Senior Legal Adviser

The Senior Legal Advisor is one of a small group of international lawyers who comprise Human Rights Watch’s (“HRW”) Legal and Policy Department. The department ensures that all HRW publications and advocacy interventions are consistent with international human rights and humanitarian law and HRW policies. The Senior Legal Advisor works with division directors, researchers and advocates at all levels, and often on an urgent basis. The post is a key position within HRW, with direct responsibility for ensuring the reputation and high quality of HRW’s work.

This full-time position will be based in one of HRW’s offices preferably outside of the US: Amsterdam, Amman, Berlin, Beirut, Brussels, Chicago, Johannesburg, London, Miami, Nairobi, New York, Stockholm, Washington DC, Tokyo, and will report to the Director of Legal & Policy, based in New York. The successful candidate will need to work from the office on a needed basis.

1. →Provide advice on international human rights law and HRW policy for HRW’s regional and thematic divisions. The geographical focus of the position will depend on the candidate’s expertise and experience, geographic location, and existing Legal & Policy staff assignments.
2. →Review and provide substantive input on reports, news releases, dispatches, commentary, letters, videos and other interventions.
3. →Help to develop and implement the international legal dimension of HRW’s research and advocacy strategies.
4. →Assist in the HRW’s strategic litigation work.
5. →Represent HRW at expert meetings and conferences on international legal issues.
6. →Develop and apply the organization’s policies.
7. →Carry out other tasks as needed.

1. A strong personal commitment to the promotion of international human rights.
2. Demonstrated ability to think analytically, strategically and effectively.
3. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. Proficiency in other languages is a plus.
4. Capacity to appropriately plan and prioritize and to manage multiple, sometimes competing demands efficiently in a challenging, fast-paced environment are required. 
5. Ability to defend and explain complex issues and positions to staff and to advocate positions externally.
6. Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within HRW and outside the organization.