Deadline: Ongoing
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is currently seeking applications from the eligible applicants for the post of Researcher on National Security, Surveillance, and Domestic Law Enforcement in Washington DC, United States.
The role of the Researcher may include documenting and assessing the rights implications of involving domestic law enforcement in national security operations, prosecutors’ use of information derived from US mass surveillance in preparing criminal cases.
Human Rights Watch defends the rights of people worldwide, and scrupulously investigates abuses, expose the facts widely, and pressure those with power to respect rights and secure justice.
Key Jobs Responsibilities
The Researcher on National Security, Surveillance, and Domestic Law Enforcement will perform the following functions-
- Identify issues or reform opportunities in US national security, surveillance, and domestic law enforcement policy, by conducting research and communicating with a wide range of participants in and observers of the US national security apparatus.
- Research, document and analyze policies and practices of state and federal national security and law enforcement systems that raise human rights concerns by filing public records requests, accessing public documents, and interviewing persons directly affected (e.g. persons targeted by surveillance and their families, prisoners) as well as professionals and experts (e.g. defense attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement and national security officials, and national security, surveillance, and criminal justice policy experts).
- Make recommendations to the US Program regarding the issues that it should undertake; Develop a plan for strategic research and advocacy projects (other than litigation) to maximize pressure for US national security, surveillance, and law enforcement policies that respect internationally recognized rights.
- Write op-eds, press releases, briefing memos, statements, testimony and other materials in order to disseminate our research findings and policy recommendations for change.
- Work closely with partner organizations to develop opportunities for our work to enhance and complement their own work.
- Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events; and.
- Travel domestically and internationally, as required, to conduct research and advocacy.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have-
- A US law degree (J.D.) or an advanced degree in US national security, criminal law/policy, journalism, or a related field is required.
- Minimum four years of relevant experience is required. Relevant experience may include among other things, work as an investigative reporter or attorney on issues related to privacy, surveillance, national security and domestic law enforcement; analysis and advocacy on for nonprofit advocacy or impact litigation organizations; or work in government on policies relating to national security, privacy, surveillance, and/or criminal law.
- Extensive knowledge of national security, privacy, surveillance, and criminal law in the US is required.
- Deep commitment to human rights is required.
- Proven track record of producing timely first-rate written products and editing experience is required.
- Exceptionally strong research, analytical, writing, and editing skills are required.
- Experience conducting challenging investigative research inside the United States is highly desirable.
- Expertise or familiarity with relevant technology is highly desirable.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, and strong public speaking skills, are required; proficiency in other languages, such as Spanish or Arabic, is highly desirable; experience with TV, radio, print, and social media is highly desirable.
- Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW and in a diverse environment, as well as with partners, are required.
- Capacity to appropriately plan and prioritize and to manage multiple, sometimes competing demands efficiently in a challenging, fast-paced environment are required.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their cover letter, curriculum vitae, salary requirements, a brief non-legal writing sample (no briefs or legal memos and unedited by others) and three references via email.
For more information, please visit HRW.
