Senior Researcher, Fossil Fuels

Position description

The Environment and Human Rights Program of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is searching for candidates for the role of Fossil Fuels Senior Researcher. As vulnerable communities around the world face growing consequences of environmental degradation, pollution, and climate change, the Environment and Human Rights Program works to protect the rights of people around the globe, especially the poor and marginalized. 

The Researcher may be based in any of HRW’s global offices, and reports to the Director of the Environment and Human Rights Program. 

Responsibilities:  
1. Research, monitor and document human rights abuses related to the exploration, extraction, production, transportation and combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including victims, witnesses, governments, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, academics, diplomats, security forces and others in the field and online (open source) information;
2. Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies based on the findings; collect supporting documents and materials such as photographs and videos;
3. Collaborate with colleagues in the multimedia team to produce videos and other visual materials that convey research findings and advocacy messages;
4. Develop and implement local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices and to hold those most responsible for serious abuses to account;
5. Respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community and take initiative to project concerns in public debate;
6. Present human rights and environmental law issues and concerns to government officials, corporations, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and the media to promote the protection of local communities and broader environmental and human rights reforms; 
7. 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;
8. Respond to and/or anticipate news events in order to press human rights issues; to 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;
9. Assist the Director of the Division and HRW’s Development and Outreach Department in conducting fundraising;
10. Establish clear work plans for other staff, consultants, or interns working on a project led by the senior researcher and ensure that their workload is manageable, that priorities are clearly and effectively communicated, and that they are given proper guidance, training, and support on issues of security and resilience;
11. Contribute to internal HRW policy debates on issues relevant to your expertise and areas of focus;
12. Work closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local human rights organizations to ensure that HRW’s work complements and enhances their own work;
13. Liaise effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities;
14. Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events;
15. Travel domestically and overseas, as required, to conduct fact-finding missions;
16. Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Program; 
17. Monitor climate litigation around efforts to halt fossil fuel extraction and use, and engage with legal scholars, institutions and other interlocutors working on the field; and 
17. Carry out any other duties as required.

Qualifications

Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be a thoughtful researcher with experience at the intersection of human rights and the fossil fuel industry. This experience could come from a variety of previous roles including, but not limited to, journalists who have covered the impact of any of the various stages of the fossil fuel lifecycle on health or human rights, lawyers, community activists, public or environmental health experts, academics, or oil and gas industry professionals. 

Education: An advanced degree in international relations, journalism, law, history or social sciences or equivalent experience is preferred. 

Experience: A minimum of five years of experience in human rights research related to the exploration, extraction, production, transportation, and combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) is required. 

Required Skills and Knowledge: 
1. Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in the area of specialty is required; ability to conduct remote sensing research in the area of specialty is desired.
2. Strong knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and environmental law is required. 
3. Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses are required.
4. Ability to efficiently distil information about the country or thematic issue so as to focus time and effort on issues of greatest importance or issues that are most capable of being influenced is required.
5. Ability to identify and advise the Director in developing and implementing advocacy strategies in order to seize advocacy opportunities is required.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required; proficiency in another language is desirable.
7. Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent writing and editing skills, and a dynamic public speaking ability are required.
8. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team in order to engage in collaborative activities within the environment and human rights division and HRW as a whole, as well as with external partners, are required. 
9. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to respond quickly to urgent events and work under pressure are required.
10. Experience working with colleagues, staff, vendors, and partners from diverse backgrounds in a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team environment is required.
11. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.
12. Demonstrated ability to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use the media and electronic media to further advocacy goals is desirable.
13. Experience with climate litigation around efforts to halt fossil fuel extraction and use, and/or engagement with legal scholars, institutions and other interlocutors working on the field is desirable.

Salary and Benefits:  HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and 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. If based in the United States, the salary range for this position is USD 88,000 – 96,000. Salary ranges outside of the United States vary based on location. 

Application instructions

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