Deputy Director Middle East And North Africa Division

The Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Deputy Director.  This position, one of three deputies for the Division, reports to the Executive Director of the Division and assists the Director in setting strategic goals and priorities for the Division.
 
Essential Responsibilities:
 
Strategic
 1.Assist the Director in developing and executing effective research, advocacy, and communications strategies for the MENA division;
 2. Assist the Director in overseeing both the day-to-day and longer-term research on human rights issues in MENA. Facilitate the response to emergencies, the publication of analytical and credible reports, the development of advocacy materials, and the use of these products to generate domestic and international pressure to curb human rights violations;
3.Assist the Director in supervising the work of MENA Division researchers, including supporting the advocacy and communications efforts of researchers in MENA countries;
4.Edit the work produced by researchers, including press releases, op-eds and reports; and
5.Respond to and/or anticipate new events and developments in order to press human rights issues and advise HRW’s senior management in the effective response and advocacy strategy.
 
Representational
 1.Represent HRW with international, regional, national, and local media through interviews and the writing of editorials or other advocacy materials;
 2.Interact regularly with HRW staff across all departments to ensure effective coordination and delivery of program activities, in keeping with the organization’s focus;
 3.Conduct advocacy with high-level officials from governments, with a key focus on institutions based in MENA, to effect policy change;
 4.Coordinate with key colleagues in allied organizations and NGOs;
5.Act as the director of the Beirut office, and represent the organization in that capacity; and
 6.Assist the Director in achieving fundraising goals, recruiting new donors, and reporting back to donors in a timely manner.
 
Managerial
 1.Manage and guide staff under his/her supervision. Mentor staff by providing practical and innovative ideas on research, writing, advocacy, communications, and outreach;
 2.Assist the Director in editing the program output and managing staff located in multiple locations globally;
 3.Ensure the security of the HRW staff and offices within the region;
 4.Assist the Director in regularly monitoring the budget and ensure that resources are allocated appropriately; and
 5.Assist the Director to establish clear work plans and manageable workload for staff and communicate priorities clearly and effectively. Provide oversight and take responsibility for delegated assignments.  
 
Qualifications:
Experience:  A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in international human rights or related work, including investigations, reporting, and advocacy, with at least five years in a management position, is required.
 
Required Skills and Knowledge: 
 1.Extensive knowledge of human rights issues in the MENA region;
 2.Relevant international field experience and familiarity with human rights research methodologies;
 3.Demonstrated ability to think strategically and proven track record of advocacy experience;
 4.Track record of dealing with the media and cultivating relationships with journalists;
 5.Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Arabic are required;
 6.Ability to defend and explain complex issues and positions to internal and external audiences, including senior officials in governments and intergovernmental bodies;
 7. Ability to think creatively, initiate projects, and follow through on plans;
 8.Strong editing skills are required;
9.Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with local partners, government officials and external media partners;
10.Recognized management experience, including supervising a team of talented professionals in multiple global locations; and
11.Capacity to appropriately plan, prioritize and manage multiple, sometimes competing, demands efficiently in a challenging, fast-paced environment. 
 
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.