Job Description:

The Asia Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking applicants for the position of Cambodia Researcher. The Cambodia Researcher will be responsible for developing and implementing a research and advocacy strategy on Cambodia. The position will ideally be based in Cambodia or in the Asia region. The Researcher will report to a Deputy Director in the Asia Division based in Bangkok. This is a 1-year full-time position with the possibility of extension.

Role and Responsibilities:

1. Research, monitor, and document human rights abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including through interviews with victims and witnesses; analysis of physical evidence or photographs and videos; as well as by monitoring reports from and speaking with government officials, local media, unions and workers, NGOs, community organizations, journalists, diplomats, security forces, and others;
2. Cambodia Researcher plan, organize, and conduct fact-finding missions in the field, with requisite attention to partnerships and collaboration with local communities and groups, and appropriate preparations for security for self and partners.
3. Write reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international human rights bodies, governments, and other international institutions based on the findings of your research;
4. Collaborate with colleagues in the multimedia team to plan, develop, and produce videos and other visual materials that convey research findings and advocacy messages;
5. Develop and implement local, regional, and international research and advocacy strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices, and hold those most responsible for serious human rights abuses to account;
6. Conduct advocacy meetings in Cambodia with government officials, diplomats posted to Phnom Penh and Bangkok with responsibility for Cambodia, UN officials, visiting delegations; and internationally, with UN officials, and policymakers in governments in capitals with influence on Cambodia, and keep colleagues in Asia division and the wider organization apprised of advocacy developments.
7. Present human rights and humanitarian law issues and concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, political opposition leaders; inter-governmental agencies, and the media to promote civilian protection and human rights reforms;
8. Identify and highlight key political and human rights trends and emerging issues, and analyze abuses within the broader political, social, and economic context to highlight factors contributing to abuses and avenues for effective change;
9. Work closely with local and regional human rights organizations to ensure that the work of HRW in Cambodia complements and enhances their work;
10. Cambodia Researcher respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community and take initiative to project rights concerns in public forums and debates;
11. Respond to and/or anticipate news events in order to press human rights issues; assess when and where to make public interventions such as op-eds, and think creatively about using the web and social media to generate public support for human rights issues and further advocacy goals;
12. Cambodia Researcher liaise effectively with HRW staff located in various divisions, and based in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities;
13. Supervise the work of consultants as needed, and edit reports and other materials on Cambodia written/developed by other researchers;
14. Cambodia Researcher contribute to internal HRW policy debates on issues relevant to your expertise and areas of focus;
15. Creatively promote HRW’s work in Cambodia via social media, primarily through Facebook and Twitter;
16. Assist the directors of the division and HRW’s Development Department with fundraising, and engagement/reporting to donors, as needed and requested;
17. Travel domestically and internationally, as required, in order to carry out research and advocacy;
18. Cambodia Researcher deliver outputs in a timely manner and maintain consistency with the agreed strategy and priorities of the division and organization; and
19. Perform other duties as requested and required.

Education:

An advanced (graduate) degree or an equivalent level of working experience in international relations, journalism, law, history, or social sciences is required.

Experience:

A minimum of three years of experience working on human rights issues or humanitarian law, in Cambodia, is required. Candidates should be recognized as an expert in their field who is consulted by policymakers, journalists, academics, activists, and others interested in the country they cover.

Related Skills and Knowledge: 

1. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required; Khmer language fluency is preferred.
2. The ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in Cambodia is required.
3. A proven track record of working in dynamic situations, including the ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with victims, witnesses, officials, and a wide range of other people is required.
4. The ability to think strategically in dynamic situations to develop and implement realistic and effective local and international advocacy and media strategies is required.
5. The ability to write and edit accurate, persuasive, well-organized, analytical, and timely reports, press releases, and other written documents are required.
6. Strong initiative and follow-through, capacity to think creatively and strategically and dynamic public speaking skills are required.
7. Interest and expertise in innovative research areas, including poverty and inequality, and the impact of climate change on human rights, is highly desired.
8. Experience working with innovative technologies to document human rights violations, such as remote sensing and the use of open-source techniques, is highly desirable.
9. Experience managing physical and digital security in dynamic and at times dangerous environments is required.
10. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.
11. The ability to multi-task effectively, including having strong planning and organizing skills and the ability to work under pressure is required.
12. The ability to manage issues related to stress and resilience in a challenging and fast-paced job is required.
13. Experience working with colleagues, staff, vendors, and partners from diverse backgrounds in a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team environment is required.
14. The ability to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events are required.
15. The ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is essential.
16. A successful track record in fundraising and engaging with donors is desirable.
17. The ability to effectively engage with the media, and present rights issues in the context of media stories, is strongly desired.
18. Strong knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and international humanitarian law is required.

Source:https://boards.greenhouse.io/humanrightswatch/jobs/6358589002