRW Press products pipeline, keep all publishing schedules and calendars up to date and relevant;
6. Maintain contacts with translators and update contact information as needed;
7. Proofread, format, and distribute materials; assist with coordinating the review, production, translation, and distribution of reports, news releases, letters, charts, briefing papers, op-eds, other publications, and web content;
8. Compile and write media roundups and analyses for reports, news releases, and other products when needed;
9. Maintain communication among HRW offices, global staff, and external partners;
10. Assist with writing and promoting content on social media, particularly the @HRWPress Twitter account;
11. Assist with organizing events including press conferences and partner meetings; assist with online news conferences;
12. Assist with some desk research tasks and provide support to associated multimedia projects when necessary; and
13. Carry out other duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in communications, journalism, social sciences, international relations, or related studies is required.

Experience: A minimum of one year of relevant work experience is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Prior office/administration experience and strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail are required.
2. Initiative, follow-through, ability to work independently, and excellent organizational skills are required.
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required; proficiency in other languages is highly desirable.
4. The ability to work well under pressure and to manage multiple priorities while working effectively toward deadlines is required.
5. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with external partners are required.
6. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions and take initiative when appropriate is required.
7. Proficiency in computer programs including MS Office applications is required.